Eagles Free-Agency Guide: Safety Justin Reid is the top player to watch – Philadelphia Eagles blog

PHILADELPHIA – The NFL's free agency is almost here. Teams can begin contract negotiations with potential unrestricted, free agents beginning at noon ET on March 14. This is before the league year begins on March 16.

The Philadelphia EaglesExpect to be quite active. Roster Management ranks them 13th in terms of cap space at $23million. Although they are not in a position for wild play, they should be able address multiple needs from a list that includes safety, cornerback and linebacker, as well as receiver and safety.

“I believe free agency is that it gives us the freedom to check off boxes and not feel under pressure to do something. [in the draft],” said general manager Howie Roseman.

Philadelphia could find a player to focus on when the light turns green. These are the players you should be paying attention to.

(Pro Football Focus projects the deal figures.

Projected deal:$31 Million over 3 Years

These are the Eagles' main safety features from last season. Rodney McLeodAnd Anthony HarrisFree agents are to be. Roseman cannot help but dive into the safety markets.

Reid is expected to be one of their targets. In Houston, Reid started 53 games in four seasons. He had seven interceptions and 23 passes defensived. This was on top of more than 300 tackles.

“He is a downhill, topdown player. Matt Bowen, an ESPN NFL analyst, said that he is strong in running in the alley, running the tackle in the run game and has produced on-ball production throughout his career. He has the physical attributes to play this position and would be a good fit for the team. [defensive coordinator Jonathan]Gannon is a split-field veteran.

He's only 25 years old. If the Eagles want to sign a player to an extended multiyear deal in free agent, they will need someone who will be still in his prime when the team's new nucleus enters. Reid provides that without going broke.

Projected deal:6 Million USD for 1 Year

Philly could double-dip at the safety spot Perhaps. Marcus EppsThey did well last season. K'Von WallaceMcLeod is still fighting for a position, but Harris and McLeod could be gone, which might make it more urgent for the Eagles to fill their shoes.

Maye is a friend of Dennard Wilson, the Jets' defensive backs coach. Wilson served in a similar position with Maye from 2017-20. Wilson once called Maye an ‘eraser' at safety for his ability shut down receivers coming into his area. Maye, 28 years old, was granted the franchise tag after racking up two interceptions and 11 passes defensed. He also had 88 tackles and one sack in 2020. However, Maye suffered an Achilles injury in November which limited him to six games. He was also charged with driving while impaired and two other misdemeanors in February.

Maye could sign a one year prove-it contract, which could appeal to the Eagles.

Projected deal:8 million USD in one year

Smith-Schuster could suffer from injury, just like Maye. Following shoulder surgery, Smith-Schuster missed 12 games in the last season. At 25 years of age, he has already caught 323 passes in his five-year professional career for 3,855 yard with 26 touchdowns. A quarterback would greatly benefit from this level of production and experience. Jalen HurtsThe only primary receiver who was over 23 years of age last year was ‘Kelly,'

“I believe that you need a bigger slot receiver [Schuster is 6-foot-1, 215 pounds]A physical person with catch-and run traits. Bowen described someone who can work in the middle and has enough lower-body explosiveness for after the catch. He would be a good fit for Sirianni's needs in the middle of field. He's strong, he can run, he is physical, and he will compete within the numbers.

Projected deal:35 million over 3 years

With Derek BarnettYou will be considered a free agent Brandon GrahamThe Eagles are in dire need of pass-rushers after a torn Achilles. This is a group that was 31st last season in sacks with 29. Reddick (27 years old) has 23.5 sacks the past two seasons and could be an immediate boost in this regard.

Gannon's hybrid defense would also be able to function without him. This scheme requires that the strongside defensive linebacker be a pass rush specialist. Genard AveryFor the rookie Patrick JohnsonAlthough he was successful in the role, it was not a great success last year. Reddick, who is a Temple grad, is a Camden, New Jersey native and has experience as an edge rusher and off-ball linebacker. This could help fill a significant need for his home team.

The following players could also fit the bill: Uchenna Nwosu (Los Angeles Chargers( Emmanuel Ogbah (Miami Dolphins).

Edge rush is also a target for the April draft's first round.

“The bottom line was that we didn’t have enough pressure on the quarterback. Roseman stated that quarterback pressure is essential. We consider it a top priority. It will be possible this offseason, and I'd be surprised if it didn't happen.”