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Grading every Eagles' move from the first wave of NFL free agency

We’re 16 days away from the start of the 2024 NFL draft’s first round, and the Eagles and 31 other teams have started preparing for a fast-approaching training camp and regular season.

Philadelphia has diligently retooled the coaching staff and has a roster without Fletcher Cox and Jason Kelce for the first time since 2010.

The Eagles have been active this offseason, adding Saquon Barkley, Bryce Huff, and Kenny Pickett, among others. Haason Reddick was traded, and a handful of other free agents departed.

With the final draft preparation underway, we’re looking at every move Philadelphia has made this off-season.

Signed OLB Julian Okwara

DETROIT, MICHIGAN – AUGUST 11: Eric Gray #20 of the New York Giants tries to escape a tackle by Julian Okwara #99 of the Detroit Lions during a preseason game at Ford Field on August 11, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)

The former Lions pass rusher will compete for a roster spot.

Okwara logged just seven tackles (six solo), including two sacks, in nine games played last season.

Over the past three seasons, the 25-year-old defensive end recorded 29 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and seven sacks for the Lions’ defense.

As the third-round selection in the 2020 NFL Draft, Okwara hasn’t played more than 13 games in a single season, but he has been a regular part of Detroit’s defensive line rotation when he has been able to suit up.

Grade: C

Signed RB Tyrion Davis-Price and T Darian Kinnard.

Oct 8, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Tyrion Davis-Price (32) carries the ball against Dallas Cowboys linebacker Malik Jefferson (46) as offensive tackle Colton McKivitz (right) blocks during the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

A former 2022 third-round pick of the 49ers, Davis-Price appeared in seven games with San Francisco and registered 40 carries for 120 yards. In 2023, he appeared in one game and registered six carries for 21 yards before being waived by the team on December 5, 2023.

A 23-year-old native of Baton Rouge, LA, Davis-Price attended Louisiana State University for three years (2019-21), where he appeared in 35 games and logged 379 carries for 1,744 yards and 15 touchdowns.

The Eagles see potential, and according to his agency, the reserve/futures deal was the most lucrative deal signed this offseason.

Grade: C

Signed OL Darian Kinnard

Aug 19, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Darian Kinnard (75) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Drafted by the Chiefs in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL draft out of Kentucky, Kinnard was projected as more of a guard coming out of college, and his struggles at the tackle position in Kansas City suggest that those projections may have been correct.

Kinnard made the Chiefs’ roster in 2022 but appeared in just one game, earning six snaps on special teams.

In 2023, Kinnard spent the season on the practice squad, making the trip to Las Vegas for the Chiefs Super Bowl win over the 49ers.

Grade: C

Signed TE Albert Okwuegbunam to a one-year contract extension.

DENVER, COLORADO – AUGUST 26: Tight end Albert Okwuegbunam #85 of the Denver Broncos catches a pass in the second half of a preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Empower Field at Mile High on August 26, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)

With Kellen Moore inserted as the new Eagles offensive coordinator, the team let Jack Stoll depart in free agency and signed Okwuegbunam to a one-year extension.

Philadelphia initially acquired Okwuegbunam from Denver after a preseason finale in which the versatile tight end caught seven passes for 109 yards and a touchdown. But the Broncos didn’t have room for him on their roster, so they made a deal with the Eagles.

In his first season with the Eagles, Okwuegbunam played 57 offensive snaps and spent most of the season buried on the depth chart behind Goedert, Jack Stoll, and Grant Calcaterra.

A fourth-round pick out of Missouri, Okweugbunam was targeted just once in four games of action last season and did not have a catch.

He’ll return under first-year offensive coordinator Kellen Moore and should find a role with the innovative play-caller.

Grade: B

Released S Kevin Byard

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 05: Kevin Byard #31 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts after a tackle during the first half in the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field on November 05, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Byard was acquired in an early season trade for Terrell Edmunds but carried a $14 million cap hit into 2024 and was released.

Byard signed with the Bears at the start of free agency.

By moving on from Byard, the Eagles were able to bring back C.J. Gardner-Johnson as a more natural fit at the deep safety or slot position.

Grade: B

Released CB Avonte Maddox

The initial release of Maddox saved the Eagles over $7 million in cap space.

