PFF: Six Philadelphia Eagles Among NFL’s Top 2023 Free Agents

Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Javon Hargrave has become a key member of the Eagles defensive line and is entering free agency at the end of the season.

Hargrave, signed a three-year, $39 million deal with the Eagles before the 2020 season, notched a career-high 11 sacks in 2022 and has 23 of this 37.5 sacks in a Eagles uniform.

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His production landed him on Pro Football Focus’ list of the top 50 upcoming free agents to hit the market when the new league year starts on March 15.

PFF ranked Hargrave No. 4 overall, and the best defensive linemen on the market.

Since 2020, Hargrave’s 92.2 pass-rush grade trails only Aaron Donald and Chris Jones at the position, with his 18.8% pass-rush win rate also ranking third.

Hargrave, 30, was one of two Eagles to make the list, with cornerback James Bradberry landing at No. 16 after signing a one-year deal to play in Philadelphia in 2022.

His 46.0% completion percentage allowed was the fourth-best mark among cornerbacks for the 2022 regular season, and his 19 forced incompletions ranked second.

He was the second-highest ranked corner on the free agent list and was a major upgrade at the position over Steven Nelson, who was the starter in 2021.

Another Eagle that landed on the list, coming in at No. 24 was linebacker, T.J. Edwards Edwards had a career year, playing on a one-year, $2.15 million deal.

He had a career year, helping turn around the Eagles' defense with the second-best grade among off-ball linebackers (84.4). Edwards was one of just four linebackers to earn grades above 75.0 in run defense and coverage, generating 11 quarterback pressures on just 26 pass-rush snaps, as well.

At No. 28 was a guy the Eagles traded for right before the season started, safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson.  The Eagles were able to lander Gardner-Johnson in part because the Saints couldn't get come to terms on a new deal. His league leading six interceptions, even with missing five weeks, should land him a big payday.

The interesting thing with his market will be where his next team — if he doesn’t stay in Philadelphia — projects him in the lineup, with safeties earning a lot more on average than slot cornerbacks.

Right guard Isaac Seumalo is another Eagle that landed on the list, coming in at No. 32. The versatile guard, played left guard in the past and has even played center and some tackle.

Seumalo’s pass blocking from Week 11 on — protecting two very different quarterbacks in Jalen Hurts and Gardner Minshew — was nothing short of spectacular, earning a 90.4 mark with zero quarterback hits and pressure allowed on just 1.8% of pass-block snaps.

The Eagles don't have an obvious in-house option to replace him, but might have plenty of competition from rival teams looking for interior offensive line help.

At No. 39 on the list is veteran defensive end Brandon Graham.  While it would be surprising to see Graham leave or play elsewhere, he has had a terrific season and could garner some attention if the Eagles move on.

Graham is likely going to re-sign with the Eagles as a rotational pass-rush specialist or retire, but he’s worthy of making this list, as the ageless wonder had the first 10-sack season of his career at age 34 and was an absolute problem on passing downs.

The Eagles have 20 free agents in all, and those six landed in the Top 50, but they have plenty of other decisions to make.

Other names to keep a close eye on are Andre Dillard, Miles Sanders, Marcus Epps, Kyzir White, Fletcher Coix and Boston Scott.