6 toughest decisions for Eagles GM Howie Roseman this offseason
The 2024 NFL offseason is underway for Philadelphia, and after a 32-9 wild card loss to Tampa Bay, the focus will shift to reshaping the roster after adding two new coordinators on both sides of the ball.
The 2024 cap is expected to exceed $240 million, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, and where things currently stand, Philadelphia is expected to have roughly $20,284,984 in cap space.
The Birds are set to have 20 pending free agents, and with another likely retool schedule on defense, the organization could conjure up a scheme for more flexibility.
Over The Cap recently looked at the top 100 players who could be cut or released due to the salary cap, and Philadelphia had four guys make the list.
With urgent moves set to be made, we’re looking at the six most challenging decisions for Howie Roseman this spring.
Secondary changes
According to Over the Cap, cutting James Bradberry outright would cost the Eagles $10.9 million in cap space while adding another $15.2 million in dead cap space.
Philadelphia’s pass defense dropped to 31st in the league in 2023, and new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio could choose to roll with the young guys at cornerback.
According to Pro Football Focus, after being named a second-team All-Pro in 2022, Bradberry allowed 56 receptions for 689 yards and nine touchdowns.
Philadelphia saves no money with this move, but it restarts the position.
Darius Slay is due a $9 million roster bonus in the next two weeks, but his play wasn’t a cause for the late-season collapse. Will Roseman bring back the veteran cornerbacks Kevin Byard and Avonte Maddox, or start over with Kelee Ringo, Eli Ricks, Zech McPhearson, Sydney Brown, Reed Blankenship, and Isiah Rodgers?
Invest assets at linebacker position
During his end-of-the-season press conference, Roseman talked about the young talent on the roster but seemed evasive when discussing the linebacker position.
The Eagles folded down the stretch, and almost every team in the conference championship game and Super Bowl matchup had elite linebacker play.
Roseman says he “believes in Nakobe Dean,” but will a competitive GM finally go outside his comfort zone and invest the proper assets or draft capital to land a game changer at the position?
Are we paying a running back
The Philadelphia native and former Georgia Bulldog will enter 2024 NFL free agency on a high after posting solid numbers.
Swift ranked 5th in the NFL with a career-high 1,049 rushing yards (first 1,000+ yard campaign), trailing only Christian McCaffrey (1,459), Derrick Henry (1,167), Kyren Williams (1,144) and James Cook (1,122).
He also logged 39 receptions for 214 yards and a touchdown.
Philadelphia only has Kenneth Gainwell under contract for 2024, and Spotrac has Swift’s market value at 4-years, $22 million.
Will Howie Roseman pay $5+ million per season to a running back, or will the Eagles GM find three or four players to add to Kenneth Gainwell for an efficient running back by committee?
Moving on from longtime veterans
The Eagles have about 20 players set to hit free agency. GM Howie Roseman will have critical decisions to make on veterans like Brandon Graham, Fletcher Cox, Boston Scott, and Quez Watkins.
Philadelphia will wait for Jason Kelce to decide, while Fletcher Cox is reportedly leaning toward retirement.
Graham wants to play one final season, and Roseman could grant that wish at a discount.
Haason Reddick or Josh Sweat
Philadelphia has permitted Reddick to seek a trade, and this offseason could come down to which pass rusher they value and want going forward.
The Eagles currently have about $20 million in available cap space, and Both Reddick and Josh Sweat are entering the final season of their contracts in 2024.
Reddick led the Eagles in tackles for loss (13) and sacks (11) during the regular season. His 23 quarterback hits were tied with Sweat for most on the team.
Sweat will be 27 next season, while Reddick will turn 30 on Sept. 22.
Fifth year option or extensions
DeVonta Smith, Landon Dickerson, Milton Williams, Zech McPhearson, Kenneth Gainwell, Marlon Tuipulotu, and Patrick Johnson are eligible for contract extensions after completing their third season in the NFL.
Should Howie Roseman pay DeVonta Smith this year or wait until 2025???
— Derrick Gunn (@RealDGunn) February 18, 2024
Smith is a Pro Bowl-caliber player, and the Eagles have the fifth-year option if they can’t agree to a new deal before training camp starts.
Dickerson is a two-time Pro Bowl left guard and will likely be the first player on the list to land a new contract.
