The Philadelphia Eagles have been busy during this offseason, making strategic moves aimed at propelling them towards a deep playoff run in 2024.
Among their notable signings are Saquon Barkley, Bryce Huff, Devin White, and CJ Gardner-Johnson. Additionally, they recently engaged in a significant trade, sending star EDGE rusher Haason Reddick to the New York Jets in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick. With these maneuvers, the Eagles are positioning themselves to surpass their performance from the previous season.
However, they still have areas on their roster that could benefit from reinforcement prior to the 2024 NFL Draft.
In the quest to bolster their lineup, two former Pro Bowlers stand out as potential game-changers for the Eagles, potentially elevating their chances of clinching the NFC East title and returning to the Super Bowl next season.
Stephon Gilmore, Cornerback
Stephon Gilmore remains a free agent, despite his impressive showing with the Dallas Cowboys in the 2023 season.
The 33-year-old cornerback, a five-time Pro Bowler, exhibited exceptional skills, tallying 68 combined tackles, 13 pass deflections, and two interceptions. Moreover, Gilmore showcased his prowess in coverage, limiting opposing receivers to a 55.8 completion percentage and an 82.7 pass rating when targeted, while surrendering only four receiving touchdowns.
With the Eagles observing Gilmore’s capabilities firsthand during their encounters with the Cowboys last season, his potential addition could provide a substantial boost to their cornerback corps, particularly if they opt to part ways with James Bradberry.
Yannick Ngakoue, Defensive End
Meanwhile, on the defensive line front, the Eagles find themselves in need of reinforcements following the departure of Reddick and the retirement of Fletcher Cox. Although they boast a formidable defensive tackle lineup with Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and Milton Williams, additional depth at defensive end is warranted.
Despite the presence of Brandon Graham, Josh Sweat, Nolan Smith, and Bryce Huff, the Eagles could benefit from adding another seasoned player to the mix. Yannick Ngakoue emerges as a compelling option, despite his relatively subdued performance with the Chicago Bears last season. The 29-year-old defensive end recorded 22 combined tackles, seven quarterback hits, six tackles for loss, and four sacks in 13 games.
While his impact may have been less pronounced compared to previous seasons, Ngakoue’s track record, including 19.5 combined sacks with the Indianapolis Colts and Las Vegas Raiders before joining the Bears, underscores his potential to contribute significantly to the Eagles’ defensive line.
With Reddick’s departure creating a void in the Eagles’ pass-rushing arsenal, the addition of Ngakoue could help offset that loss and provide much-needed depth and experience to their defensive end rotation.
Therefore, considering Ngakoue’s proven ability to disrupt opposing offenses, the Eagles would be wise to explore the possibility of bringing him on board to fortify their defensive front.
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