Doug Pederson discusses missing out on a free agent running back, Colin Kaepernick, more

In addition to speaking with Philadelphia Eagles reporters earlier this week, Doug Pederson also had a guest spot on SportsRadio 94WIP’s Morning Show with Angelo Cataldi. There were a couple of topics of interest that stuck out.

THE RUNNING BACK SITUATION

Pederson admitted the Eagles missed out on signing a veteran running back they were targeting — likely Carlos Hyde, who joined the Seattle Seahawks. Reports indicate the Eagles could still have interest in adding Devonta Freeman or LeSean McCoy but the Eagles might just opt to stick with the young guys that Pederson was talking up.

Q: We’re all speculating that it’s going to be Miles Sanders as your main guy rather than a running back by committee. Are we speculating correctly?

PEDERSON: You’re correct. Miles is our number one. He’s the guy that we drafted last year and he had a tremendous rookie season. He’s ready to carry the load. But I think you’ve got to have a second or a third guy there that can help him and keep him Miles — the one thing with running backs is keeping them healthy for 16-plus games every season. So, Miles can definitely do that. Boston [Scott] came on last year and did a fabulous job for us, kind of a relief pitcher for Miles. And then we brought back Corey [Clement]. And Corey’s a great addition. I know he’s been injured the past couple of seasons but he gives you a little bit of depth there.

And then we’re excited about the young guys. We had Elijah Holyfield on our practice roster at the end of the year. Michael Warren, kid we signed [as an undrafted rookie free agent], we really like him. And then Adrian Killins is kind of a hybrid type running back, you can kind of use him in different positions.

So, Miles is the guy, and we’ll fill in from there.

Q: There’s been speculation you’ve been looking for another veteran runner. It sounds like you’re pretty happy with what you’ve got. Is that correct?

PEDERSON: Yeah, I am. I am. We did. And we looked outside in free agency, some of the guys were there. And, as you guys know, we had an opportunity to possibly grab a player and [he] slipped through our fingers. But we’re always looking to add depth, add value. But we’re pleased with that running back room right now. Duce [Staley] goes a great job of preparing those guys. I’m happy with that group.

The Eagles don’t need to be in a rush to sign a vet. They could wait to see how the young guys do in training camp before determining if they need to add more depth there. I do think it could be nice to add some more insurance should something happen to Sanders.

MORE ROSTER MOVES COMING?

Doug’s obviously not the one making roster moves but he did suggest they might add some kind of veteran body with Brandon Brooks going down. The Eagles have some options in that regard. Then again, earlier this week Pederson said they’d look to fill the right guard spot with internal options first.

CATALDI: Are you looking at any other roster moves or is this pretty much the roster you’re going to take to training camp?

PEDERSON: This is pretty much the roster that we have. Outside of maybe looking now at — with Brandon’s injury — maybe doing something there. But other than that, this is pretty much the roster we’re going to take to camp and work with. And I’m excited about it. I really am. And the additions on defense that we made in free agency and the young guys, the young players we drafted not only offensively but defensively I think are dynamic guys, electric guys. And I’m really looking forward to this roster taking shape as we get further into camp.

COLIN KAEPERNICK

Could the Eagles be the team to bring Kaepernick back to the NFL? They recently made a list of logical landing spots and they are aiming to be a quarterback factory, after all.

CATALDI: Would you consider signing him?

PEDERSON: Well, I think, again, obviously I can’t comment necessarily on Colin, but if a team or even us were in a situation, I think we look at all possibilities, all scenarios. I think the one thing you keep in mind is that he hasn’t played in a couple years but that doesn’t mean come in and be a backup and learn your system and do those types of things for you. It’s not out of the realm, it’s not out of the possibility that that could happen.

With Carson Wentz, Nate Sudfeld, and Jalen Hurts already in the fold, I don’t see the Eagles signing Kap. But they did attend his workout last fall so they’ve done some homework on him.

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Use the embedded player below to hear Pederson’s full interview.