Maddox returned to the lineup to play the season’s last three games after undergoing surgery on a torn pectoral muscle in September.

Maddox is one of the top slot cornerbacks in the NFL, but he’s played only 13 games in the last two years, and he’s missed 36 percent of the Eagles’ games since he was drafted in 2018.

Grade: B

Agreed to terms with DE Brandon Graham on a one-year contract extension

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 26: Brandon Graham #55 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at Lincoln Financial Field on November 26, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Graham wants to retire as an Eagle and he’ll play one final season after signing a one-year deal. A 14 year veteran, Graham is another coach on the field, and a mentor to young players like Jalen Carter, Milton Williams, Jordan Davis and others. Grade: A

Agreed to terms with G Landon Dickerson on a four-year contract extension

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 15: Jason Kelce #62 and Landon Dickerson #69 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up before the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on October 15, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)

A two-time Pro Bowl left guard, Dickerson is the highest paid at his position after signing a $98 million deal. A 2021 second-round pick out of Alabama, Dickerson has transitioned from the center position to left guard, and he’s developed into one of the best run blockers in the NFL. Dickerson has earned Pro Bowl honors in each of the past two seasons. The 26-year-old is just the seventh NFL offensive lineman—and only the second selected beyond the first round—since 2011 to earn at least two Pro Bowls in his first three seasons on the original ballot. Grade: A

Agreed to terms with LS Rick Lovato on a one-year contract extension

TAMPA, FLORIDA – JANUARY 15: Rick Lovato #45 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on prior to the NFC Wild Card Playoffs against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on January 15, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

The veteran long-snapper plays a major role in the Eagles improved special teams unit. Grade: A

Agreed to terms with P Braden Mann on a two-year contract extension

Jan 15, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Eagles punter Braden Mann (10) punts the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of a 2024 NFC wild card game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

The veteran punter was a bright spot for the Eagles in 2023 and he’s back on a two-year deal. After years of uncertainty at the position, Mann set an Eagles record by averaging 49.8 yards per punt with a 43.9-yard net average—last season. Mann played a significant role in special teams coordinator Michael Clay, earning a promotion. Grade: A

Agreed to terms with K Jake Elliott on a four-year contract extension

Elliott is on par with Justin Tucker as the best kicker in the NFL, and he’s staying around on a four-year deal. The 29-year-old Elliott is coming off his best NFL season, setting the franchise’s record for single-season field goal percentage (93.8, 30-of-32) and field goals of 50-plus yards (7) while also besting his previous single-season mark for points (135). He finished the season, including playoffs, having made 15 consecutive field goals. Grade: A

Agreed to terms with RB Saquon Barkley on a three-year contract

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 09: Saquon Barkley is interviewed at Radio Row at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center ahead of Super Bowl LVIII on February 09, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images)

The $26 million fully guaranteed puts Barkley above the $12 million per season he would have made with consecutive franchise tags under the New York Giants. In 14 games last season, Barkley logged 962 yards and six rushing touchdowns, 41 receptions for 280 yards, and four touchdowns for the 6-11 Giants. Barkley will pair well with Kenneth Gainwell while giving Philadelphia an explosive playmaker in Kellen Moore’s offense. Grade: A+

Agreed to terms with LB Bryce Huff on a three-year contract

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 10: Bryce Huff #47 of the New York Jets celebrates after a sack during the first quarter in the game against the Houston Texans at MetLife Stadium on December 10, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Looking for more pressure off the edge, Philadelphia signed Bryce Huff away from the Jets. At 25 years old, Huff has increased his sack production in seasons, jumping from 3.5 sacks in 2022 to 10.0 this past season. More of a situational pass rusher than a true defensive end or SAM linebacker, Huff played in just 42 percent of the Jets’ defensive snaps, as he was used solely in pass-rushing situations. Philadelphia has second-year linebacker Nolan Smith on the roster, and another pass rusher could be added prior to training camp. Grade: B

Agreed to terms with LB Zack Baun on a one-year contract

Mar 14, 2024; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun speaks at a press conference after signing with the Eagles. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

Baun is a versatile linebacker that can rush the passer. Baun, 27, started six games for the Saints last season, recording two sacks, an interception, and four quarterback hits. Baun recorded 30 tackles across 17 games in the 2023 regular season. Baun saw a career-high 292 defensive snaps last season while continuing to play a critical role on special teams (381). The 2020 third-round pick was a core special-teamer since his first year with the Saints, but he’s yet to log more than 30 tackles in a single season. Grade: B

