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2023, 2023, NFC, NFL, Articles, NFC East, Free Agency

2023 NFL Free Agency, Live Updates: NFC East

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The NFC East brings back the Super Bowl runner-up in the Eagles, and they have several important decisions to make in the next couple of weeks. But they took care of one by hanging on to All-Pro cornerback James Bradberry. New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones got the coveted long-term extension. The Cowboys placed the franchise tag on all-purpose running back Tony Pollard.

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys

Offensive free agents

  • TE Dalton Schultz (Agreed to terms with Texans)
  • OT Jason Peters
  • OG Connor McGovern (Agreed to terms with Bills)
  • RB Tony Pollard (franchise tag)
  • RB Ezekiel Elliott (released)
  • WR T.Y. Hilton
  • WR Noah Brown (Agreed to terms with Texans)
  • QB Cooper Rush
  • PK Brett Maher
Dallas Cowboys TE Dalton Schultz, who the Cowboys put the franchise tag on prior to 2022, left to join the Houston Texans this offseason.

Defensive free agents

  • S Donovan Wilson (re-signed)
  • CB Anthony Brown
  • CB C.J. Goodwin (re-signed)
  • OLB Anthony Barr
  • DE Carlos Watkins
  • DE Dante Fowler, Jr.
  • DT Johnathan Hankins
  • DT Trysten Hill (Agreed to terms with Browns)
  • LB Leighton Vander Esch (re-signed)
  • LB Luke Gifford (Agreed to terms with Titans)
  • LS Matt Overton
  • LS Jake McQuaide (Agreed to terms with Lions)

2023 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • Promoted Brian Schottenheimer to offensive coordinator after former OC Kellen Moore accepted the same position with the Chargers
  • Named Mike Solari as its offensive line coach
  • Placed the franchise tag on RB Tony Pollard
  • Designated RB Ezekiel Elliott as a post June 1 release
  • Re-signed S Donovan Wilson on a three-year deal, LB Leighton Vander Esch on a two-year deal, CB C.J. Goodwin
  • DE DeMarcus Lawrence restructured his contract
  • Agreed to terms with RB Ronald Jones II (Chiefs) on a one-year deal, LS Trent Sieg (Raiders), OT Chuma Edoga (Jets) on a one-year deal, DE Takkarist McKinley (Rams)
  • Lost WR Noah Brown (Texans), LB Luke Gifford (Titans), OG Connor McGovern (Bills), DT Trysten Hill (Browns), TE Dalton Schultz (Texans), LS Jake McQuaide (Lions)
  • Acquired Indianapolis Colts CB Stephon Gilmore in exchange for a 2023 fifth-round pick
  • Acquired Houston Texans WR Brandin Cooks in exchange for a 2023 fifth-round draft pick and 2024 sixth-round pick. Cooks restructured his contract upon arrival

Washington Commanders

Offensive free agents

  • QB Taylor Heinicke (Agreed to terms with Falcons)
  • QB Carson Wentz (released)
  • OG Wes Schweitzer (Agreed to terms with Jets)
  • OG Trai Turner
  • WR Dylan Cantrell
  • WR Cam Sims
  • C Tyler Larsen (re-signed)
  • C Nick Martin
  • OG Wes Martin (Agreed to terms with Browns)
  • TE Eli Wolf (retired)

Defensive free agents

  • DT Da’Ron Payne (franchise tag, then agreed to terms on extension)
  • DE Efe Obada (re-signed)
  • LB Jon Bostic
  • LB Cole Holcomb (Agreed to terms with Steelers)
  • S Jeremy Reaves (RFA tender)
  • CB-Nickel Bobby McCain (released)
The Washington Commanders reportedly agreed to terms on an extension with defensive tackle Daron Payne (No. 95 pictured in 2018). Payne earned his first Pro Bowl berth in 2022.

