Grading the Philadelphia Eagles' signings after initial waves of NFL free agency

NFL free agency kicked off on Monday afternoon and the Philadelphia Eagles wasted no time going after their top priority position needs. 

They also didn't waste much money as general manager Howie Roseman proved once again that he's one of the best general managers in the league when it comes to negotiating. 

Below we'll grade the Eagles' free agency signings that they've made so far. 

Eagles' New Signings

• RB Saquon Barkley: three-year, $37.7 million
• DE Bryce Huff: three-year, $51.1 million
• LB Zack Baun: one-year, $3.5 million
• C/G Matt Hennessy: one-year, TBD
• WR DeVante Parker: one-year, $4.69 million (Eagles only have to pay $1.2 million)
• S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson: three-year deal worth up to $33 million. 

The Eagles kicked off NFL free agency by investing in their backfield and signed ex-New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley. The former No. 2 overall pick will replace D'Andre Swift in the backfield. With not many top running back prospects in this year's draft, the move was much needed. 

From there, the Eagles upgraded their pass rush and inked former New York Jets defensive end Bryce Huff. Huff will help fill the void left by Haason Reddick and Josh Sweat, who are expected to be traded. 

They also added a versatile linebacker to their defense in former New Orleans Saints' Zack Baun, checking off another need. 

And with Jason Kelce off to retirement, the Eagles signed necessary offensive line depth in ex-Atlanta Falcons center/guard Matt Hennessy. 

After that the Eagles addressed their third wide receiver need, adding former New England Patriots wide receiver DeVante Parker on a discount deal. 

Philly wrapped up Day 2 of NFL free agent honing in on their need for a quality safety and signed familiar face Chauncey Gardner-Johnson. 

Roseman used the start of free agency to bolster the Eagles' roster the best way he could, which means that they can focus on finding additional top talent in the 2024 NFL Draft rather than reaching for a need to fill those voids. 

Well done. 

Grade: A 

Eagles' Re-Signings and Extension Grade

• TE Albert Okwuegbunam: one-year, $1.3 million
• DE Brandon Graham: one-year, $4 million
• P Braden Mann: two-year, $4.2 million
• LS Rick Lovato: one-year 
• G Landon Dickerson: four-year extension, $87 million
• K Jake Elliot: four-year extension, $26 million

The Eagles were able to bring back defensive end Brandon Graham for one more year. His veteran leadership in the locker room will be huge amid the roster and coaching changes since Jason Kelce and Fletcher Cox won't be back. 

Speaking of veterans, Eagles' Pro Bowl left guard Landon Dickerson isn't going anywhere for a while and is one less position for them to worry about. 

Philly also showed their steady kicker Jake Elliot and punter some love Braden Mann, which means their stellar special teams unit isn't going anywhere. 

Another A for Howie. 

Grade: A