Agreed to terms with OL Matt Hennessy on a one-year contract

Aug 24, 2020; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons rookie center Matt Hennessy loosens up for the second scrimmage on Monday, August 24, 2020 in Flowery Branch. Mandatory Credit: Curtis Compton/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Sports

After losing Sua Opeta and Jack Driscoll in free agency, Philadelphia replenished their depth by signing Matt Hennessy to a one-year deal. Hennessy, 26, has started 22 games for the Falcons since entering the league as a third-round pick in 2020 out of Temple. He’ll add depth to the interior and could step in at the center if the Eagles decide to keep Cam Jurgens at right guard. According to PFF, Hennessy has played 1,138 NFL snaps at center, But he also has 232 snaps at left guard. Grade: B

Agreed to terms with DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson on a three-year contract

DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 07: C.J. Gardner-Johnson #2 of the Detroit Lions reacts during the second quarter in the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field on January 07, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)

Roseman admitted to missing Gardner-Johnson’s swagger, and signed the safety to a three-year deal. Gardner-Johnson tore a pectoral muscle in Week 2 and did not play again until the regular-season finale against Minnesota. He finished the 2023 regular season with 16 tackles and one INT in three games, primarily playing at single-high safety but also with a healthy dose of box safety and slot corner mixed in. In 2022 with the Eagles, Gardner-Johnson led the NFL in interceptions with six picks in just 12 games. Last off-season, Eagles GM Howie Roseman essentially chose James Bradberry over C.J. Gardner-Johnson, with the talented safety taking his talents and Philadelphia’s swagger with him to Detroit. Roseman is looking for a do-over, and Gardner-Johnson is returning to the Eagles defense. Grade: A

Agreed to terms with WR DeVante Parker on a one-year contract

New England Patriots wide receiver DeVante Parker (1) tries to avoid New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks (25) at MetLife Stadium, Sunday, November 26, 2023.

Parker has played 9 NFL seasons for the Dolphins and Patriots. He has 402 catches for 5,660 yards and has scored 27 touchdowns. New England will formally release him at the start of the league year. Parker was a 2015 first-round pick of Miami, and his best season came in 2019 when he logged 72 tackles for 1,202 yards and nine touchdowns. Last season, Parker played 496 snaps on the outside and just 80 in the slot, according to Pro Football Focus. In 2023, no wide receiver other than A.J. Brown or DeVonta Smith was targeted more than 21 times. Parker, a former first-round pick, totaled 102 targets in the Patriots’ last two seasons. Parker has played some slot, but the idea is that he’ll earn snaps on the outside, allowing Kellen Moore to move A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith around. Grade: C+

Agreed to acquire QB Kenny Pickett and a 2024 fourth-round draft pick (No. 120 overall) from the Steelers

Looking to solidify the position behind Jalen Hurts, the Eagles traded for Kenny Pickett and sent the Steelers two late round picks. Tanner McKee had a nice training camp last season and he’s got talent, but if the season started today and Hurts suffered an injury, the signal-caller would have no prior NFL game experience. That’ll change with Pickett’s arrival. He’s started 24 games in his first two seasons and the Steelers — going 7-5 under center in both of those years. He’s completed 62.6 percent of his passes for 4,474 yards, 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions during his career. Grade: A

Signed LB Devin White on a one-year contract

Dec 24, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Devin White (45) celebrates a sack against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia addressed the linebacker position in a huge way. White finished the 2023 regular season with 83 tackles (49 solo), including 2.5 sacks, two interceptions, and an additional four defensed passes across 14 games. He added three assisted tackles in the Buccaneers’ two postseason games.

Last off-season, White initially requested a trade but instead played under the fifth-year option. White struggled with foot and groin injuries throughout the 2023 season and was replaced in the starting lineup by K.J. Britt. White played 37 defensive snaps in two postseason games.

White, 26, has had spurts of being an elite playmaker, but he’s been unable to establish himself as a star linebacker and has battled inconsistent production since entering the league.

White has six career multi-sack games and has 364 tackles, 23 sacks, six forced fumbles, and three interceptions in 76 career games.