2023 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • Hired former Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy to replace former offensive coordinator Scott Turner
  • Signed LB David Mayo on a one-year extension and RB Jonathan Williams to a one-year extension
  • Released CB-nickel Bobby McCain and QB Carson Wentz
  • Claimed CB Cameron Dantzler (Vikings) off waivers
  • Placed the franchise tag and then reportedly agreed to a four-year extension with DT Daron Payne
  • Placed the RFA tender on Pro Bowl DB Jeremy Reaves
  • Reportedly agreed to terms with OT Andrew Wylie (Chiefs) on a three-year deal, OL Nick Gates (Giants) on a three-year deal, LB Cody Barton (Seahawks) on a one-year deal, DE Abdullah Anderson (Falcons)
  • Reportedly agreed to a two-year extension with DB Danny Johnson
  • Re-signed DE Efe Obada, OC Tyler Larsen,
  • Lost QB Taylor Heineke (Falcons), LB Cole Holcomb (Steelers), OG Wes Schweitzer (Jets), TE Eli Wolf (retired)

New York Giants

Offensive free agents

  • QB Daniel Jones (Agreed to terms on extension)
  • WR Sterling Shepard (Agreed to terms on extension)
  • WR Richie James
  • WR Marcus Johnson
  • WR Darius Slayton (re-signed)
  • WR Kenny Golladay (released)
  • RB Saquon Barkley (franchised)
  • RB Matt Breida (re-signed)
  • OL Nick Gates (Reportedly agreed to terms with Commanders)
  • OL Jon Feliciano (Agreed to terms with 49ers)
  • OL Wyatt Davis (re-signed)

Defensive free agents

  • DT Justin Ellis
  • DT Nick Williams
  • DE Jihad Ward (re-signed)
  • OLB Oshane Ximines
  • CB Fabian Moreau
  • FS Julian Love
  • SS Tony Jefferson
  • P Jamie Gillan (re-signed)
  • LS Casey Kreiter (re-signed)

2023 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • Agreed to terms on a four-year extension with QB Daniel Jones, a one-year extension with WR Sterling Shepard
  • Placed the franchise tag on RB Saquon Barkley
  • Signed WR Isaiah Hodgins to a contract
  • Released Kenny Golladay
  • Re-signed P Jamie Gillan on a two-year deal, re-signed LS Casey Kreiter, RB Matt Breida on a one-year deal, WR Darius Slayton on a two-year deal, DE Jihad Ward on a one-year deal, ERFA Wyatt Davis
  • Agreed to terms with DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches (Buccaneers), WR Parris Campbell (Colts)
  • Lost OL Nick Gates (Commanders), OG Jon Feliciano (49ers)
  • Traded a 2023 third-round pick (100th overall) to the Las Vegas Raiders for TE Darren Waller

Philadelphia Eagles

Offensive free agents

  • OC Jason Kelce (Agreed to re-sign)
  • OG Isaac Semulo (Agreed to terms with Steelers)
  • OT Andre Dillard (Agreed to terms with the Titans)
  • OT Brett Toth (released and then re-signed)
  • RB Boston Scott (re-signed)
  • RB Miles Sanders (Agreed to terms with Panthers)
  • QB Gardner Minshew (Agreed to terms with Colts)
  • WR Zach Pascal (Agreed to terms with Cardinals)

Defensive free agents

  • DT Fletcher Cox (re-signed)
  • DE Robert Quinn
  • DE Brandon Graham (re-signed)
  • DT Javon Hargrave (Agreed to terms with 49ers)
  • DT Linval Joseph
  • DT Ndamkuong Suh
  • CB James Bradberry (re-signed)
  • OLB Kyzir White (Agreed to terms with the Cardinals)
  • LB T.J. Edwards (Agreed to terms with Bears)
  • S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (Agreed to terms with Lions)
  • S Marcus Epps (Agreed to terms with Raiders)
  • LS Rick Lovato
The Philadelphia Eagles re-signed unrestricted free agent cornerback James Bradberry, pictured, to a three-year deal.

