Eagles Free Agency Reality Check: Who Stays and Who Goes in

The Salary Cap Crunch Is Real

The Philadelphia Eagles face a challenging free agency period with several key contributors hitting the open market. The latest discussion on The National Football Show broke down the difficult decisions ahead for Howie Roseman and the Eagles front office.

With limited cap space and multiple priorities, not everyone can return. Here's a realistic look at who stays and who might be playing elsewhere in 2025.

Reed Blankenship: The Hometown Discount Candidate

Reed Blankenship emerged as a reliable safety in Vic Fangio's defense, but his market value creates an interesting dilemma. The discussion highlighted how Blankenship could be a candidate for a "hometown discount," though that's rarely the deciding factor in NFL contracts.

The safety market has been volatile in recent years, with proven veterans sometimes getting less than expected while others cash in big. Blankenship's versatility and familiarity with Fangio's system provide value, but the Eagles shouldn't overpay for sentiment.

A contract in the $8-10 million range seems reasonable, but if other teams offer significantly more, the Eagles may need to let him walk. The presence of Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and the potential development of younger safeties could influence this decision.

Jaelan Phillips: The Big Money Decision

Jaelan Phillips represents the Eagles' biggest free agency decision from a financial standpoint. Currently ranked as the fifth-best overall free agent available, Phillips will command serious money on the open market.

Reports suggest Tennessee is prepared to offer around $22 million annually for Phillips' services. That's a substantial commitment for a pass rusher who has shown flashes but also dealt with injury concerns throughout his career.

The Eagles must weigh Phillips' impact against their other needs and cap constraints. While pass rush remains crucial in today's NFL, overpaying for one player could limit flexibility elsewhere on the roster.

Dallas Goedert: The Complicated Situation

Dallas Goedert's situation exemplifies the Eagles' broader roster management challenges. After being asked to take a pay cut while everyone else got raises, Goedert responded with arguably his best season, recording 11 touchdowns in a limited offense.

The tight end had seven touchdowns in his first seven games before the Eagles inexplicably forgot he existed for several weeks. When they remembered to involve him, the offense found more success.

If A.J. Brown's situation remains unresolved, Goedert becomes even more valuable as a receiving weapon. However, his injury history and age create questions about long-term investment. The Eagles guaranteed $10 million of his current deal, suggesting they value his contributions despite the pay cut request.

The Lane Johnson Question

Lane Johnson's future adds another layer of complexity to the Eagles' planning. The veteran right tackle didn't play in the playoff loss, raising questions about both his health and desire to continue playing.

Johnson has nothing left to prove and deals with the physical toll of playing offensive line at an elite level. If he decides to retire, the Eagles face a massive hole on the right side of their offensive line.

The timing of any Johnson decision will impact other roster moves, as the Eagles would need to address right tackle either through free agency, the draft, or internal development.

Cap Space Reality

Howie Roseman has repeatedly worked salary cap magic, finding ways to retain key players when others thought it impossible. The 2023 retention of both Darius Slay and James Bradberry exemplified Roseman's creativity with contract structures.

However, even Roseman has limits. The Eagles face decisions on multiple fronts, from coaching staff investments to player retention to potential upgrades through free agency or trades.

Prioritization becomes crucial. The Eagles must identify which players are truly irreplaceable versus those who can be adequately replaced through other means.

The Domino Effect

Each decision impacts the others. Losing Phillips might necessitate more investment in pass rush through free agency or the draft. Letting Blankenship walk could require addressing safety depth. Johnson's retirement would create a premium need at right tackle.

The interconnected nature of these decisions makes early resolution crucial. The longer these situations drag out, the fewer options remain available in free agency.

Draft Implications

The Eagles' approach to free agency will directly influence their draft strategy. Retaining key veterans allows for best-player-available drafting, while significant losses create specific positional needs that must be addressed.

Balancing immediate needs with long-term roster building remains a constant challenge. The Eagles can't simply draft replacements for every departing veteran, especially at premium positions.

The Realistic Outlook

Expect the Eagles to retain some key pieces while allowing others to leave for better offers elsewhere. Goedert's situation likely depends on A.J. Brown's future, while Blankenship could return on a team-friendly deal.

Phillips represents the biggest question mark, as his price tag may exceed what the Eagles can reasonably afford given their other needs.

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