Last offseason, Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman made several impactful acquisitions that helped his franchise secure its second Super Bowl victory. Some of these additions included identifying players who had displayed their talent, but could never quite live up to their full potential, like Zack Baun.
Baun is a former third-round pick who played 62 games with the New Orleans Saints, but could never consistently crack the starting lineup. Well, the Eagles signed the linebacker to a one-year contract worth $3.5 million, and he proceeded to have a career year, leading to a first-team All-Pro selection.
Now, some are wondering if the Eagles’ GM can do it again? Can he identify one or a few more low-cost targets who could end up paying major dividends? Some think Roseman may have done just that.
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Josh Uche could be next Philadelphia Eagles signing that strikes gold
The Philadelphia Eagles have made a string of low-profile free agency signings, taking chances on several players who have a chance at a breakout season under a strong coaching staff.
Yet, amond all of them, which Eagles free agency signing has a chance to pay off the most?
Recently, The Athletic’s Mike Sando spoke with several anonymous front office executives, one of whom suggested edge rusher Josh Uche is a player who could ‘strike gold’ in free agency again next offseason, much like Baun did.
“Philly made some interesting low-cost bets this offseason, adding Josh Uche and Azeez Ojulari to their pass rush, Kenyon Green to their offensive line and A.J. Dillon to their offensive backfield. They struck gold last offseason when they signed Baun to a cheap one-year deal. Is one of these guys next?”
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‘It could be Uche because he will be the replacement for Sweat,’ an exec said. ‘Those guys get $17-20 million even if they are just OK. For Uche, it’s all about fit. If they just let him rush the passer, that is what he does best.’
Uche would certainly qualify. He’s a 26-year-old former second-round pick who once posted a career-high 11.5 sacks in 2022. But he hasn’t topped three sacks in any individual season since.
Now the Eagles are taking a flier on Uche, hoping they can help him unlock the best version of himself, and it’s one teams have already seen on film.
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