Fantasy football breakdown of Eagles roster following free agency

NFL free agency started on March 18th, but technically does not end until the end of the season. However, after a firehose of news the first week, and another run the second week, things quiet down to a trickle. There are still big names out there, but it’s going to take some time to get them signed, sealed and delivered.

With that in mind, it’s time to take a look at where teams stand after the early rush of free agency and what it means for fantasy football. We’re going to take a look at the skill positions, breaking down what the starting lineup and reserves will look like to assess fantasy value heading into August drafts.

Today, we’re taking a look at the Philadelphia Eagles. Philadelphia has focused on fortifying its defense so far this offseason. It lost Malcolm Jenkins but traded for Darius Slay and signed Nickell Robey-Coleman in hopes of keeping the secondary sturdy. The Eagles also added to their fearsome defensive line by signing Javon Hargrave for three years. They returned backup quarterback Nate Sudfeld, but the offense could use a lot more firepower.

Quarterback

Starter: Carson Wentz
Backups: Nate Sudfeld, Kyle Lauletta

Wentz was QB10 in standard and PPR leagues last year, throwing for 4,039 yards and 27 touchdowns without a consistent receiving corps. Getting DeSean Jackson back and adding more depth out wide through the draft should help Wentz perform at the same level or better in 2020. He put together the second complete season of his career and has the potential to crack the top five in passing yards.

Running Back

Starter: Miles Sanders
Backups: Boston Scott, Elijah Holyfield

Sanders is in for a big year. He was RB15 while finishing outside of the top 20 in carries (179) as a rookie. He has the kind of versatility that makes running backs like Christian McCaffrey, Alvin Kamara, Dalvin Cook, and others so dangerous.

He racked up 818 rushing yards and 509 rushing yards with six total touchdowns while splitting work with Jordan Howard, who has since signed with the Miami Dolphins. Philadelphia wants to add more depth to its backfield, but expect Sanders to be the feature back and become a top 10 fantasy running back in 2020.

Wide Receiver

Starters: Alshon Jeffery, DeSean Jackson, Greg Ward Jr.
Backups: JJ Arcega-Whiteside, Deontay Burnett

None of the Eagles’ wide receivers cracked the top 50 in fantasy football production last season. Jeffery ranked 59th in standard and PPR leagues and 57th on DraftKings. He’s missed nine games over the last two seasons and is recovering from a foot surgery. If he’s not traded in 2020, he’ll likely end up as Philadelphia’s second best wide receiver.

Jackson has the most upside and scored two touchdowns in three games before having his season ended by a core injury. When healthy, he’s one of the NFL’s best deep threats. He had amazing chemistry with Wentz from the start in 2019 and should pick up where he left off.

Philadelphia’s third starter will likely be Greg Ward or whoever it drafts with a first-round pick next month. The value of that player can’t be determined at this point.

Tight End

Starter: Zach Ertz
Backups: Dallas Goedert, Josh Perkins, Alex Ellis

Ertz and Goedert were both top 10 fantasy tight ends in 2019, and it’s hard to believe that could be the case in 2020. Ertz has led the team in targets for two straight seasons and should have top 10 upside next season, but Goedert should take a step back with Jackson and Jeffery in better shape.