2023 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • Lost defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, who left to become head coach of the Arizona Cardinals
  • Lost offensive coordinator Shane Steichen, who left to become head coach of the Indianapolis Colts and promoted QB coach Brian Johnson to the same position
  • Agreed to terms with DE Brandon Graham on a one-year deal and gave CB Darius Slay a two-year extension
  • Agreed to terms with LB Nicholas Morrow (Bears)
  • Reportedly re-signed CB James Bradberry on a three-year deal, DT Fletcher Cox on a one-year deal, OC Jason Kelce on a one-year deal, RB Boston Scott on a one-year deal, OT Brett Toth
  • Lost DT Javon Hargrave (49ers), LB T.J. Edwards (Bears), OT Andre Dillard (Titans), S Marcus Epps (Raiders), LB Kyzir White (Cardinals), RB Myles Sanders (Panthers), QB Gardner Minshew (Colts), S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (Lions), WR Zach Pascal (Cardinals), OG Isaac Seumalo (Steelers)
NFL, Articles, NFC East, 2018

New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys, 9-16-18: In-game report

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In a classic NFC East battle, the Dallas Cowboys (1-1) and the New York Giants (0-2) turned back the clock and played a style of football reminiscent of their 1990s encounters. The Cowboys prevailed 20-13.  DraftNasty’s Troy Jefferson gives his impressions in this in-game report:

Cowboys defense

Giants quarterback Eli Manning completed 33-of-49 passes but averaged just 4.4 yards per attempt on Sunday night.

If it hasn’t already, the game ball should go to defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli.  The Cowboys harassed the Giants offense all game, holding their division rival to 35 rushing yards and sacking Eli Manning six times.  Marinelli utilized  his traditional single high safety looks with a few twists.  Throughout the game, the fifth-year Cowboys defensive coordinator threw in some slot blitzes and twisting stunts along the defensive line.  Manning was forced to run off his spot and settle for checkdowns. Even when he had time, he “hopped” in the pocket and didn’t set his feet to throw.  A good example of this was in the second quarter on third down when Manning panicked and rushed a throw that went behind his intended receiver Odell Beckham, Jr.   The Giants addressed their skill positions in the offseason but Dallas took advantage of an offensive line and a quarterback that were out of sync.

Cowboys kicking game

Much to the dismay of Cowboys fans, Dan Bailey was released before the season. Bailey, who had an 88-percent field goal accuracy percentage over his seven-year career, was replaced with 28-year old rookie Brett Maher.  Maher missed his only field goal attempt from 47 yards against the Panthers in Week 1, but did go 2-of-2 against the Giants. The kicks were from 37 yards and 29 yards respectively.  Maher wasn’t tested in Week 2 with long range attempts but his progress over the season will be worth monitoring.  In a division which is so heavily balanced, special teams could decide who makes the playoffs and who doesn’t.

Saquon Barkley

The Giants second overall draft pick has showed through two games that he can contribute in multiple ways.  Dallas looked to stack the box against the run while also avoiding the home run ball to receivers Odell Beckham and Sterling Shepard.  Despite rushing for just 28 yards, Barkley caught 14 passes for 80 yards. The rookie from Penn State has transferred his open field deceptiveness from college to the NFL.  On one play in the second quarter, Barkley caught the ball in the flat by beating the Cowboys linebackers to the outside and then used a spin move to avoid safety Kavon Frazier to gain a few extra yards.  Look for head coach Pat Shurmur to continue to tailor the playbook to get Barkley more quick touches in the open field, whether that be in the running or passing game.

 

NFL, Articles, NFL Draft Recap, NFC East, 2018, 2018

2018 NFL Draft recap, pick-by-pick: NFC East

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NFC EAST

 

Dallas Cowboys

Vander Esch hopes to bring championships to the Cowboys over the next few years.

