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Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni, left, talks with quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 57 football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

What’s Next for the Philadelphia Eagles?

The Philadelphia Eagles had a historic 2022-23 season, finishing with a franchise record 14 wins and an NFC title. However, after coming up short against the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl, the Eagles enter an offseason in which they will be forced to make changes.

Free Agents

Philadelphia has several players that will hit free agency this offseason.

With multiple key defensive players becoming free agents this offseason, the Eagles are likely to have a very different look on defense in 2023. Safety CJ Gardner-Johnson is a crucial player for Philadelphia to attempt to resign this offseason. Johnson totaled a league high six interceptions this season, doing so in just 12 games. Another critical free agent the Eagles will need to evaluate is cornerback James Bradberry. The second-team all pro is an important piece of the Philadelphia secondary.

Offensively, the Eagles may lose running back Miles Sanders. Sanders is coming off of a career year and is likely to request a large contract. Philadelphia may elect to franchise tag Sanders, which would cost them $10.1 million. However, with the recent emergence of Kenneth Gainwell out of the backfield, letting Sanders walk could be the right decision.

Jalen Hurts Contract Extension

The Eagles will additionally need to reevaluate quarterback Jalen Hurts’ contract. Hurts was the MVP favorite until he injured his shoulder late in the year and is entering the final year of his rookie contract.

Hurts lead the Eagles to the Super Bowl in just his third year in the league. He said he is using this loss as a learning experience.

It has been reported that Philadelphia is likely to offer Hurts a large contract extension this offseason.

Coaching Staff

The Eagles also must fill the roles of offensive and defensive coordinator. Offensive coordinator Shane Steichen and defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon both earned themselves head coaching positions for 2023. Steichen was hired as the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts and Gannon was hired as the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals.

Draft

The Eagles have the 1oth overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft as a result of last years trade with the New Orleans Saints. What they will do with this pick will be determined by who they are able to keep this offseason. If Philadelphia does happen to lose Bradberry, cornerback Joey Porter Jr. from Penn State may be a potential target for the Eagles. The pick could also be used on Georgia edge rusher Nolan Smith or Clemson defensive lineman Bryan Bresee as additions to the strong Philadelphia defensive line.

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