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3 Difficult Roster Decisions the Eagles Face This Offseason

By Scott Rogust

The Eagles face difficult decisions after failing to capitalize on their Super Bowl window opening.
The Eagles face difficult decisions after failing to capitalize on their Super Bowl window opening. / Steven Ryan/Getty Images

The Philadelphia Eagles took advantage of a weak NFC East division to clinch a playoff spot this campaign. Late-season injuries curtailed a potential Super Bowl run, as they were eliminated by the Seattle Seahawks in the Wild Card round. Now, with a vast amount of free agents this upcoming offseason, here are three difficult decisions the team faces.

3. Will the Team Keep Halapoulivaati Vaitai?

Can the team retain Halapoulivaati Vaitai, who performed admirably in relief for Lane Johnson?
Can the team retain Halapoulivaati Vaitai, who performed admirably in relief for Lane Johnson? / Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

One of the many, many free agents in 2020 is offensive tackle Halapoulivaati Vaitai. Normally a backup, Vaitai entered as a starter once Lane Johnson went down with an ankle injury back in Week 14. For the final stretch of the season, Vaitai performed admirably and helped keep Carson Wentz upright and opened holes for the running game. Now, does the team bring back Vaitai?

2. Do They Re-Sign Jordan Howard?

Jordan Howard proved to be expendable after the rise of Miles Sanders and Boston Scott.
Jordan Howard proved to be expendable after the rise of Miles Sanders and Boston Scott. / Steven Ryan/Getty Images

Running back Jordan Howard was acquired by general manager Howie Roseman to put the Eagles over the edge and emerge as favorites in the NFC. Howard looked to be just what the Eagles needed, but suffered a shoulder injury that caused him to miss six games. In that span, rookie Miles Sanders and practice squad mainstay Boston Scott stepped up and helped the Eagles win the division. Now, how do the Eagles approach Howard this offseason? Do they bring him back based off his strong start to the season? Or do they put their faith in Sanders and Scott and let him take an offer elsewhere?

1. Will Eagles Let Malcolm Jenkins Walk?

Malcolm Jenkins has let it be known he won't return to Eagles on his current contract.
Malcolm Jenkins has let it be known he won't return to Eagles on his current contract. / Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

When you think about the Eagles defense, the first name that comes to mind is safety Malcolm Jenkins. The defensive captain played a pivotal role in the team's recent success, especially during their Super Bowl LII run. In 2020, Jenkins enters the final year of his four-year, $35 million contract, and said he'd either play for the Eagles on a new deal, or he'll play elsewhere. Eagles general manager Howie Roseman said his goal is to get younger in 2020, but is Jenkins the exception? The showdown between both parties will be one to keep an eye on this offseason.