Eagles Free Agents Going Into 2022
Updated: Jun 30, 2023
The Philadelphia Eagles enter the offseason with lots of decisions to make. The team ended the 2021 season with a winning record and playoff appearance, but their goals will be set higher next season.
A team’s offseason to-do list usually starts with free agency. Let’s take a look at some of the Eagles’ most notable free agents going into 2022 and whether they should stay or go.
Jason Kelce (C)
Stay.
Jason Kelce did sign an extension last year, but the Eagles could void it this year saving them $30 million. He has been one of the league’s best centers for the past decade. Kelce made the Pro Bowl five times and is a four-time First-Team All-Pro.
Kelce has started the past 122 consecutive regular season games for the Eagles. His high-level play and durability should keep him on the roster. Landon Dickerson could move over to center if the Eagles decide to void Kelce’s contract (or should he opt to retire). Dickerson played center for Alabama and was a 2021 second-round pick by the Eagles.
Rodney McLeod (S)
Go.
The Eagles have a tough decision to make with Rodney McCleod. He was signed as a free agent back in 2016. McLeod was the leader of the Eagles defense over the past few years, but his injury history is concerning.
He is 31 years old now, so the Eagles should look at upgrading the position. McLeod made the game sealing interception against Washington, but the Eagles secondary struggled to take the ball away and slow down elite quarterbacks last season.
Steven Nelson (CB)
Go.
Steven Nelson came to Philadelphia in 2021 on a one-year deal. He was the starter opposite Darius Slay. Nelson was very reliable and played nearly 90% of the defensive snaps.
Overall, he played ok, but as noted the secondary was a weakness on the team. Other than Slay, the Eagles could look at upgrading their defensive backfield to better compete with the league’s top quarterbacks.
Derek Barnett (DE)
Go.
Derek Barnett was drafted in 2017. He will always be remembered for his fumble recovery in Super Bowl LII which helped seal the game. Outside of that game, Barnett has not lived up to the expectations of a first-round draft pick. His production has been ok, but he has had some costly penalties.
The Eagles would be best moving on from Barnett. He should be replaceable with another free agent or draft pick at a fraction of the price of re-signing him.
Boston Scott (RB)
Stay.
Boston Scott has been a pleasant surprise for the Eagles. He was signed off the Saints’ practice squad in 2018. Scott had his best games during late season playoff pushes in 2019 and 2021. He has done an excellent job filling in when primary back, Miles Sanders, was injured.
The Eagles led the league in rushing in 2021 with a running back by committee approach, so they should do everything to bring all those guys back.
Ryan Kerrigan (DE)
Go.
Ryan Kerrigan signed a one-year deal with the Eagles in 2021. He did not produce much this past season. The former Washington Football Teamer played in 16 games for the Eagles, but only recorded three tackles. He had a decent game against Tampa in the playoffs, but his production during the regular season was poor. The Eagles can certainly look elsewhere, and Kerrigan should probably consider retirement.
Other Eagles Free Agents
Hassan Ridgeway (DL)
Jordan Howard (RB)
Jason Croom (TE)
Genard Avery (LB)
Anthony Harris (S)
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