Eagles' Top Contract Extension Priorities Entering Training Camp

Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has earned his money this offseason.

The Eagles did not shy away from making big moves this season, which included handing out some massive contracts.

In addition to the four-year, $100 million deal given to A.J. Brown after making the move to trade for him, they handed out big money to James Bradberry (on a one-year contract) and Haason Reddick.

They also took care of some of their own. They gave Jordan Mailata a sizeable contract extension and retained Derek Barnett and Fletcher Cox.

With the 2022 roster just about complete, the team can now start looking at 2023 and beyond. The team is in a good position with the salary cap and has many of its best players under contract beyond the 2023 season.

Still, there are a few names who should be on the radar for a contract extension.

Jordan Davis might look like a future superstar defensive tackle, but that's what Javon Hargrave is right now.

Inking the 29-year-old to a massive long-term extension isn't a great idea, but ensuring he's going to continue to call Philadelphia home isn't a bad one, either. He is headed toward the danger zone of beyond 30, but he's still playing at an elite level.

Seth Walder of ESPN explained Hargrave's impact best with his graph that shows the players who see the most double teams and also have a top pass-rush win rate:

Aaron Donald is in a class by himself, but after that, Hargrave and Chris Jones are in their own tier.

Hargrave's ability to eat up double teams while still beating his blocks at a high rate makes it easier for Haason Reddick, Derek Barnett and Josh Sweat to win on the outside.

Both Hargrave and Fletcher Cox's contracts are up after this season. The Eagles would be wise to make sure at least one veteran sticks around.

The best teams identify young talent early and make sure they get them under contract. In 2021, T.J. Edwards made a strong case why the Eagles should look to do that.

The 25-year-old took off in his third season, finishing second on the team with 130 total tackles despite playing just 64 percent of the defensive snaps. He proved to be a sure tackler who makes stops all over the field.

Edwards was ranked 10th among all the off-ball linebackers graded by PFF last season.

The Eagles made moves to reconfigure their linebacker room, but it comes as no surprise that the Wisconsin product was not part of the renovation. Nakobe Dean and Kyzir White are great complements for him, but not replacements for him.

Edwards should be given the opportunity to continue to develop in the defense while playing alongside the athletic new additions to the position.

With more help in 2022, he could look even better.

James Bradberry is on a one-year "prove it" deal, but the Eagles should be quick to decide he's proved it if he shows he can get back to form in 2022.

Cornerback is easily the thinnest position for the team. After Bradberry and Darius Slay, the options are much less accomplished and experienced. The future starters at the position are likely not on the roster right now.

That's all the more reason the Eagles should be looking to extend Bradberry's contract if the soon-to-be 29-year-old looks at home in their defense. He had his struggles in 2021 with the New York Giants but was a Pro Bowler in 2020.

Philadelphia has the personnel to be dominant in the front seven for the foreseeable future. There's a good combination of proven veterans and young up-and-comers at defensive end, linebacker and defensive tackle.

The secondary is still heavily dependent on 31-year-old Darius Slay to remain healthy and dominant.

Bradberry gives the Eagles continued insurance that the bottom won't fall out if that isn't the case.