Eagles Urged To Pursue EDGE Defenders In Free Agency

The Philadelphia Eagles made some major changes to their coaching staff this offseason. While head coach Nick Sirianni will be back for at least one more season, his coordinators will be changing for the third straight year.

On the defensive side of the ball, it will be Vic Fangio taking over for Sean Desai as defensive coordinator. Desai lost his play calling duties to Matt Patricia last season and the team actually performed worse, leading to both being let go this offseason.

The Eagles are hoping Fangio can bring some stability to their defense, which will lead to better results on the field. The drop off from their production in 2022 to what they did in 2023 was drastic.

As a whole, the Eagles defense needs improvement at several spots. But, upgrading on the edge and finding some more pass rushers could be their biggest need heading into the 2024 NFL offseason.

After leading the NFL with 70 sacks, the Eagles had only 43 in 2023. Getting the pass rush on track could be challenging for Fangio, as Haasan Reddick could be traded as he seeks a contract extension. Fletcher Cox is also considering retirement, which would be two big blows to this defense.

Based on that information, it should come as no surprise that Tim McManus of ESPN has suggested some defenders general manager Howie Roseman can target this offseason in free agency. Two of those defenders are edge rushers, something the team desperately needs. His first suggestion is Andrew Van Ginkel of the Miami Dolphins.

“Van Ginkel played under Fangio in Miami last season. He made 11 starts and posted 69 tackles, six sacks and 19 quarterback hits. Outside linebackers will be asked to drop in coverage some in Fangio’s scheme, and Van Ginkel proved capable in that role with eight passes defensed and an interception return for a touchdown.

Overall, Van Ginkel had the most productive season of his career with Fangio as his DC. Why not reunite in Philly?”

Van Ginkel following Vangio to Philadelphia makes a ton of sense. He knows the system that is in place and thrived in it, putting together arguably the best season of his career. Landing in the City of Brotherly Love could lead to Van Ginkel continuing the ascension he had in 2023.

Another edge rusher to keep an eye on is Chase Young. The No. 2 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Ohio State by the Washington Commanders had his fifth-year option declined last season. He was traded to the San Francisco 49ers ahead of the deadline and McManus believes he is another player the Eagles could target.

“While it would be tough to replace Reddick’s production if he moves on — he’s had 27 regular-season sacks during his two years in Philadelphia — the Eagles to this point have been hesitant to give Reddick his desired raise. Young still has plenty of upside and could likely be had at a manageable number,” wrote McManus.

The Eagles are projected to have just under $19 million in cap space this offseason. That should be enough to land some help on the defensive side of the ball, but the pass rushing market could get expensive quickly. Opening up a little more space to spend money wouldn’t be the worst idea.