The NFC East has seen a different division winner in each of the last 14 seasons. This past season it was the Dallas Cowboys that shocked the NFL by going 13-3 behind a rookie quarterback and running back. Now that other teams have a full season of tape on Dak and Zeke, will they continue to be successful? Although the Cowboys went 13-3, they still have work to do on each side of the football. Will the Redskins sign Kirk Cousins to a long-term deal? Will the Giants draft more offensive weapons for Eli and Odell Beckham Jr.? Will the Philadelphia Eagles satisfy their needs in free agency or through the draft? Let’s look at these questions in more depth.
NFC East Needs
Philadelphia Eagles
Top Free Agents: Stefen Wisniewski (OL), Jaylen Watkins (S)
Team needs: WR, CB, RB
The Eagles had an utterly disappointing season after going 7-9. Additionally, they played exceptionally bad on the road; winning just one of their eight games. The good news for the Eagles is they do not have many key free agents whatsoever. The Eagles need to sign/draft a playmaker on the outside. Carson Wentz is still early in his maturation process and could use a big, physical target that makes plays down the field. The Eagles top two receivers on the depth chart are Nelson Agohlor and Jordan Matthews. Neither posted great numbers (Agohlor: 36 rec, 365 yds, 2 TDs; Matthews: 73 rec, 804 yds, 3 TDs). Look for the Eagles to select Mike Williams or Corey Davis with the 14th overall pick (assuming both players are still available). This would give them the homerun threat along with a big body for Wentz to target. Rumors have swirled around that DeSean Jackson could come back to Philly. I do not see this happening as the Eagles only have $11 MM in cap space this offseason. Jackson would command a HUGE chunk of that and the Eagles have other needs to fill. Look for them to move around some contracts to create more space.
Washington Redskins
Top Free Agents: Kirk Cousins (QB), Pierre Garcon (WR), Chris Baker (DL), DeSean Jackson (WR)
Team needs: LB, DL, S
The Washington Redskins did not finish where they desired to a season ago. Having one of the most dangerous offenses in the league, they finished a mere 8-7-1. A high priority for them this offseason should be retaining their offensive weapons; mainly Kirk Cousins, Pierre Garcon, and DeSean Jackson. If one player was to leave I would guess it to be DeSean Jackson. I address the needs above as if all three were to re-sign with the Redskins. With that being said, the Redskins had a very porous defense a season ago. They gave up the 28th most yards in the league (6,046 yards). Throughout the draft, I would look for them to address these needs in more detail. Although, as I mentioned earlier, they can only address these needs if they take care of their free agents. Look for the Redskins to take the best available player at 17. I do not think they will go need specific here. The Washington Redskins are in great position with cap space this offseason as they have just over $64 MM to spend.
New York Giants
Top Free Agents: Jason Pierre-Paul (Edge), John Jerry (OL), Leon Hall (CB/S)
Team needs: RB, OL, TE
Some experts predicted the New York Giants to win the NFC East in 2016, but none of them thought the Giants would win eleven games. The foremost priority of the Giants is to negotiate Jason Pierre-Paul’s contract. He is a dynamic player who wreaks havoc on interior/exterior offensive lineman. Regardless if they re-sign Pierre-Paul or not, the Giants will likely still pursue an edge rusher early in the draft. Year after year, the Giants seem to replenish one position – the defensive front. I do not see this year being any different. Look for names like Charles Harris, Derek Barnett, and Takkarist McKinley on draft night. Each of these players are NFL ready pass rushers. Additionally, if they choose to address other needs, I could see them snagging a running back such as Christian McCaffrey or Dalvin Cook. The Giants will also target a tight end later in the draft to coexist with or soon replace Larry Donnell. The New York Giants have $34.44 MM cap space this offseason.
Dallas Cowboys
Top Free Agents: Barry Church (S), Morris Claiborne (CB), Ronald Leary (OL), J.J. Wilcox (S)
Team needs: DL, LB, S
The Dallas Cowboys exceeded all expectations in 2016. Unfortunately, their run may be short-lived. Above, I mentioned a few of the key free agents but I did not include cornerback Brandon Carr. This means both their starting cornerbacks and safeties are up for new contracts. Somehow the Dallas Cowboys had little foresight in handling other player’s contracts. At the beginning of the offseason, the Cowboys only had $6 MM of cap space available. Now, according to Pro Football talk, they have cleared nearly $17.3 MM in short-term cap space by restructuring Tyron Smith and Travis Frederick’s contracts. Just like the Giants, the Cowboys are likely to pursue a pass-rusher early in the draft. In terms of defensive hurries on the quarterback from a season ago, the Cowboys ranked 25th. Names to keep an eye out for in the draft are Malik McDowell, Derek Barnett, and Takkarist McKinley. Each of these players would help in terms of getting after the passer. Something to also keep an eye out for – Tony Romo. All signs point to him being released by the Cowboys, but only the future will tell us.
All grades per Pro Football Focus.
