NFC East Free Agency Preview -

No NFL division possessed competitiveness more than the NFC East. Now, which free agents can fill those voids in the starting lineup?

Three teams from the NFC West claimed a playoff berth in 2022. To the surprise of many, the Cowboys, Giants, and Eagles played postseason football. Now, as the greatest event in sports capitalism begins, finding the right free agents could mean the difference between a return trip to the postseason and sitting home. With that said, the NFC West offers a litany of strong offenses defenses and coaching. Who finds their way to a new 2023 home?

New York Giants

Need: Inside Linebacker

Free Agent: Kyzir White

For all of their offensive brilliance under Brian Daboll, the Giants struggled defensively. To the point, games veered out of control due to one aspect that needs serious correction. In 2022, the New York Giants could not stop the run, at all. The defense allowed 5.2 yards per carry, which ranked thirty-first in the NFL. The Sons of Parcells surrendered at least 190 rushing yards in five separate games last season. Teams ran not only with impunity but disrespect. Short yardage appeared to start at five-and-a-half yards. Kyzir White would seamlessly slide into an inside linebacker spot, alongside Jaylon Smith. White, in tandem with Smith, gives New York a speedy interior ‘backer that can string out running plays to make the play. Not to mention, he excels in pass coverage, as witnessed by his zero passing touchdowns allowed on sixty-five targets.

Washington Commanders

Need: Cornerback

Free Agent: Rock Ya-Sin

Despite employing a front seven loaded with serious talent across, the Washington Commanders’ secondary struggled. Granted, the quarterback could be another option, but stopping the pass is also up there with throwing them. When Kendall Fuller arrived in the nation’s capital, the thought of a lockdown corner resonated. Yet, over the last two seasons, opponents torched Fuller for nine touchdowns. While those two pick-sixes look great on a stat sheet, how often can they occur? Fuller’s dead cap sits at three million. Meanwhile, Ya-Sin brings toughness and physicality to the defensive backfield. Behind that front seven, corners need to be able to compete on every throw. Concomitantly, Ya-Sin’s physical presence could lead to coverage sacks as he disrupts routes. NFC East wideouts continue to improve.

Ep 113: The Patriots And The AFC East
by Full Press Coverage on March 17, 2023 at 2:14 pm

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Dallas Cowboys

Need: Tight End

Free Agent: Mike Gesicki

With the notion that Dallas will attack wideout in the draft, the offense still needs another dynamic piece. Dalton Schultz will test free agency. Dallas needs to let him. In contrast, they could add Gesicki for practically half of what Schultz could ask for. According to Spotrac, Schultz could command fifteen million dollars, while Gesicki could see 8.2. For almost half the money, Dak Prescott could enjoy a lively target. First, Gesicki is a matchup problem for linebackers. His long strides and leaping ability provide serious trouble. While not the blocker that Schultz is, the former Penn State product gashes the defense, not only opening up the field for the wideouts but creating space in the running game. Schultz’s long for a catch is thirty-two yards. Gesicki took one to the house from seventy yards.

Philadelphia Eagles

Need: Cornerback

Free Agent: Jamel Dean

James Bradberry looks to cash in on a big contract after a one-year deal. Regardless of that Super Bowl penalty, teams will flock to his door. On the back of that, remember how the Chiefs drove up and down the field with Philly helpless to stop them. Now, bring in a cornerback with big-game experience. Dean possesses the youthful legs but a veteran mindset that help Tampa Bay shut the Chiefs down. Now, drop him into the Philadelphia secondary. Dean cleaned up his technique in 2022. Nine penalties from 2020-2021 to just a lone holding call last season. If the Super Bowl taught Philly anything, it would need to be the necessity of strong footwork by its corners. The NFC West became an arms race. If the Eagles hope to remain atop the division, they need to reload on the fly.