2020 NFL Free Agency: Top Eagles options for the Saints

The New Orleans Saints should consider Philadelphia Eagles free agents like Ronald Darby, Jalen Mills, and Nelson Agholor in free agency.

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The Philadelphia Eagles struggled with some issues that were familiar to New Orleans Saints fans last year, with injuries striking the defensive secondary while the receiving corps didn’t play up to an acceptable level; however, the Eagles didn’t have players like Marshon Lattimore and Michael Thomas to carry those position groups.

Interestingly, many of those players are headed for free agency, meaning they could get a second shot with the Saints. Here’s the full list of pending free agents from the Eagles:

  • CB Ronald Darby
  • CB Jalen Mills
  • CB Craig James (ERFA)
  • DE Vinny Curry
  • DT Timmy Jernigan
  • DT Hassan Ridgeway
  • FS Malcolm Jenkins (Club Option)
  • FS Rodney McLeod
  • LB Nigel Bradham
  • LB Kamu Grugier-Hill
  • OG Halapoulivaati Vaitai
  • OT Jason Peters
  • P Cameron Johnston (ERFA)
  • QB Nate Sudfeld
  • QB Josh McCown
  • RB Darren Sproles
  • RB Jordan Howard
  • RB Corey Clement (RFA)
  • TE Richard Rodgers
  • WR Nelson Agholor

Both Ronald Darby and Jalen Mills could make sense for the Saints as backups behind Lattimore and Janoris Jenkins. They’ve each had good moments with the Eagles but were slowed down by injuries. The Saints simply need to start adding depth at this point, and either Darby or Mills would fit in if they don’t get offers to start from other teams.

Nelson Agholor has been a draft bust for the Eagles, but he wouldn’t be the first player to benefit from a change of scenery. He’s done his best work from the slot, which is where the Saints could use the most help. The Saints shouldn’t sign him with full expectations that Agholor is the answer at the position, but he could be a better backup plan than, say, Lil’Jordan Humphrey or Krishawn Hogan.

Halapoulivaati Vaitai is worth monitoring as one of the bigger names on this list. He’s started games at both left tackle and left guard, and could be a serious upgrade over Andrus Peat. Vaitai figures to have a busy market, however, and should get offers to start at left tackle from needy teams around the league. He’d be a nice addition for the Saints but it’s difficult to see them pulling off this move.

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Eagles QB Carson lands a top-10 ranking in deep ball accuracy for 2019

Carson Wentz ranked No. 9 in deep-ball accuracy in 2019

Carson Wentz can sling the football around with the best of them and despite a poor year from the weapons around him, the Eagles star still stood out statistically.

Wentz had a career year in spite of his receiving corps having no player with more than 500 yards through the air.

Even with the Eagles being among the league leaders in dropped passes, Wentz ranked No. 9 for the second straight season in the NFL for deep ball accuracy in 2019 according to the 2019-2020 Deep Ball Project.

“There are a couple rough spots with Wentz’s deep accuracy. He was sensational throwing to his left (finishing 2nd), but was closer to the bottom throwing to the middle (29th) and to the right of the field (26th). As a tight window passer he again finished 26th.

However, Wentz’s deep accuracy remains high in spite of a 31.37 completion percentage thanks to 12 Accurate Incompletions that came through the hands of his Hallmark Channel receiving talent. He stood out throwing 26-30 yards (5th) as well as 41+ yards (7th), and was great against edge pressure and outside the pocket (ranking 6th in both categories).”

Wentz ranking should be encouraging for Eagles fans, as he was one of the best long-ball throwers who was able to be successful without a true deep threat to depend on outside of the season opener.

The Eagles signal-caller should be land near the top of the rankings if the Eagles can secure a young deep threat in the NFL Draft.

5 potential landing spots for Nelson Agholor in free agency

5 potential landing spots for Nelson Agholor in free agency

Nelson Agholor was a first-round pick of the Eagles out of USC five years ago, and he entered the league as a ballyhooed athlete and elite Trojans prospect.

Five years later, Agholor has likely played his last game with the Eagles as free agency is set to start in less than three weeks.

Agholor has speed, has played in huge games throughout his career and could channel a change of scenery into some big-time performances.

