The Philadelphia Eagles have some important decisions to make in free agency. They have several key free agents hitting the market, including on the defensive line. Two of the key contributors in the Super Bowl win against the Chiefs, Milton Williams and Josh Sweat, could leave once the new league year starts.
If they were to lose even one of these players, they must look for alternative options to keep their front four competitive. Thankfully they have multiple ways to address this potential need. There’s the draft where they have a first-round pick. The team has also been linked to premiere pass-rushing target Myles Garrett. However, if the team finds a deal too costly to acquire his services, they could turn to another all-time great pass rusher.
Philadelphia Eagles Could Target Khalil Mack In Free Agency
While Garrett would be an immediate starter on this roster, and any roster for that matter, Mack is closer to the end of the road. However, that shouldn’t be an issue, as the Chargers pass rusher remained effective in a full-time role last year.
The veteran made his ninth Pro Bowl this past season, notching 39 combined tackles with 20 of those being solo tackles. He also had six sacks and two forced fumbles. However, even at age 33, he still has a knack for explosiveness off the edge. Just a year ago in 2023, Mack tallied a career high 17 sacks. Even with that being the most he’s had since 2018, he still averaged between six and nine sacks for the past six seasons.
Over his career, he’s been terrorizing opposing teams’ quarterbacks. He’s been brought into other organizations like the Bears and Chargers to be the missing defensive piece for a Super Bowl. Does he still have that ability? It’s possible that 2023 was an anomaly because he hasn’t put up those kind of numbers since his Raiders days.
Can The Eagles Afford the Veteran Free Agent?
The Birds don’t have the most cap space in the world going into free agency, but they should have enough for Mack. Spotrac ranks the Eagles at 20 for total cap space with just over $17 million. That should be more than enough for a reliable edge rusher whose age will probably prevent him from breaking the bank. Also, while other teams have brought him in to be the missing piece, that pressure is off in Philly.
Mack would be a solid contributor in situational spots that would be more affordable than a guy like Garrett. If Mack is looking for potentially one last shot at a title, Philly may be no better option. They are coming off a Super Bowl win and have no signs of slowing down. He would be on a top contender in need of his unique services.
What would be even more interesting is if he could channel some of his past abilities. If he can gain back some of his 2023 or Bears form, he could be the steal of the offseason. That will only be determined when he signs with his next team.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – Imagn Images
The post One Big Swing the Philadelphia Eagles Could Take In Free Agency appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.