The Philadelphia Eagles have long been experts at navigating the offseason maze, and this year is no different. As the team wraps up its spring activities and heads into the summer with mandatory minicamps, there’s some serious roster recalibration underway, spearheaded by none other than Howie Roseman, the Eagles’ personnel maestro. Roseman’s knack for patching up the roster with savvy veteran signings and strategic draft picks has kept the Eagles competitive, but there’s a glaring issue that demands attention: the inside linebacker (ILB) position.
The Eagles have crafted depth across most of their lineup, thanks to offseason additions that promise competition everywhere from cornerback to defensive tackle. However, the ILB spot stands out as a pressing concern for a team preparing to enter the heart of training camp. With the departures of key figures like Oren Burks and injuries sidelining key players Nakobe Dean and Jihaad Campbell, the Eagles find themselves thin at a vital position in Vic Fangio’s defensive scheme.
This has led to a patchwork situation where second-year linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and rookie Smael Mondon Jr. stepped up as the primary ILB duo during minicamp. Behind them, the depth chart offers little relief – Dallas Gant and Lance Dixon stand as the only other healthy ILBs. Given this thin bench, you can bet Roseman will be busy scouring the market for reinforcements before the grind of camp sets in. Historically, injuries rack up in this role, making depth not just necessary, but crucial.
Here are some free-agent linebackers who could patch up the Eagles’ defensive woes:
CJ Mosley
First up, we have a seasoned leader in CJ Mosley. A former Pro Bowler known for his tenure with the Ravens and the Jets, Mosley brings a wealth of experience and leadership. The question looming over Mosley is whether he’s ready to embrace a backup role at 33 or if he’s holding out for a starting gig. His longstanding relationship with Joe Douglas, now in the Eagles’ front office, could swing things in Philly’s favor.
Kyzir White
Next, there’s Kyzir White, a name Eagles fans recognize well. His prior stints with Philadelphia showed he could handle the pressure of big moments. Although speedy and agile, White might not be the all-around playmaker the team needs but could offer valuable depth and special teams prowess.
Eric Kendricks
Then there’s Eric Kendricks, a tackling machine who’s proven his ability to make an impact across multiple teams. If he’s willing to step into a mentorship role, his experience and pedigree make him an attractive option.
Sione Takitaki
Sione Takitaki is an intriguing prospect, once showing star potential with the Browns before being hampered by injuries. He’s a gamble, but one that could pay dividends if he recaptures past form. There’s no rush to ink a deal with him, giving the Eagles some flexibility.
Ja’Whaun Bentley
Finally, Ja’Whaun Bentley provides an under-the-radar option with a solid track record in New England. Despite recovering from a torn pectoral, his familiarity with complex defensive schemes speaks to his mental readiness to contribute.
As the Eagles prepare for another season under the bright lights, there’s no doubt that bolstering the ILB position will be a focal point. Whether Roseman decides to lean on familiar faces or explore new partnerships, expect some savvy chess moves to ensure the Eagles enter training camp fully stocked and ready for whatever the season throws their way.
