Why Available Veterans Aren't Right Fits For Eagles

Why Available Veterans Aren’t Right Fits For Eagles originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Philadelphia Eagles have always seemed open to discussing potential deals. Whether it is with free agents or trade partners, Philadelphia is never truly out of the conversation to make a deal.

It’s one of the many reasons the organization has won two Super Bowl titles with two different quarterbacks in the last 10 years.

As the Eagles gear up for a repeat, though, several star free agents are still available to be signed. All-Pro safety Justin Simmons and Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander are looking for new homes and are strong fits with Philly.

Things have changed for the Eagles, though.

Gone are the days when they would recklessly throw cash to the top free agent. Philadelphia’s draft record has become one of the best in the league. With that, several of the team’s young core on the defensive side are up for lucrative contract extensions.

Many of them, including All-Pro defensive tackle Jalen Carter and edge rusher Nolan Smith, are two players expected to sign those new deals next offseason. Extensions will also be needed for cornerbacks like Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell in a few seasons.

Philadelphia already has massive extensions out for almost all of their offensive stars.

There isn’t enough money to go around.

Alexander and Simmons are two players who fit Philadelphia’s defensive scheme. That doesn’t mean they fit their financial plan, though. That is precisely why, despite fan intrigue, the Eagles are going to stay away from those players.

The youth movement on defense is just too important.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 13, 2025, where it first appeared.

Why Available Veterans Aren’t Right Fits For Eagles

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