The Philadelphia Eagles have added potential impact players at edge rusher, safety, and running back after three days of free agency, but they still lack a starter at linebacker, their most evident and pressing need.
Here’s an illustration of the Eagles’ linebacker depth first:
1 2 Nakobe Dean
Ben SumerenBrandon Smith
In essence, you have two athletic special teams players and Dean, who has only played 225 snaps in his first two NFL seasons. In addition, they signed hybrid edge rusher/off-ball linebacker Zack Baun, and they seem inclined to re-sign 2023 starter Zach Cunningham. Of course, there’s still a ton of work to be done at linebacker.
The majority of the top available linebackers have left after three days. These players will be listed according to their percentage of snaps played in 2023:
LB 2023 squad 2024 squad
Commander Bobby Wagner of the Seahawks
Saints Demario DavisSaints
The Queen Ravens, PatrickSteelers
Titans’ Azeez Al-ShaairTexans Lavonte David BuccaneersBuccaneers
Murray KennethBatteriesTitans
Rogers Eric KendricksRanchers
Jordan HicksVikingsBrowns
Jewell, JoseyBroncosPanthers
Brooks, JordynDolphins and Seahawks
Cashman BlakeTexansVikings
Chiefs Willie Gay, Jr.Saints
Chiefs of Drue Tranquill
Anthony Walker Dolphins Browns
What remains, then?
• Jerome Baker: Given that he spent the previous season playing for Vic Fangio in Miami, Baker is arguably the most apparent choice that makes sense for the Eagles. He recently turned 27 in December and is an experienced (94 games played, 82 starts) covering linebacker. But Baker was given a jump start on free agency when the Dolphins dismissed him a week ago, and the Eagles haven’t reportedly expressed interest in him as of yet.
Devin White: In 2020, the year the Bucs won the Super Bowl, White recorded 140 tackles (15 of which were for loss), 9 sacks, and 16 quarterback hits. Despite his exceptional speed and ability to make plays from sideline to sideline, there are concerns about his awareness and desire to perform grunt work. During the Bucs’ playoff run the previous season, he was benched. Features that entice, but buyer beware.
• Tyrel Dodson: Playing just 51% of the snaps, Dodson had an excellent season despite missing out on 74 tackles (8 for loss), 2.5 sacks, 6 QB hits, an FF, and a few pass breakups due to the Bills’ injury and loss of Tremaine Edmunds to the previous season. And, caveat emptor, but PFF gave him excellent scores in both coverage and run defense. Even at 25, he has the potential to become a rising star.
The marketplace for trade
Looking through NFL rosters, it seems like not many teams have an abundance of depth at linebacker. The Lions are an uncommon case, but they shone out as a unit. In the event that the Eagles want to trade, it’s more probable that they will hold off until the draft is over, when clubs who select linebackers may be more inclined to offer veterans and trade possibilities will increase.
