Howie Roseman defends Eagles roster building approach, philosophy at LB position

The Eagles build through the trenches, choosing to stock up on elite pass rushers and defensive tackle talent while avoiding premium resources regarding the linebacker position.

During his end-of-season press conference, Roseman used typical GM jargon to describe his lack of urgency in addressing proper depth at the linebacker position.

Howie Roseman on the linebacker position. #Eagles pic.twitter.com/rSdMQswXef

— Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) January 24, 2024

“I feel like we’ve had a long history of success here building the team a certain way,” Eagles general manager Howie Roseman said on Wednesday. “And I think maybe there are some preconceived notions that at the linebacker position, that we don’t care who we play at linebacker. Again, our two Super Bowl teams over the last six years, the linebacker play was good from those guys.”

Roseman hit on undrafted free agent T.J. Edwards and signed Kyzir White to a team-friendly deal last offseason, as both players played critical roles in Philadelphia advancing to the Super Bowl.

Roseman then balked at paying both players, allowing Edwards and White to walk in free agency while putting his eggs in the basket that 2022 third-round pick Nakobe Dean would blossom into a field general and tackling machine in year two.

In addition to Dean, the Eagles signed former Bears linebacker Nicholas Morrow in free agency and then signed former Michigan State linebacker Ben VanSumeren after the draft.

Roseman added Zach Cunningham and Myles Jack during training camp on Aug. 6.

With the NFL offseason starting in March, we’re looking at where the Eagles will turn at the linebacker position.

2024 outlook on roster

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 05: Nakobe Dean #17 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts during the second quarter in the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field on November 05, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

The Eagles are back in a similar situation going into 2024.

Morrow, Cunningham, and Shaquille Leonard are set to be free agents. Dean will be coming off a foot surgery but he and VanSumeren is the only linebackers under contract heading into 2024.

Potential free agent additions

Jan 7, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Frankie Luvu (49) looks over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Frankie Luvu, Panthers
Patrick Queen, Ravens
Tyrel Dodson, Bills
Lavonte David, Buccaneers
Bobby Wagner, Seahawks
Jordyn Brooks, Seahawks
Devin White, Buccaneers
Drue Tranquill, Chiefs
Jordan Hicks, Vikings
Josey Jewell, Broncos
Blake Cashman, Texans
Wilie Gay, Chiefs
Azeez Al-Shaair, Titans

During the 2023 season, Luvu logged 125 total tackles, 7.5 sacks, forced two fumbles, and broke up five passes for Carolina.

ESPN’s Aaron Schatz predicts the Eagles will make a run at Carolina Panthers linebacker Frankie Luvu, as a top offseason priority.

2024 NFL draft prospects

Sep 23, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels linebacker Cedric Gray (33) in pass coverage against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. The Tar Heels won 41-24. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Tyrice Knight, UTEP

Aaron Casey, Indiana

Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State

Trevin Wallace, Kentucky

Payton Wilson, NC State

Ty’Ron Hopper, Missouri

Jaylan Ford, Texas

Cedric Gray, UNC

Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson

Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M

Trade Candidates

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – NOVEMBER 20: Zaire Franklin #44 of the Indianapolis Colts attempts to tackle Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 20, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Zaire Franklin, Colts

Shaq Thompson, Panthers