:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66863260/1191492218.jpg.0.jpg)
Welcome to the 428th update in “the Philadelphia Eagles are searching for a veteran running back” saga. The latest information comes from the Inquirer’s Jeff McLane:
A few things on the #Eagles’ interest in free agent RBs, per sources: They offered contracts to Carlos Hyde, who signed with the Seahawks, and Devonta Freeman, who is weighing other offers (Bucs).
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) May 28, 2020
They have interest in bringing back LeSean McCoy, but have yet to make an offer.
A few things to unpack here.
- The Eagles were clearly outbid by the Seattle Seahawks for Carlos Hyde, who reportedly signed a one-year deal worth up to $4 million.
- The Eagles have competition for Devonta Freeman in the form of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The potential allure of playing with Tom Brady plus being able to stay in the NFC South might give the Bucs an edge.
- It seems like the Eagles would make an offer to McCoy if Freeman turns them down.
Les Bowen did a good job of highlighting why this situation is taking so long to play out.
It's a tough fit. They foresee a very limited role for the vet back they bring in, don't want any bitching about that, and they don't want to pay a lot to that person. https://t.co/Ky6QWTEjsn
— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) May 28, 2020
Whomever the Eagles sign is going to have to be okay with being second fiddle, at best, to emerging star Miles Sanders. They’re also going to have to accept a relatively meager contract. It’s not the most exciting opportunity to jump at, although there’s room for more playing time should Sanders get hurt.
There’s thought that the Eagles should just stick with the young talent they have on their roster but it’s clear they have interest in acquiring a vet. At this point, it looks like Freeman is the primary target and Shady is the backup plan.