2010 Offseason Breakdown: NFC East Needs
Throughout the month of February, Bump and Run will break down the needs of each NFL team as free agency and the draft approaches. Today, we dive into the NFC East:
Dallas Cowboys: Finally! The Cowpokes won a playoff game and it only took 14 years. While momentum hardly ever seems to carry over from one season to the next, Dallas is hopeful they can build on their 2009 success and parlay it into a Super Bowl appearance on their home turf. Offseason priorities include locking down WR Miles Austin, finding something, anything better than Roy Williams on the other side and adding young talent along their defensive front seven.
Key Unrestricted Free Agents: Terence Newman, CB.
Key Restricted Free Agents: Miles Austin, WR; Marcus Spears, DE.
Needs: WR, DL and OL
New York Giants: Big Blue is in danger of taking a few steps back in 2010 if they don’t play their cards right this offseason. The defense is a mess, Brandon Jacobs is breaking down and it’s safe to say that Eli Manning hasn’t looked comfortable under center since Plaxico strapped on that orange jumpsuit. Where does GM Jerry Reese begin? Linebackers and Brandon Marshall would be a nice start.
Key Unrestricted Free Agents: Domenik Hixon, WR; Fred Robbins, DL; Jeff Feagles, P.
Key Restricted Free Agents: Chase Blackburn, LB; Barry Cofield, DT; Kevin Dockery, CB.
Needs: An explosive WR, LB, RB
Philadelphia Eagles: Well, I can tell you with confidence that they DON’T need a quarterback. In fact, the Eagles would be smart to trade both Michael Vick and either Donovan McNabb or Kevin Kolb for draft picks. Whoever the QB is in 2010 is going to need a big possesion WR to complement the speedy Desean Jackson and smaller Jeremy Maclin. It also wouldn’t hurt to add depth at RB – it’s just about a wrap for Brian Westbrook.
Key Unrestricted Free Agents: Jason Babin, DL; Sean Jones, S.
Key Restricted Free Agents: Jason Avant, WR; Omar Gaither, LB; Ellis Hobbs, CB; Leonard Weaver, FB.
Needs: DE, LB, WR, RB
Washington Redskins: GM Bruce Allen and head coach Mike Shanahan have A LOT of work to do in D.C. - and it starts with the offensive line. Shanahan is looking for quick, athletic linemen to fit his system. The ‘Skins also need to place a priority on a young stud running back as both Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts are entering the twilight of their careers. As for QB – look for Shanahan to stick with Campbell for 2010. Wouldn’t you if your other options were either Sam Bradford or Jimmy Clausen?
Key Unrestricted Free Agents: Hunter Smith, P; Casey Rabach, C.
Key Restricted Free Agents: Jason Campbell, QB; Rocky McIntosh, LB; Carlos Rogers, CB.
Needs: OL, RB, QB, CB
