9 prove it deal free agents the Philadelphia Eagles should pursue
With a tight salary cap awaiting and the Carson Wentz dead money weighing the ship down, the Philadelphia Eagles are going to be squeezed this offseason in their bid to add talent.
With free agency set to begin in two weeks, the Eagles will make some big moves and restructure to free up the necessary cap space to make improvements to their roster.
With the Eagles likely to pursuing some free agents looking for a prove-it deal, here are 9 players they should target to upgrade the roster.
Marlon Mack -- RB
Sep 13, 2020; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack (25) runs with the ball as Jacksonville Jaguars safety Josh Jones (29) defends during the first quarter at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports
Mack missed 15 games last season after tearing his Achilles tendon in the Indianapolis Colts’ season-opener. The running back has a good relationship with Nick Sirianni and could be a good change of pace back to pair with Miles Sanders.
Kevin King -- CB
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 27: Kevin King #20 of the Green Bay Packers anticipates a play during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Lambeau Field on December 27, 2020 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Eagles fans will likely grimace at this suggestion after watching King struggle against the Buccaneers during the playoffs. King has a 6-foot-3, 200-pound frame and could be a good fit for Jonathan Gannon’s zone-heavy system.
James O’Shaughnessy -- TE
Jan 3, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars tight end James O'Shaughnessy (80) catches the ball while Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) defends in the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
With Zach Ertz expected to move on, O’Shaughnessy has plenty of experience and fits the versatile role the Eagles prefer. O’Shaughnessy has averaged 5.1 yards after the catch per reception in his six-year career. With only three drops on 93 attempts,
Josh Reynolds -- WR
Jan 3, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Byron Murphy (33) chased down Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Josh Reynolds (11) after a short gain in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Reynolds has a connection to the Eagles Aaron Moorhead, who coached Reynolds in college. Reynolds had a better overall season in 2020, but his yards per catch dropped from 15.5 to 11.9 season over season.
Zay Jones -- WR
Dec 17, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) celebrates with wide receiver Zay Jones (12) his touchdown scored against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jones, 25, was a second-round pick out of East Carolina in 2017 but has yet to break out. His best season came in 2018 when he caught 56 passes for 652 yards and 7 touchdowns. In 2020 with the Raiders, Jones caught just 14 passes for 154 yards and 1 touchdown.
Malik Hooker -- safety
Dec 29, 2019; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Indianapolis Colts safety Malik Hooker (29) reacts during the third quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports
The Eagles could use a single-high playmaker at the safety position.
Raekwon McMillan -- LB
Nov 22, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Raekwon McMillan (54) against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
A former second-round pick with impressive athleticism, McMillan is still only 24 years old. A solid special teams player, McMillan could be a breakout candidate in the Eagles scheme.
Cameron Sutton -- CB
Steelers Cameron Sutton zeros in on Bills quarterback Josh Allen.
Jg 121320 Bills 6b
A hybrid, do everything style cornerback, Sutton could play several positions in Jonathan Gannon’s defense. Sutton has been above-average in the slot and in single coverage, two places the Eagles can use an upgrade at.
LeShaun Sims -- CB
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Marquise Brown (15) turns downfield after completing a catch as Cincinnati Bengals cornerback LeShaun Sims (38) defends in the third quarter during a Week 17 NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati. The Baltimore Ravens won, 38-3. The Cincinnati Bengals finished with 2020 season 4-11-1.
Baltimore Ravens At Cincinnati Bengals Week 17 Jan 3
Sims played in 13 games this season, starting 10 for the Bengals as he logged 52 tackles, four passes defended, one interception.
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