With Agholor likely on the move shortly, here are five potential landing spots for him in free agency.

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1. Kansas City Chiefs

It’s a familiar system, he could end up switching spots with Demarcus Robinson and Patrick Mahomes has the ability to make anyone look good. Agholor may struggle with tracking the football, but Mahomes will get it to you on the run, and YAC is something Nelson does well.

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5 former Eagles Joe Douglas could target this offseason

Jets Wire takes a look at five of Joe Douglas’ former players that could take their talents from Philadelphia to New York this offseason.

We are now only a couple weeks away from Joe Douglas’ first crack at fixing a Jets roster that is littered with holes.

Free agency begins on March 18 and it’s safe to assume Douglas will be active from the start. There are numerous impact players available on the open market this offseason, which will make New York’s first-year general manager’s job a whole lot easier. There will also be some familiar faces looking for new homes that Douglas could turn to as he goes about shaping the Jets into a contender.

Douglas helped build a Super Bowl winner with the Eagles. Could he turn to some of his former players in an effort to recapture that magic in the Big Apple? Douglas shouldn’t target every free agent player from his days in Philadelphia, but there are definitely some who he could wind up going after.

Let’s take a look at who those players are.

Nigel Bradham

Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

If this list was made a couple of days ago, Bradham would not be on it. The Eagles declined their option on his contract on Tuesday, giving the 31-year-old outside linebacker a head start on preparing for free agency.

Bradham’s production dropped drastically in 2019, as he recorded only 61 tackles and no sacks compared to 97 tackles and two sacks in 2018. He is also on the wrong side of 30, which could give Douglas pause when it comes to pursuing him.

Despite his age and drop in numbers, Bradham could be a valuable piece for the Jets. It’s not a coincidence that New York’s 2009 and 2010 playoff teams featured defenses that were littered with veterans. He’s not the most prolific pass rusher, but he is durable and would be a good locker room presence on a team that is filled with younger players still trying to find their way in the NFL.

Forecasting fantasy football free-agent wide receivers

Which free-agent wide receivers will make the most noise in fantasy football leagues in 2020?

When the NFL’s 2020 free agency period opens March 18, we’ll see several familiar faces switching teams, including one star who may be in a new uniform for the first time in 20 years.

In fantasy football, forecasting statistical production largely hinges on where said player winds up, of course, and the nature of this being a team game means the supporting cast is an intertwining factor in developing a sound projection.

Looking at the key fantasy contributors facing free agency generates plenty of questions. Let’s try to wager some educated guesses as to where these guys will land.

Wide receivers

(Bob DeChiara, USA TODAY Sports)

Amari Cooper: So much is at play in what will determine Cooper’s 2020 landing spot. Dallas has to figure out how to handle Dak Prescott’s contract situation — one that will impose itself on the salary cap — and prevent Cooper from walking into free agency’s alluring arms. The Cowboys have the fifth-most space on the salary cap for 2020, and big-money deals are awaiting Prescott, Cooper, versatile cornerback Byron Jones, and possibly DE Robert Quinn. Tight end Jason Witten is a free agent, and so is WR Randall Cobb. Both could still return at the right price. Cooper may receive a transition tag, which kicks the can until next year but allows other teams to negotiate with him. The prevailing view right now is Dak will get franchise tagged and Cooper will return one way or another. He’s a great WR2 or passable No. 1 in 12-team or larger leagues.

A.J. Green: A franchise tag is in play here, and Green has been rumored to be connected to the New England Patriots in free agency, but recent reports suggest the Bengals aren’t interested in letting Green walk. He enters his age-32 season without even playing in 2019, and he has missed at least six games in three of the last four seasons. Quarterback concerns will be a nearly even concern in 2020 with the Bengals a lock to use the No. 1 overall choice on LSU star Joe Burrow. The Heisman winner should have a bright future in the NFL, but rookie quarterbacks tend to struggle for fantasy purposes, and those issue would negatively impact Green. The best thing for his value is to leave Cincy, but a tagging would make that out of his control for the upcoming season. In the event he returns, the veteran is a WR3 with an outside shot of reaching weak No. 2 status.

