One of the most busy times in the offseason is about to begin. It’s time for 2018 NFL free agency.

Thanks to Howie Roseman, the Philadelphia Eagles are typically very active during this time of year. The Birds finds themselves in a unique position, though, where they don’t have a lot of cap space to spend. They also don’t need to spend a ton of money of money since they have a Super Bowl winning roster that lacks holes.

While this year likely won’t feature the big signings we’ve seen in previous offseasons, you can expect Roseman will still be active when it comes to making trades and signing depth players. He always has some surprises up his sleeve.

This comprehensive 2018 NFL free agency primer has you covered with everything you need to know regarding this year's process.

Time and Dates

March 12 (noon ET) through March 14 - Three day window of negotiating, unofficial start of free agency: Clubs are permitted to contact, and enter into contract negotiations with, the certified agents of players who will become Unrestricted Free Agents upon the expiration of their 2017 Player Contracts at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 14. However, a contract cannot be executed with a new club until 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 14.

March 14 (4:00 PM ET) - Official start of free agency: The 2018 league year and free agency period begin at 4:00 p.m., New York time. The first day of the 2018 league year will end at 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 14. Clubs will receive a personnel notice that will include all transactions submitted to the league office during the period between 4:00 p.m., New York time, and 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 14.

Where can I keep track of all the rumors?

Right here at Bleeding Green Nation! CLICK HERE for the official 2018 NFL free agency Eagles rumors tracker. Bookmark that link and check back often.

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How much cap space do the Eagles have?

The Eagles are roughly $9.8 million OVER the cap, according to Over The Cap. They must be under the cap by the time the new league year begins at 4:00 PM ET this Wednesday, March 14.

Who are the Eagles' own free agents?

Nigel Bradham

Patrick Robinson

Trey Burton

Darren Sproles

LeGarrette Blount

Corey Graham

Najee Goode

Bryan Braman

Kenjon Barner

Jaylen Watkins

Beau Allen

Dannell Ellerbe

Will Beatty

Caleb Sturgis

Who should the Eagles re-sign?

Nigel Bradham is arguably the most important player for the Eagles to re-sign since Philadelphia would be very light at linebacker without him. Unfortunately for the Birds, it sounds like Bradham wants to test the market. The same goes for Trey Burton, Beau Allen, etc.

The good news for the Eagles is that it sounds like they’re going to be able to retain veteran slot cornerback Patrick Robinson.

Which Eagles players could be cut/traded in order to save cap space?

Vinny Curry is among nine players that stand out as cap casualty candidates. CLICK HERE to see the entire list.

What are the Eagles' biggest positions of need?

If Bradham isn’t retained, linebacker immediately becomes the Eagles’ biggest need. The oft-injured Jordan Hicks is set to play out the final year of his rookie deal in 2018. Mychal Kendricks has been erratic throughout his career and is perpetually in the state of being a trade candidate.

The Eagles could afford to add some depth at wide receiver, tight end, defensive tackle, and perhaps safety, if possible.

Which notable free agents are there at the Eagles' positions of need?

Rotoworld has a great list of every NFL free agent ranked by their respective position group. Here’s a look at some of the options at Philadelphia’s biggest need.

4-3 Off-Ball Linebackers

Nigel Bradham (28)
Tahir Whitehead (27)
Jonathan Casillas (30)
Ramon Humber (30)
Paul Worrilow (27)
Jelani Jenkins (26)
Kemal Ishmael (26)
Kevin Pierre-Louis (26)
LaRoy Reynolds (27)
Emmanuel Lamur (28)
Keenan Robinson (28)
Brock Coyle (27)
Sean Weatherspoon (30)
Michael Mauti (28)
Jonathan Freeny (28)
Justin Durant (32)

Who do Eagles fans want in free agency?

Again, the Eagles won’t be able to spend much, so it’s really hard to covet the top guys. The Eagles should definitely look to address linebacker in some capacity if they don’t keep Bradham.

Here’s a list of some realistic free agent targets for the Eagles.

How does the 2018 NFL Draft factor into free agency plans?

The Eagles only have six selections in the 2018 NFL Draft and none of them are on Day 2. Roseman is likely going to be working the trade market in order to get some more assets. Draft picks are more valuable than ever to an Eagles team that needs affordable, cost-controlled talent.

Anything else?

As always, BGN will have full coverage of this year's free agency period. Stay tuned to this site for every rumor, report, update, signing, trade, etc. The news will happen fast, so check back often. It should be a fun off-season for the Philadelphia Eagles. Let's spend it together!