NFC East Free Agency: Each team’s biggest hole left on the roster
The most mentally demanding part of the offseason for these NFC East front offices has come to an end, but in this business, you can’t relax especially if you’re in the player personnel department. If you fall asleep at the wheel, you could end up missing out on a player that can come in at a cheap price tag that can make an impact on their roster. Such is the case for the Cowboys’ Will McClay, the Eagles’ Howie Roseman, the Giants’ Joe Schoen, and the Commanders’ Martin Mayhew.
These men are at the helm and they have now shifted their focus from the draft to veteran free agents still on the market that will no longer count against the compensatory pick compensation and possible roster casualties who could be traded after teams selected players in this year’s draft.
Each team has done what they feel is a good job of finding players they believe can help them now and in the future but there’s always room for more competition in order to field the best team possible. So, let’s take a look at who these teams could be looking to bring into camp and possibly add as a final piece that will help their teams reach their goals.
NFC East remaining needs after the 2023 NFL Draft
Dallas Cowboys Biggest Hole Left to Fill: Kicker
Cairo Santos
Career Stat Line: 84.5% Field Goals Made, 95.1% Extra Points Made
Santos had a down season in 2022 but overall he’s a solid kicker in the NFL, but the Bears weren’t taking any chances and signed undrafted free agent kicker Andre Szmyt out of Syracuse. If the Bears are looking to cut or trade Santos the Cowboys could be a team that could make a move to get him. He has a big leg and if you can kick in that crazy Chicago wind then kicking inside AT&T Stadium should be a breeze.
New York Giants Biggest Hole Left to Fill: Safety
Adrian Amos
Career Stat Line: 636 total tackles, 28 tackles for loss, 10 interceptions, 48 passes defended, 3 forced fumbles
The Giants made a lot of progress on both sides of the football but one area they could still use help is the safety position. The loss of free safety Julian Love was a blow to a secondary that isn’t very effective at creating takeaways. Amos is a player that has that ability and is a proven player that is still available. Adding him would give the Giants a veteran that can get players set and be a ball-hawk on the back end of this defense.
Philadelphia Eagles Biggest Hole Left to Fill: Linebacker
Deion Jones
Career Stat Line: 696 total tackles, 46 tackles for loss, 12 interceptions, 47 passes defended, 5 forced fumbles
The Eagles were able to get back most of the talent they lost on the defensive side of the football after losing so many players early in free agency. The one area they didn’t really address though was middle linebacker, Nakobe Dean with another year under his belt will be a big help but they need another savvy veteran that can come in and help this defense. Jones is a perfect player to do it, he’s fluid in coverage and isn’t afraid to come up and stop the run for a linebacker his size. Pairing him with Dean would make for a fast linebacker pairing behind a dominant defensive line.
Washington Commanders Biggest Hole Left to Fill: Quarterback
Ryan Tannehill
Career Stat Line: 33,265 Passing Yards, 64.3% Completion Percentage, 212 Touchdowns, 2,029 Rushing Yards, 108 Interceptions
As much as you’d like to believe what the Commanders are saying about Sam Howell this team needs an established veteran that can lead the team while Howell continues to develop. Tannehill would be the perfect trade piece that can be added to this roster giving them a chance to win games and mentor Howell as well. As for the Titans, you don’t draft a guy that high and say he isn’t going to be your starting quarterback of the future.