Notable picks: Vander Esch may prove to be the difference-maker that the Cowboys envision with his versatility. Armstrong’s uneven pre-draft workouts are not at all an indication of his on-field burst and athleticism. Williams adds some swing backup insurance and could outplay his original draft position.
Round,

Selection,

 

 Player School DN Big Board

Rank/

Grade

 ‘Nasty’ Take:
1 (19) Leighton

Vander Esch

6’4 256

 Boise State 36 (2nd Round) Athletic former basketball player has to become better in his stack-and-shed. Underrated range in coverage.
2 (50) Connor

Williams

6’5 296

 Texas 3 (1st Round) Williams’ injury in 2017 following an inauspicious start to his junior campaign. When he’s on top of his game, the finish is in place.
3 (81) Michael

Gallup

WR-6’1 205

 Colorado St. 145 (3rd Round) Gallup wins outside the numbers and plays with a physical style that is even stronger than his sturdy 205-pound nature suggests play-to-play.
3 (82) Tracy

Walker

DB-6’1 195

 Louisiana-Lafayette 191 (4th Round) Walker has enough length that he could even get looks at a cornerback spot. A solid tackler, his best football may be ahead of him.
4 (116) Dorance

Armstrong, Jr.

OLB-6’4 257

 Kansas 49 (2nd Round) Armstrong, Jr. has an 84-inch wingspan and produced 20 tackles for loss in 2016.
4 (140) Dalton Schultz

TE-6’4 249

 Stanford 296 (4th Round) Schultz is an underrated route runner despite producing just 11 third down receptions in school.
5 (171) Mike

White

QB-6’4 223

 Western Kentucky 155 (3rd Round) White has all of the tools of an NFL starting quarterback minus the mobility.
6 (208) Cedrick

Wilson

WR-6’3 194

 Boise State 78 (3rd Round) Wilson produced like a first-round wideout in the MWC. Will his 4.55 speed translate to the perimeter or will he be relegated to the slot?
7 (236) Bo

Scarbrough

RB-6’1 228

 Alabama 308 (5th Round) It may have been a long wait on draft day, but the bruising runner could be a change-of-pace power back if he can contribute on special teams.

 

 

 

New

York

Giants

Hill (No. 98 pictured) ranked as one of DraftNasty’s Top 3-4 DEs/DTs available in the 2018 NFL Draft. The former Wolfpack star rushed for over 800 yards and 5 TDs as a senior at the prep level.

Notable picks: Hernandez is a mammoth blocker who wins on man blocks.   If he can win as an angle blocker, it will increase the diversity of the running game.  Hill and McIntosh both will add diversity to a defense that finished 27th against the run in 2017.
Round,

Selection

 

 Player School DN Big Board

Rank/

Grade

 ‘Nasty’ Take:
1 (2) Saquon

Barkley

RB-6’0 233

 Penn State 2 (1st Round) Barkley’s lateral agility is top-notch. How much will he contribute as a check down threat?   Based on his collegiate film, he should line up at a number of spots.
2 (34) Will

Hernandez

OG-6’2 327

 UTEP 21 (2nd Round) A behemoth bar room brawler with mass and underrated quickness, Hernandez has to distribute his weight evenly to reach his immense potential.
3 (66) Lorenzo

Carter

OLB-6’5 250

 Georgia 68 (3rd Round) Carter has some similarities to current Carolina Panthers DE Mario Addison. Can he create speed-to-power off the edge?
3 (69) B.J. Hill

DL-6’3 311

 NC State 22 (2nd Round) Hill’s dependability is aided by an ability to play a bit longer than his 77-inch wingspan would suggest. Makes plays laterally in the run game.
4 (108) Kyle

Lauletta

QB-6’3 222

 Richmond 154 (3rd Round) Lauletta –the 2017 CAA Offensive Player of the Year- maintains good posture in the pocket and excels on the hit-and-throw concepts. Posted a 4.07 time in the 20-yard short shuttle at the NFL Combine.
5 (139) RJ

McIntosh

DT-6’4 286

 Miami (Fla.) 161 (3rd Round) McIntosh has the size to play either DE or DT.   His 83-inch wingspan complements a light-footed nature. He needs to anticipate snap counts with more consistency.

