As the Eagles’ increased run-game usage produced a dominant stretch that led to an NFL-leading ground attack, the team relied on few backs. That may be the approach the Eagles take again this season.
Entering a contract year, Miles Sanders remains Philadelphia’s backfield leader. But the team re-signed Boston Scott, despite non-tendering its longtime backup as a restricted free agent, and has 2021 fifth-round pick Kenneth Gainwell under contract for three more years. The Eagles still might be on the lookout for a player to complete their backfield arsenal.
The team should be considered likely to add a back before or during training camp, Adam Caplan of InsidetheBirds.com offers. Jordan Howard may again be the on-call player here, with InsidetheBirds.com’s Geoff Mosher adding the Eagles are the only team to show interest in Howard since the Dolphins cut him last year. Another late agreement appears to be on the radar.
Acquired via trade from the Bears in 2019, Howard returned to the Eagles as a late-season fill-in in 2020, signing back with Philly that November — after his Dolphins deal did not work out. Last year, the Eagles made Howard more of a priority by re-signing him in April. Howard, who moved on and off the Eagles’ practice squad at points last season, became a key part of Philly’s midseason pivot to the run. Despite playing in only seven games, not debuting until Halloween, Howard outrushed Scott by amassing 406 yards (4.7 per carry).
Sanders (5.5), Scott (4.3) and Howard all averaged north of 4.3 yards per carry last season, which included a span in which the Eagles rushed for at least 175 yards per game in seven straight contests — a feat that had not occurred in the NFL since 1985. Jalen Hurts‘ team-high 784 yards obviously contributed heavily to the team’s rushing success. It will be interesting, with A.J. Brown in the fold, how much Philly leans on the run game this year.
A neck issue caused trouble for Howard last year, but the former fifth-round pick is still just 27. His assistance to the past two Eagles rushing attacks may again make him the first candidate to join the team’s backfield. Latavius Murray and Devontae Booker, who have each served as often-used backups for multiple teams, are also available.
We need another RB. Make the Howard deal happen.
Howie should just bring back Darren Sproles who was a huge fan favorite.
He’s done.
need to just use Miles Sanders effectively .. dude has pro bowl skill set
I see a lot of wasted handoffs and backfield passes ending up in lesser skilled guys hands
Change that ‘R’ to a “Q’ and that man would be Baker Mayfield!!
Why? They already have Hurts and Minshew, adding another QB to the mix when he’s not much better (if at all) than these two makes little sense.
He is better
#FreeBakerMayfield
That’s up for debate, but what isn’t is that they don’t need him and certainly aren’t going to give up picks to further crowd the QB room. While I don’t think Hurts is the answer the team thinks he may progress and they still want to evaluate him this season.
If the Eagles could get him for cheap
I would take a chance
The Browns are stilly people
He would be the 4th best QB in Philly
@ 57 hahahaha no way
Probably 3rd best, but he’s not worth one fans obsession.
EVERY TIME he has an opportunity to run the ball, 2021 5th Round-Pick, Running Back Kenneth, GAINWELL !!
Howard really is just a victim of teams going to pass-heavy offenses. Was a rush yds machine with the Bears. He’s a good player and it sucks that teams aren’t interested or don’t need a player with his skill set. The Eagles know his worth though, so hopefully they bring him back.
I would expect the Eagles to do so. Roseman has demonstrated that he seems to be aggressive in cyclical fashion, at least in my opinion. He seems to take a few years between unloading and reloading the roster, and when he is in the position to add pieces, he’s one of the most aggressive GMs in the league. I don’t doubt that the Eagles are interested in picking up a HB option. They have a few decent players at the position, and one with massive possible potential in Sanders, but they do not have a proven player yet in an offense that will likely run often.
In past in these situations, when they’ve had multiple options but no clear bellcow, Roseman added backs (Ajayi, Howard, and Sproles are all examples). I’d expect him to monitor waiver wires and the trade block as teams get underway with training camps and practice and narrow down their own rosters, or make certain veterans expendable.
I would say that Kareem Hunt would be an interesting option, but the Browns only offered D’Ernest Johnson a one year deal behind him, so he may not be available. David Johnson might be a more attainable veteran, who also would not have to start. The Dolphins are a team that may cut a back, as they signed several. Melvin Gordon may be available if the Broncos decide he’s expendable, as he is on a short term deal. If Howie does add someone, I expect him to look first for someone to run between the tackles if possible, as he’s done in the past with Ajayi and Howard.