The Philadelphia Eagles have been on the hunt for a top-notch edge rusher this offseason, and while they may have missed out on their initial target, Trey Hendrickson, there are still plenty of options for them to pursue. The team’s pursuit of Hendrickson, who ultimately signed with the Cincinnati Bengals, showed their commitment to improving their pass rush and solidifying their defense. However, with the free agency market still open and the NFL Draft approaching, the Eagles have the opportunity to add a Pro Bowl edge rusher to their roster.
After finishing the 2020 season with a disappointing 4-11-1 record, the Eagles knew they needed to make some changes in order to bounce back and compete in the highly competitive NFC East. One of the areas that needed improvement was their pass rush, which ranked 19th in the league last season. The team’s decision to let go of veteran defensive end, Brandon Graham, and the uncertainty surrounding Derek Barnett’s future with the team, left a void in the edge rusher position.
The Eagles’ pursuit of Trey Hendrickson was a clear indication of their determination to address this issue. Hendrickson had a breakout season with the New Orleans Saints in 2020, recording 13.5 sacks and earning a Pro Bowl nod. The Eagles were reportedly one of the top contenders for his services, but ultimately lost out to the Bengals who offered a more lucrative deal. While it may have been a disappointment for the Eagles, it does not mean that their search for a top edge rusher is over.
One potential option for the Eagles is Yannick Ngakoue, who is currently a free agent after spending the 2020 season with the Baltimore Ravens. Ngakoue has proven to be a consistent pass rusher throughout his career, recording at least eight sacks in each of his five seasons in the league. He also has experience playing in a 4-3 defense, which is the scheme the Eagles run. Ngakoue’s speed and agility off the edge would be a valuable addition to the Eagles’ defense and could help improve their pass rush significantly.
Another option for the Eagles is to target an edge rusher in the upcoming NFL Draft. With the 12th overall pick, the Eagles have the opportunity to select one of the top edge rushers in this year’s class. Players like Kwity Paye from Michigan, Jaelan Phillips from Miami, and Gregory Rousseau from Miami are all projected to be first-round picks and could be potential targets for the Eagles. Adding a young and talented edge rusher through the draft would not only improve the team’s pass rush but also provide a long-term solution at the position.
The Eagles could also look to make a trade for an edge rusher. One potential trade target could be Chandler Jones from the Arizona Cardinals. Jones has been one of the top pass rushers in the league for the past several years, recording double-digit sacks in five of his last six seasons. He would bring a wealth of experience and production to the Eagles’ defense and could be the missing piece they need to take their pass rush to the next level.
While the Eagles may have missed out on Trey Hendrickson, there are still plenty of options for them to pursue in their quest for a top edge rusher. Whether it’s through free agency, the draft, or a trade, the Eagles have the resources and the determination to find the right player to bolster their pass rush. Adding a Pro Bowl edge rusher to their roster would not only improve their defense but also send a message to the rest of the league that the Eagles are serious about competing for a playoff spot in the upcoming season.
In conclusion, the Eagles’ pursuit of Trey Hendrickson may not have ended in their favor, but it does not mean that their search for a top edge rusher is over. With free agency still ongoing and the NFL Draft approaching, the team has the opportunity to add a Pro Bowl caliber player to their roster. Whether it’s through free agency, the draft, or a trade, the Eagles have the resources and the determination to find the right player to solidify their pass rush and improve their defense. The 2021 season is shaping up to be an exciting one for the Eagles, and the addition of a top edge rusher could be the missing piece they need to make a successful comeback.