Grade: B-

Signed LB Oren Burks to a one-year contract

Nov 13, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers running back Sony Michel (20) carries the ball against San Francisco 49ers linebacker Oren Burks (48) during the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Burks finished with 46 tackles (29 solo), including one sack and one interception in 15 games played with San Francisco in 2023. Playing the role of a rotational SAM linebacker for the 49ers, Burks set a new career high in tackles while playing the most defensive snaps (308) of his career. A potential replacement for the injured Dre Greenlaw, Burks joins Zack Baun as a defensive specialist who’ll add versatility to Vic Fangio’s revamped unit. Grade: B

Signed DT PJ Mustipher to a one-year contract

Dec 21, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws as guard Coleman Shelton (65) provides coverage against New Orleans Saints defensive tackle PJ Mustipher (54) during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Mustipher (6-4, 318 pounds) was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Denver Broncos in 2023. He was signed to the New Orleans Saints’ active roster from the Broncos’ practice squad in December. In four career NFL games, all with New Orleans, Mustipher logged four tackles while playing 42 defensive snaps. During his time at Penn State(2018-2022), Mustipher registered 145 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, three sacks, and two forced fumbles.

Signed CB Tyler Hall to a one-year contract

Nov 12, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; New York Jets running back Breece Hall (20) is tackled by Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Tyler Hall (37) during the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

The Wyoming product recorded 20 tackles while seeing snaps in the slot on defense and special teams. He’ll likely be working to earn a similar role with Philadelphia in 2024. Grade: B

Signed WR Parris Campbell on a one-year contract

New York Giants wide receiver Parris Campbell (0) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) in the first half at MetLife Stadium on Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford.

Campbell, a 2019 second-round pick out of Ohio State, is coming off a disappointing season with the Giants in which he caught 20 of 27 targets for just 104 yards while adding 191 yards as a kick returner. Campbell’s most productive season came in 2022 with Colts, as he logged 63 catches for 623 yards, and 3 receiving touchdowns. Campbell now gets a chance to compete for depth work behind A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and DeVante Parker. Grade: C

Agreed to terms with QB Will Grier on a one-year contract

The Eagles are adding another quarterback to the roster, as Adam Schefter reports the team is signing veteran Will Grier. Grier, who will turn 29 next month, has not seen the field for regular-season action since 2019 in Carolina. Grier spent two seasons in Dallas working with new Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore and quarterbacks coach Doug Nussmeier. The Cowboys claimed Grier off waivers in September 2021, but he was not active for any games. In 2022, Grier was signed back to the Dallas practice squad after being waived in August and then signed to the active roster in October. Last year he had brief stints on the rosters of the Cincinnati Bengals, New England Patriots and Los Angeles Chargers. A solid player at West Virginia, Grier entered the NFL as a third-round pick (No. 100 overall) by the Carolina Panthers in the 2019 NFL draft. He was the fifth quarterback selected in that draft. Grade: B-

Acquired a 2026 conditional third-round draft pick from the Jets in exchange for LB Haason Reddick

In a move that’ll be discussed for years to come, the Eagles traded Haason Reddick to the Jets, going for a younger version in Bryce Huff. Reddick is one of four players with 50+ sacks since 2020. Reddick finished the year with 11.0 sacks and 38 tackles in 17 regular-season games, and he recorded double-digit sacks for the fourth consecutive season, leading his team in that category and tying for 15th in the NFL. Philadelphia is banking on Bryce Huff being a younger, and more explosive version. Grade: B

Agreed to terms with S Reed Blankenship on a one-year contract extension through 2025

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JANUARY 07: Reed Blankenship #32 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates an interception with Eli Ricks #39 during the second quarter in the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on January 07, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Blankenship became a full-time starter with the Eagles in 2023, starting 15 of 17 and playing 973 snaps on defense (81%) and 124 on special teams. James Bradberry was the only defensive player to play more snaps for the Eagles in 2023. Grade: A

Signed CB Avonte Maddox to a one-year contract.

Dec 24, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Avonte Maddox (29) tackles Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) during the first half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia re-signed Maddox to a one-year deal. Maddox returns on a reduced contract, and if can stay healthy, it’ll be a quality signing. Grade: A

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