As the NFL offseason draws closer, two teams that will be at the forefront of fan discussions are the Philadelphia Eagles and the Cincinnati Bengals. Both teams are coming off successful seasons and are looking to continue their upward trajectory. For the Eagles, the focus will be on keeping their already-elite roster intact while addressing areas for improvement. On the other hand, the Bengals are eyeing ways to solidify their defense and plan for the future, especially with key players like Trey Hendrickson potentially nearing a decision on his long-term future.

Let’s dive into both topics and explore how these teams can bolster their rosters in the upcoming offseason.

How Will the Philadelphia Eagles Bolster Their Roster This Offseason?

After an impressive 2022-2023 season, where the Eagles made a deep playoff run and came within striking distance of a Super Bowl title, the front office now faces the challenge of keeping their championship window wide open. While Jalen Hurts and the offensive core will likely continue to be the backbone of the team, there are key areas where the Eagles must strengthen if they want to maintain their elite status in the NFC.

Here are the key factors the Philadelphia Eagles should focus on this offseason:

1. Bolstering the Defensive Line

The Eagles’ defensive line was a massive strength in 2022, ranking among the league’s top units. However, Brandon Graham and Fletcher Cox are both getting up there in age, and while they remain productive, their careers are closer to winding down than beginning. The Eagles will likely look to add some younger pass-rushers to the fold, either through the NFL Draft or free agency.

Draft Options: Philadelphia could look to select a defensive tackle or edge rusher in the first few rounds of the 2023 Draft to inject some youth into the rotation. Names like Jalen Carter (Georgia), Tyree Wilson (Texas Tech), or Myles Murphy (Clemson) could be attractive options if available.

Free Agency: There will also be veteran pass-rushers available who could step in immediately and add depth to the defense. Jadeveon Clowney and Marcus Davenport are potential names to keep an eye on, depending on the cap situation.

2. Wide Receiver Depth

While the Eagles are set at the wide receiver position with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, they could look to add some depth behind them. Quez Watkins had some solid moments but struggled with consistency, and the team could use another reliable option for Jalen Hurts to throw to.

Free Agency Targets: Players like Darius Slayton or Jarvis Landry could provide veteran presence and reliability in the slot, something the Eagles could use if they intend to open up their playbook even more.

Draft Targets: The Eagles could look for a speedster or a big-bodied receiver in the draft, depending on how the draft board shakes out. Someone like Zay Flowers (Boston College) or Jordan Addison (USC) would provide great depth behind Brown and Smith.

3. Strengthening the Secondary

The Eagles’ secondary was one of the best in the league last season, but they do have some key free agents to re-sign, namely James Bradberry and C.J. Gardner-Johnson. While the team can work to keep these players, there’s a possibility that they lose one or both to other teams offering larger contracts.

Re-signing Key Free Agents: Locking down Bradberry and Gardner-Johnson should be a priority. If the Eagles are unable to retain them, they may turn to the free-agent market or the NFL Draft to bolster the secondary.

Draft Targets: The draft has a talented crop of cornerbacks and safeties. Players like Kelee Ringo (Georgia), Joey Porter Jr. (Penn State), or Brian Branch (Alabama) could be solid options to strengthen the depth of the Eagles’ secondary for the future.

4. Offensive Line Depth

The Eagles’ offensive line is one of the best in football, but depth will always be a concern, especially as the team enters the later years of some key contracts. Adding a swing tackle or even a guard could provide valuable depth for both now and the future.

Free Agent Options: While the Eagles’ starting five is strong, having depth at the offensive line is crucial, and looking for a player who can provide versatility would be wise. A player like Mike McGlinchey (San Francisco 49ers) could be an option if they want to add a solid veteran to their rotation.

Bengals and Trey Hendrickson’s Future: What’s Next?

While the Bengals had an excellent run last season, falling just short of a Super Bowl appearance, their next challenge is solidifying their defensive line, especially when it comes to Trey Hendrickson’s future. Hendrickson has been a key piece of their pass rush, but with a contract expiring soon, the Bengals are left wondering what comes next for him and the defense.

Trey Hendrickson’s Contract Situation

Hendrickson, one of the league’s most underrated pass-rushers, has been a massive factor in Cincinnati’s defensive success. Over the last few seasons, he has consistently brought pressure to opposing quarterbacks, and his sack numbers have been impressive. However, with his contract up soon, the Bengals have a tough decision ahead:

Re-signing Hendrickson: The Bengals will likely try to retain Hendrickson, but his price tag is going up, especially after his strong performances. Whether the team can free up enough cap space to lock him down to a long-term deal will be one of the key storylines for Cincinnati this offseason.

Potential Free Agent Loss: If Hendrickson does hit the market, expect plenty of teams to come calling. His ability to generate sacks and pressure from the edge will be valuable to any team looking to improve their defense.

Bengals’ Defensive Line Future

Whether they retain Hendrickson or not, the Bengals need to continue improving their defensive line. Although they have quality pieces like DJ Reader and Sam Hubbard, the edge rush has been inconsistent at times, especially in big moments during the playoffs.

Drafting for the D-Line: Adding an elite edge rusher through the NFL Draft could be the Bengals’ solution. A player like Will Anderson Jr. (Alabama) or Myles Murphy (Clemson) would add another dynamic piece to their pass rush.

Free Agency Options: If the Bengals can’t bring Hendrickson back, there are several edge rushers who could fill that void. Players like Marcus Davenport (New Orleans Saints) or Jadeveon Clowney might provide the right mix of experience and production.

Conclusion: What’s Next for the Eagles and Bengals?

For the Philadelphia Eagles, the offseason is all about retooling and ensuring they stay on top of the NFC. By bolstering the defensive line, adding depth at wide receiver, and securing key players in the secondary, they can continue to push for Super Bowl contention.

On the other hand, the Cincinnati Bengals face crucial decisions regarding their defensive future, particularly with Trey Hendrickson‘s contract situation. If they’re able to retain him and continue to add talent to their defensive line, the Bengals will be a dangerous team for years to come, especially with Joe Burrow leading the charge on offense.

Both teams are looking to continue their momentum and strengthen their rosters for the upcoming season, and the offseason moves they make could define their championship aspirations. Stay tuned as we watch how these teams reshape their futures!