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Robby Anderson: Anderson has no interest in giving the New York Jets a discount, and the vertical asset appears destined to be playing in a different city in 2020. New England makes a lot of sense as a landing spot, given the need for more weapons and one who can stretch the field. It also would help lure Tom Brady back to the roster. The other options of intrigue would be the Las Vegas Raiders, Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts and Washington Redskins. Anderson is a boom-or-bust type with a wildly inconsistent track record and a checkered history off of the field. The system and quarterback matter the most for a one-trick pony, and it’s too early to properly valuate Anderson, outside of saying his floor is around the WR3 designation.

Emmanuel Sanders: Was the brief union with the San Francisco 49ers enough for both sides to come to an agreement? My leaning on this situation is yes. Sanders probably will get an opportunity to explore other options, although it seemingly would be in his best interest to take the best deal San Fran can offer. He brings a veteran presence and displayed a reasonable degree of chemistry with Jimmy Garoppolo. The veteran wideout turns 33 in March and still has enough in the tank to immediately contribute wherever he lands thanks to crafty route-running skills and heady play. The Niners have cap concerns, though, so retaining Sanders may require him to accept a one-year, modest deal or an incentive-laden pact for another run at the Lombardi Trophy.

(Brett Davis, USA TODAY Sports)

Nelson Agholor: Which Agholor will a team be signing this March? The one who emerged in 2017 as a viable No. 2 complement, or the guy who fought injuries, poor ball skills, and mediocrity in four of his five NFL seasons after being the 20th overall pick in 2015? There is no question Philly failed to launch a home run with that swing, but they at least made contact. He’s a hard worker with a positive attitude and wants to return. However, Agholor has struggled with tracking the ball and is coming off of his worst NFL season, which hinders his leverage. With the right quarterback situation and offensive scheme, Agholor could elevate his game as a role player. Teams like Oakland, Denver, Miami, Tampa Bay, Buffalo and the Jets all may be interested, but a return to the Eagles should not be totally out of the question. He could sign a one-year deal that requires him to prove he can contribute again, setting up a 2021 free agency tour in search of big dollars.

Demarcus Robinson: The Kansas City Chiefs having so many effective weapons works against Robinson’s return to the team. He’ll want to get a shot at proving he is more than a reserve. If Sammy Watkins is cut, perhaps Robinson returns to KC. The Denver Broncos could be an interesting place for him as the sides are familiar with one another, and Robinson plays faster than he times. Denver needs someone capable of pushing the field and keeping Courtland Sutton’s coverage in check. Adding Robinson to do such a thing is a calculated gamble, and he’s more likely to be treated as a consolation prize once the more recognizable names are signed. He could emerge as a capable WR3 in fantasy, but there is going to be an associated degree of risk many owners just won’t feel comfortable accepting on draft day. Tuck his name away for now as a possible value pick.

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Breshad Perriman: An unexpectedly integral part in 2019 fantasy football title runs, Perriman stepped up in a major way with injuries to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. The Tampa Bay receiving corps is strong, but Perriman’s contributions could have endeared him as the WR3 and lead to a new contract. He was a first-round pick in 2015 for the Baltimore Ravens and struggled catching the ball — kind of a problem if that’s the crux of your job. While he has improved in this area, landing 55 percent of his targets in the last two years, it is Perriman’s ability to stretch the field that makes him dangerous. Should he return to the Bucs, there’s almost no fantasy value, beyond being a rare matchup play, and his worth drastically could increase elsewhere. The landing spot will play a larger role in his fantasy worth than anything Perriman alone brings to the table.

Devin Funchess: After missing all but one game of the 2019 season with a broken clavicle, there’s some question about whether Funchess is now an injury liability. The injury in and of itself shouldn’t be a season-long problem, but the area he broke it made for a difficult recovery after surgery. Is he prone to reinjuring it? Did the Colts see enough in practice to warrant re-signing Funchess? Does it matter since he was barely on the radar after failing to ascend in Carolina? We’re not exactly talking about a high-level commodity prior to the injury, despite Indy grossly overpaying for him ($10 million) in 2019. There’s still some upside given his age (26 in May), and gamers should keep tabs on his situation. He has late-round flier appeal in the right situation.