 

 

Philadelphia Eagles

Former Pittsburgh cornerback Avonte Maddox (No. 14 pictured) played WR, CB, PR KR and the nickel back spot for the Panthers. He will add versatility to the Super Bowl champions’ roster.

Notable pick: Maddox is a player who went undervalued due to size and slight durability concerns. His ability to cover the slot could increase some of the packages by DC Jim Schwartz. Schwartz typically likes to rush with four players and Maddox could increase coverage disguises.  The Eagles got three of our top 60 players with their first three selections.
Round,

Selection,

 

 Player School DN Big Board

Rank/

Grade

 ‘Nasty’ Take:
2 (49) Dallas

Goedert

6’4 260

 South Dakota St. 56 (2nd Round) Goedert gives the Eagles two tight ends who can attack vertically in the seams of the field. And he weighs in the 260-pound range.
4 (125) Avonte

Maddox

CB-5’9 183

 Pittsburgh 53 (2nd Round) Maddox’s 4.39 40-yard dash at the Combine was only outdone by his 6.51 time in the 3-cone drill. He’s even better on the field than in T-shirts and shorts.
4 (130) Josh

Sweat

DE-6’5 251

 Florida St. 58 (2nd Round) Sweat fell due to lingering question marks about his knee.   When he’s feeling good, he can translate speed-to-power with one-hand posts and collapses the edge vs. tackles.
6 (206) Matthew

Pryor

OT-6’6 343

 TCU 375 (5th Round) Pryor sits on run defenders with his mammoth size.   He often wins in the first phase of block. 11 ½-inch hands.
7 (233) Acquired from New England Patriots Jordan

Mailata

OL-6’8 346

 Australia Rugby player N/A Mailata never played college football, but he ran in the 5.1-range for NFL scouts.

 

Washington Redskins

Settle (No. 4 pictured) posted 19.5 tackles for losses the last two seasons for the Hokies.

Notable picks: Christian will help alleviate the issues the Redskins had last year when injuries beset the offensive line. Can he swing to the center position to challenge incumbent Chase Roullier?  Settle is a player who was once thought of as a potential second-round pick before an uneven postseason.
Round,

Selection,

 

 Player School DN Big Board

Rank/

Grade

 ‘Nasty’ Take:
1 (13) De’Ron

Payne

DT-6’2 311

 Alabama 30 (2nd Round) Payne will help to control the action as a fire-plugging two-gap specialist and occasional one-gap penetrator. Expect to see him aligned over the center in DC Greg Manusky’s three-man fronts.
2 (59) Derrius

Guice

RB-5’11 224

 LSU 24 (2nd Round) Guice will have to balance his bullish running style to avoid the injury scrapes that took away time from him as a junior.
3 (74) Geron

Christian

OT-6’5 298

 Louisville 79 (3rd Round) Christian’s versatility in school saw him move around during games. He was seen snapping the ball on his Pro Day and it could be a possible transition to a starting role.
4 (109) Troy

Apke

S-6’1 200

 Penn State 147 (3rd Round) Apke didn’t make a number of plays off the hash, but he demonstrated range during the week of the 2018 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl and versus Pittsburgh in 2017.
5 (163) Tim

Settle

DT-6’3 329

 Virginia Tech 200 (4th Round) Settle’s quickness is aided by power. He will win versus guards or centers and could be a rotational piece on first and second down.
6 (197) Shaun

Dion Hamilton

LB-6’0 228

 Alabama 231 (4th Round) Crimson Tide team captain has battled major lower extremity injuries, but he can locate, identify and close once he’s made his reads.
7 (241) Greg

Stroman

CB-5’11 174

 Virginia Tech 381 (5th Round) With Stroman’s level of return ability, it is easy to forget that he also broke up 27 passes and picked off 9 passes in school.
7 (256) Trey Quinn

WR-5’11 203

 SMU, LSU 227 (4th Round) Mr. Irrelevant caught 114 passes in 2017 after an unsettling stint at LSU. His savvy and quickness earn high marks.