With free agency mostly behind us there are still a handful of players available who can help the Eagles. Here are six names that could make sense:
Isaiah Crowell, RB
Assuming Isaiah Crowell is fully healed from the torn Achilles he suffered last May, he’d be the perfect complementary back to Sanders and Boston Scott.
At 27 years old, he’s an accomplished short-yardage back who’s capable of handling more if need be; 198 carries, 952 yards (4.8 ypc) in 2016 is proof of that. He also possesses a surprising ability as a receiver, tallying 922 yards on 117 catches over five seasons.
I’m intrigued by the idea of having three backs who can all catch the football. A big reason Howard/Ajayi fell out of favor at times was because of how predictable/limited the offense became with them on the field—you won’t have that concern with Crowell.
Jabaal Sheard, DE
Having spent parts of his career in New England, Cleveland and Indianapolis, Jabaal Sheard is looking for a new home. He won’t blow you away but he’s been fairly consistent throughout his career. 51.5 sacks, 71 TFL, and 92 QB hits in 134 career games is nothing to sneeze at.
He can probably be had on a reasonable contract considering his age (31) and would fit nicely in the d-line rotation.
Michael Schofield, OL
At this stage in his career, Michael Schofield would make a perfect sixth or seventh offensive lineman. He has experience starting at both tackle and guard, and has the sort of athleticism the Eagles require along their line.
He’s never been a high-level player but his experience and versatility would make invaluable depth for a team that needs it at multiple spots on the line.
Ronald Leary, OG
Ronald Leary is likely good enough to be a starter somewhere, but if that opportunity doesn’t materialize then he’d be a great backup for a team in need of interior line depth. Truthfully, with the team not totally sold on Isaac Seumalo, it might be smart to take a flier on a veteran like Leary who can push him in camp at the very least.
At just 30-years-old it’s not out of the question for him to get healthy and return near his prior form with Dallas, where he graded out as a high-level run blocker at left guard from 2013-16 before injuries took their toll.
Nigel Bradham, LB
A familiar face, Nigel Bradham is still on the open market and there’s no reason to think he couldn’t end up back in Philly if another team doesn’t step to the plate. Remember he was a free agent back in 2018 and ultimately decided to return on a two-year deal.
He may be trending downward but the Eagles could do a lot worse than Bradham, obviously. It’s not entirely clear what the team plans to do at LB in 2020 but there isn’t really a clear starter on the roster right now, and they aren’t about to grab a day one starter in the Draft. Don’t be shocked if Bradham returns on a one-year deal.
Rashard Higgins, WR
Rashard Higgins had a very promising 2018—39 catches 572 yds (14.7 ypc)—before finding himself buried on the depth chart and somewhat in Freddie Kitchens’ doghouse last season.
Considering Kitchens’ mess of a tenure with the Browns there’s little reason to read into Higgins’ down year too much. He’s flashed some big play ability early in his short career, and at 25-years-old is worth taking a flier on. He’s not fast but he’s a polished outside receiver who creates good separation, uses his body well and has solid ball skills.
Higgins makes a ton of sense for a team with two outside receivers who are as injury prone as they come.