(Tim Heitman, USA TODAY Sports)

Randall Cobb: Despite a slight resurgence in 2019, there’s no doubt about what gamers are getting in return. Cobb offers PPR value as an occasional flex or matchup play and is barely worthy of a roster spot much of the season. He has one season of play better than a WR3 in the last seven years and just two in his career. It’s unclear whether Dallas will even make a play for him again, and he’s “just a guy” in any setting. A return to Green Bay may be in the cards, too, and it would make some sense for both parties. There just isn’t much to get excited about in any outcome. He’s no more than a WR4 in deeper PPR setups.

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Geronimo Allison: Unable to capitalize on a prime opportunity — a huge need for underneath work, a lack of dynamic competition, and an injury to Davante Adams — Allison heads into free agency all but guaranteed to be playing in a new city in 2020. The Green Bay Packers effectively moved on during the season, and Allison’s market will be narrow, but he should find a home at least to battle in training camp. He doesn’t figure to offer much value, but wait to see his landing spot for entirely writing off Allison.

Paul Richardson: Following his release from the Washington Redskins after two years into a five-year, $40 million deal, Richardson doesn’t deserve much attention in fantasy. He can be tracked in free agency and has a hint of appeal in the right setting.

Demaryius Thomas: Injuries and age have caught up to the former No. 1 receiver. There is little reason to expect he finds the fountain of youth and contributes meaningfully in 2020, and that is going on the limb of him signing somewhere. In the best-case scenario, he is a desperation waiver add to cover bye weeks.

Phillip Dorsett: Look, if a team as strapped for vertical weapons as New England was in 2019 couldn’t make Dorsett a fantasy commodity, he’s not worthy of consideration in any other setting. The Colts whiffed big time when choosing him in Round 1 of the 2015 draft, and barring some crazy turn of events, fake footballers can ignore Dorsett come draft day.

Danny Amendola: The Detroit Lions gave him a one-year deal in 2019 and the well-traveled Amendola managed to be a reliable safety blanket with injuries to Marvin Jones, Kerryon Johnson and T.J. Hockenson in the short- and intermediate-passing games — much of it without Matthew Stafford. Amendola easily could return to Motown, and in that event, replicating his 2019 line of 62 grabs for 678 yards would be a lofty goal. There’s no draftable worth at this time to be found in Amendola.

6 wide receivers the Jets should target in free agency

Jets Wire takes a look at six wide receivers the Jets should target in free agency this offseason.

While the Jets are considering bringing Robby Anderson back, there’s a good chance the Temple product will sign a lucrative contract elsewhere.

Anderson could definitely flourish as a No. 2 wide receiver, but he’s going want to be paid for more than that. The Jets might not have the financial flexibility to make that work.

Anderson has developed into one of the better deep-threat receivers in the NFL, but his growth as a player goes beyond that. He added more to his route tree under Adam Gase and seems closer to becoming a complete receiver. Still, the Jets haven’t been able to maintain much offensive success with Anderson in the fold.

Over the past two seasons, the Jets have dealt with a depleted wide receiver corps that has put Anderson and now Jamison Crowder at the forefront. With the team’s No. 1 priority being to surround Sam Darnold with a capable supporting cast, it could mean the Jets look at other options beyond Anderson to improve their offense.

With that being said, here are six wide receivers the Jets should target in free agency.

Amari Cooper

(AP Photo/Roger Steinman)

While Amari Cooper is fully expected to be transition tagged as the Cowboys try to work out a long-term deal with Dak Prescott, he could still hit the open market.

The former No. 4 overall pick would be perhaps the most sought after receiver in that case. A four-time Pro Bowler, Cooper has 357 career receptions for 5,097 yards and 33 touchdowns. Cooper will be just 26 years old in June and he’s coming off a season in which he caught 79 passes for 1,189 yards and eight touchdowns.

Cooper is a No. 1 wide receiver and will be paid as such if Dallas allows him to become a free agent just a season and a half after acquiring him for a first-round pick. If that happens, he would be the perfect weapon for Darnold. Of course, he would also be a costly one for a Jets team that doesn’t have as much cap space as in years past.

Eagles land Alabama WR Henry Ruggs III in Todd McShay’s second 2020 mock draft

2020 NFL draft: Eagles select Henry Ruggs in Todd McShay’s 1st mock

With the 2019 NFL season officially over after the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl win, draft season is in full swing.

