Why AJ Brown's radio call-in to 'clear up BS' should worry Eagles. 5 more NFL combine goals

There is always more on the Eagles' agenda than just testing and interviewing potential draftees at the NFL scouting combine this week in Indianapolis.

Sure, the potential draftees are a big component of the five-day extravaganza that begins Wednesday and features 319 of the top college players eligible for the 2024 draft.

That's certainly the case for the Eagles, who have four picks in the top 100 − No. 22 in the first round, two second-round picks (Nos. 50 and 53), and a third-round compensatory pick (somewhere between No. 96-100).

But the draft isn't the only way that the Eagles can address a defense that was among the worst in the NFL. There's free agency that begins in two weeks, and Eagles general manager Howie Roseman is among the most active GMs in trades. In fact, Roseman has even swung deals at the combine in the past.

Here, then, are 6 objectives for Roseman and staff at the combine:

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1. Find out Jason Kelce's retirement decision

It's expected that center Jason Kelce will decide whether he's retiring or not before the start of the new league year on March 13. If he returns for another season, then the Eagles can address other positions, although they'll have to sign Kelce to a contract.

Then again, that shouldn't be much of an issue now that the NFL salary cap was set at $255 million, a record-setting increase of $30 million compared to the cap in 2023.

If Kelce decides to retire, then the Eagles will likely move Cam Jurgens from right guard to center. Can Tyler Steen, the Eagles' third-round pick last spring, then slide into Jurgens' spot at right guard? Or will the Eagles have to find a free agent? Or re-sign either Sua Opeta or Jack Driscoll, both of whom are eligible for free agency?

It would seem like a draftee wouldn't be the answer if Kelce retires unless he's ready to play right away.

Does AJ Brown have a Jalen Hurts problem?

Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown called into SportsRadio 94 WIP last week to refute talk-radio scuttlebutt (mostly from WIP) that he's unhappy. He said he wanted “to clear up some BS,” that he is happy, and he wants to stay in Philadelphia, and his relationship with quarterback Jalen Hurts is great, and that he's not a diva like Terrell Owens.

"That's the reason I'm on the show," he said during his call. "I'm the person who stands up to the bully."

Great. But Roseman, head coach Nick Sirianni, and/or new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore all should make it a point to check in with Brown if they haven't already.

After all, Moore will be calling a new offense. And the Eagles have other receivers who want and deserve the ball in DeVonta Smith and tight end Dallas Goedert. It's also possible that the Eagles will draft one or more receivers to serve as a third WR.

We saw a few instances last season where Brown was on the sideline in heated exchanges with coaches and teammates. Sure, Brown is dynamic as his two 1,400-yard receiving seasons have proven − as long as he's happy.

And it's certainly looking like the Eagles will have to make sure that Brown is happy (read: getting lots of targets) in Moore's offense.

Brown says he’s happy now. But the Eagles have seen what can happen when a marquee receiver isn’t happy. Just ask the receiver that Brown says he’s not like.

Delve into Haason Reddick trade possibilities

The Eagles have reportedly indicated that they're willing to move on from their sacks leader in Haason Reddick, who has 27 in two seasons in Philly. Reddick enters the season with the largest salary cap hit on the team at $21.9 million, and the Eagles could potentially save $16 million on the cap with a trade or release with a post-June 1 designation.

Sure, the Eagles could give Reddick a contract extension. But he'll turn 30 in September, and he's going to want a raise. Is it better for the Eagles to pay Reddick well into his 30s, or move on and signing a younger free agent (Chase Young?) for that kind of money or less?

So finding a trade partner would be ideal.

How Eagles can replace Kevin Byard, James Bradberry

It's a no-brainer for the Eagles to release safety Kevin Byard because it allows them to save $13 million on the cap. But it also makes sense to release cornerback James Bradberry with a post-June 1 designation after a disappointing season.

Both are in their 30s. But they still have to be replaced.

The Eagles' history has shown that they won't find those players with an early-round draft pick. The Eagles haven't used a first-round pick on a cornerback since 2002, or a pick in the top three rounds since 2017. The Eagles have never drafted a safety in the first round, and they haven't taken one in the second round since 2011.

So the Eagles will certainly look at the free agent route at one or both positions. The Eagles currently are $27 million under the cap, and can get to the $40 million range. But as of now, there are 16 teams with more cap space.

More than just top free agents getting free

The Eagles have found success anticipating players who become available later in free agency, perhaps into April or May. That's how they got Bradberry in 2022. But there are also top players who surprisingly become available as salary cap casualties.

The Dolphins, for example, told star corner Xavien Howard that they'll be releasing him when the new league year starts. The Buffalo Bills are a projected $45 million over the cap (cornerback Tre'Davious White, anyone?), and the Saints and Chargers are in that ballpark too.

As for Howard, if he's still available after the so-called first wave, would he be willing to reunite with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, who was the Dolphins' DC last season?

If not, surely other starting-caliber players could shake free in April or May, after other teams have already spent their money.

Start working on a potentially wild draft strategy

All of that, of course, leads us to the main purpose of the combine − finding players to draft. While the Eagles have so many needs on defense, it would also behoove them to look into drafting players on offense in the first round.

For example, if the Eagles can address their defensive needs in free agency, then perhaps there's a running back in Rounds 2 or 3 who can replace D'Andre Swift if Swift leaves in free agency; or a third wide receiver in the first three rounds.

Heck, the Eagles could possibly find a backup quarterback in the first three rounds instead of paying for a veteran − unless they're convinced Tanner McKee, their sixth-round pick last year, can do it.

All of those plans are put into play beginning this week in Indianapolis.

Contact Martin Frank @mfrank@delawareonline.com. Follow on X @Mfranknfl.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: 6 Eagles NFL Combine goals include AJ Brown, free agents, draft targets