Big Names

No team is a better example of continuous roster building than the Eagles. The title team of 2017 added key players weeks into free agency (Chris Long), in May (LeGarrette Blount), in August (Ronald Darby) and in October (Jay Ajayi). Last year the Eagles added Chauncey Gardner-Johnson on cutdown day and then key role players Linval Joseph and Ndamukong Suh during the season.

The offseason is much more than the first 10 days of free agency.

Howie Roseman has built a loaded roster, but there are areas that could be improved and we know he’s always looking for help.

Cardinals released DeAndre Hopkins. pic.twitter.com/c0f9UaabYA

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 26, 2023

It wasn’t that long ago that Hopkins was the best receiver in the NFL. Should the Eagles go get him?

I don’t think it would make sense. Remember, you’re trying to build a championship team, not an all star team. Hopkins would be a great addition on paper, but players are people. They have egos. They want touches and there are only so many passes to go around.

DeVonta Smith – 95 catches
AJ Brown – 88 catches
Dallas Goedert – 55 catches
Quez Watkins – 33 catches

In only nine games last year, Hopkins had 64 catches. He is a workhorse receiver that needs the ball. The only way this could make sense is if Hopkins decided that winning a ring was his main priority. He would have to sign for less money and would have to embrace fewer touches.

It doesn’t sound like that will happen.

DeAndre Hopkins's search for a new team could be complicated by his financial expectations and his current representation. https://t.co/TEnsgRDjZ2

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) May 27, 2023

He’s reportedly looking for big money and is being repped by an odd choice.

Per multiple sources, the notorious Saint Omni is “running the show” for Hopkins. At least one viable contender for Hopkins’s services is leery about dealing with Omni. And for good reason. Last year, the NFL specifically warned all teams not to deal with Omni or any other non-certified agent in connection with linebacker Roquan Smith.

That doesn’t sound like a situation the Eagles would be excited about getting involved with. I’m sure Howie and Nick Sirianni will discuss if they want to check the situation out or if this is a hard no from them.

The Eagles could use an upgrade at #3 WR. That could be Watkins playing better or adding a veteran player. I think Howie is open to adding someone, but it would have to be the right fit, not just the most talented player. If a veteran is interested in chasing a ring, that might make sense for both sides.

I do think the Eagles genuinely like Watkins and want to see what he can do this year. Still, they know you need good players to win. Sirianni can praise Trey Sermon all day long, but the team then traded for D’Andre Swift.

I don’t see Hopkins making his way to Philly, but don’t shut the door on another WR in the future.

*****

The Eagles reportedly worked out DJ Fluker.

His career snap counts:

Left tackle — 306
Right guard — 3,724
Right tackle — 2,354 https://t.co/Qg9y2WEx0p

— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) May 24, 2023

Fluker is 32 and hasn’t played in the league since 2020. On the surface that doesn’t sound like a player you’d think much about.

Fluker came into the league at 6-5, 342 and got heavier over time. He has gotten into great shape and worked out at the Alabama Pro Day.

Comeback story: Veteran OL DJ Fluker is working out for the #Eagles today, league source tells @theScore.

Fluker has lost over 40 pounds and has been working tirelessly to get in shape. Howie Roseman continues to work the trenches. pic.twitter.com/ab8F1XiGN6

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) May 24, 2023

That is a very different body than the one we saw when he played in the NFL.

Fluker played for Jeff Stoutland at Alabama so that partially explains the Eagles interest. They didn’t sign him so maybe they have doubts about his return to the NFL or maybe they just left things open. Fluker might want to talk to other teams. We’ll see.

At his best, Fluker was a very powerful OG who could pancake DTs. He had okay movement skills, but was too heavy. Now that he’s in good shape, he would be much better on the move. I think Fluker is an interesting project and could make some sense.

*****

As a follow-up to my piece on Sirianni, watch this video.

That is an episode of Unscripted, the show done by the Eagles. It starts with Sirianni’s opening press conference and then jumps to the middle of last year. You can see and hear all the doubters. Then you see Sirianni winning the NFC Championship. What a difference a year makes.

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