With the draft season in full swing, Todd McShay has rejoined the slew of analysts and scouts set to break down college football’s best players.

Last month,  McShay released his first mock draft for the 2020 selection process and he predicted a Crimson Tide playmaker for the Eagles.

McShay just released his second mock on Tuesday morning, and he’s staying the course in his predictions, again sending Henry Ruggs III to the Eagles at pick No. 21.

21. Philadelphia Eagles
Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama

Zero Eagles receivers found their way to 500 yards in 2019, Nelson Agholor is a free agent, Alshon Jeffery will be 30 in two weeks and J.J. Arcega-Whiteside had a limited 10-catch impact in his rookie campaign. Carson Wentz likes to air it out, but he didn’t have the right personnel to do so. Coach Doug Pederson thought he had an answer in the vertical game with DeSean Jackson, but an abdominal injury limited the veteran speedster to 62 snaps. Ruggs, though, is a human torch — he could run in the 4.2s at the combine — and immediately gives Wentz a weapon in the passing game outside of Zach Ertz, Dallas Goedert and Miles Sanders.

Ruggs, Miles Sanders and a healthy DeSean Jackson could give the Eagles weapons that would present matchup nightmares for opposing defenses. If J.J. Arcega-Whiteside can take the next step and Alshon Jeffery can return, the Eagles would present a formidable offense, capable of giving any defense in the league fits.

McShay’s draft order came from using ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) and it will continue shift as the season winds down and draft positions change.

Greg Ward cited as the Eagles ‘breakout player’ for 2020

Greg Ward cited as the Eagles ‘breakout player’ for 2020

Greg Ward waited three long years for the opportunity to become an integral part of the Eagles offense and now the former Houston Cougars quarterback will enter the 2020 offseason with expectations.

Ward made Nelson Agholor obsolete, finishing the regular season with 28 receptions for 254 yards and a touchdown.

Even more impressive for the practice squad call-up, Ward didn’t record his first catch until Week 12. Now finally having secured a roster spot, Bleacher Report has named Ward the Eagles candidate for a breakout year in 2020.

When the Philadelphia Eagles needed help in their wide receiver corps down the stretch, Greg Ward delivered. The 2017 undrafted free agent recorded his first NFL catch in Week 12 and finished the regular season with 28 receptions for 254 yards and a touchdown.

Ward is under contract for 2020, so he’ll have a great chance of breaking out as one of Carson Wentz’s favorite targets.

If you prorate Ward’s final six games over a full campaign, he’d have a 75-catch, 677-yard, three-touchdown season. However, Ward’s numbers could be much better than that.

Ward has a bargain contract that makes it almost certain that he returns to the Eagles roster in 2020 and not specifically as a practice squad player. Ward is only getting better and with a healthy DeSean Jackson, a draft pick or two and a more defined role, he’ll be called upon to do damage from the slot next season.

Eagles Wild Card Inactives: Zach Ertz officially active for matchup vs. Seahawks

Zach Ertz officially active for Eagles vs. Seahawks

The Philadelphia Eagles have released their list of inactives for the teams game against the Seattle Seahawks and Zach Ertz will, in fact, start at tight end.

Lane Johnson will not play with a high ankle sprain.

Other inactives for the Eagles included quarterback Nate Sudfeld, wide receiver Nelson Agholor, running back Elijah Holyfield, defensive end Shareef Miller, defensive end Genard Avery and guard Sua Opeta.

The Seattle Seahawks downgraded wideout Jaron Brown (knee sprain) to out versus the Eagles, guard Mike Iupati (neck) is out as well, NFL Network’s Omar Ruiz reported.

Report: Eagles’ RT Lane Johnson out for Wild Card game against the Seahawks

Lane Johnson out for Wild Card game against the Seahawks

The Philadelphia Eagles are expected to be without star right tackle Lane Johnson for the team’s Wild Card matchup against the Seattle Seahawks per Derrick Gunn of NBC Sports.

With Johnson out again, the Eagles will start Halapoulivaati Vaitai at right tackle for the fourth game in a row.

With Johnson out, 2018 sixth-round pick Matt Pryor will make his first NFL start at right guard in place of the injured Brandon Brooks.