Rich Hofmann of the Philadelphia Daily News assesses the Eagles current roster as they begin the process of switching to a 3-4 base defense next year. According to Hofmann, “the transformation will take 2 years, minimum.”
Hofmann believes they’ll have to find an upgrade at defensive tackle, another 3-4 defensive end to play opposite of Fletcher Cox, “at least” one new outside linebacker, two cornerbacks and two safeties in order to make the transition.
In regards to the outside linebacker position, Philadelphia has some options currently on their roster that they will likely consider. Trent Cole could be given a look and many believed 2012 second-round pick Vinny Curry could play linebacker in a 3-4 leading up to last year’s draft.
Hofmann’s suggestion that the secondary needs to be completely rebuilt is an indication that Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie will not be brought back next season. On top of that, Nnamdi Asomugha, 31, is almost to be asked to take a pay cut considering that he’s set to make $15 million next season. In his two seasons with the Eagles, Asomugha looks like an average at best corner and there’s a chance that Philadelphia could release him outright.
Some of this year’s best secondary options on the open market include S Jairus Byrd, S Dashon Goldson, CB Aqib Talib, S Kenny Phillips, CB Brent Grimes, CB Sean Smith and S William Moore. All of these players are listed in our recently updated Top 50 Free Agents list.
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