5 Under-the-Radar Free Agents the Eagles Should Be Calling Right Now

The Eagles have roughly $12.6 million in cap space heading into free agency. That's not nothing, but it's not exactly Howie Roseman money either. The big-ticket names — Trey Hendrickson, George Pickens, Kyle Pitts — are going to command contracts that would swallow that number whole.

But here's the thing about Howie: he doesn't need top-shelf money to find top-shelf talent. Some of his best moves have been the ones nobody saw coming. With free agency opening March 9, here are five players flying under the radar who could be difference-makers in midnight green.

Jaylinn Hawkins, S — New England Patriots

The Eagles are about to have a massive hole at safety. Reed Blankenship is headed for the open market, and while there's hope he comes back, Philly can't afford to sit around waiting. Enter Hawkins, who just had the breakout season of his career in New England.

We're talking 71 tackles, four interceptions, and an 86.1 PFF run defense grade that ranked third among all safeties in the NFL. His coverage grade of 79.0 ranked eighth. At 27, Hawkins is entering his prime, and because he did it in New England — where nobody watches football anymore — his market is going to be depressed.

Projected cost? Somewhere in the $5-7 million range. For a safety who can play in the box and cover? That's a steal. Vic Fangio would know exactly what to do with him.

Alontae Taylor, CB — New Orleans Saints

Now, the Eagles already have Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean locked in as the future. But depth matters, and Taylor brings something this defense could use: versatility and violence.

Taylor has seven career sacks as a cornerback — the most in Saints franchise history for a DB. He can play outside, slide into the slot, and he's not afraid to come downhill in run support. He's projected to earn around $17 million per year, which is significant, but if the Eagles can get creative with structure, Taylor would give them a secondary three deep with guys who can all cover and hit.

Think about a nickel package with Mitchell, DeJean, and Taylor. Good luck throwing on that.

Chig Okonkwo, TE — Tennessee Titans

This one should be at the top of Howie's call sheet. Dallas Goedert is gone. Grant Calcaterra is gone. Kylen Granson is gone. The Eagles' tight end room went from crowded to empty in one offseason.

Okonkwo is 25 years old, an explosive athlete who ran a 4.52 at the combine coming out of Maryland, and he's been stuck on a Titans team that hasn't known how to use him properly. He's projected to cost around $8 million per year — less than half of what the top tight end market demands.

He's not Goedert. Nobody available is. But Okonkwo in Sean Mannion's offense, catching passes from Jalen Hurts with Saquon Barkley drawing attention? That's a player who could put up career numbers.

Tyquan Thornton, WR — Kansas City Chiefs

If the A.J. Brown situation resolves the way many expect — with Brown getting traded — the Eagles are going to need speed on the outside. Thornton has legit 4.2 wheels and just spent a season learning how to use them in Kansas City.

His numbers don't pop off the stat sheet, but context matters. Among players with at least 100 routes last season, Thornton's 27.8-yard average depth of target led the NFL. His six catches on deep balls ranked third in the league. At a projected cost of just $5 million, he's the kind of low-risk, high-ceiling signing that can transform a passing game.

DeVonta Smith underneath, Thornton taking the top off, Jahan Dotson in the slot? That's a receiver corps that can work even without Brown.

Rasheed Walker, OT — Green Bay Packers

This is the boring pick. Nobody's going to write headlines about signing Rasheed Walker. But the Eagles need offensive line depth in the worst way, and Walker is a young, experienced swing tackle who can play both sides.

Lane Johnson isn't getting younger. Jordan Mailata has had durability questions. Cameron Williams showed promise as a rookie but he's not a finished product. Walker has started 20 games over the past two seasons in Green Bay and graded out as a solid pass protector. He's going to cost somewhere in the $4-6 million range — backup tackle money for a guy who's proven he can start.

Jeff Stoutland may be gone, but the Eagles' offensive line culture remains. Walker would be a smart, quiet addition that could look brilliant if injuries hit.

The Bottom Line

The Eagles don't need to win free agency. They need to win the offseason, and that means being smart with every dollar. Howie Roseman has $12.6 million and a roster that's still built to compete for a Super Bowl. These five guys won't make ESPN's top free agent lists, but they could make the difference between a good Eagles team and a championship one.

Free agency opens Sunday. The phone should already be ringing.