Three biggest concerns for Philadelphia Eagles before the draft

Are the 2023 Philadelphia Eagles just an older, less talented version of their 2022 team? There may be no substitute for experience, but after losing so many young, skilled players, Philadelphia has plenty to worry about.

1. An aging roster

They say age is just a number, but if the Eagles can’t infuse their roster with young talent, the days of NFC championships will be ancient history. Last year, Philadelphia had the NFL’s ninth-oldest roster, and it's not getting any younger in 2023.

The Eagles have signed 11 free agents so far, including six veterans from last year’s team. Defensive end Brandon Graham is about to turn 35, center Jason Kelce is already 35 and defensive tackle Fletcher Cox is 32. Cornerback Darius Slay is also 32, and he just received a two-year, $42 million extension.

All four can still play at a high-level, but with just over $8 million left in cap space, per OverTheCap, adding depth could be an issue should any of them get injured. The draft will help, but without picks in rounds 4-6, Philadelphia has no room for error.

2. Jalen Hurts

Finding a franchise quarterback is hard—just ask the New York Jets. Keeping a franchise quarterback can be even harder—ask the Baltimore Ravens. Before 2022, Philadelphia wasn’t even sure if Hurts could be a franchise quarterback. It knows better now, but now the Eagles must figure out a contract extension for Hurts. Surprise! It will be pricey.

Eagles general manager Howie Roseman called Hurts’ contract extension a priority, and with so many young quarterbacks ready for new contracts, Philadelphia can’t afford to drag its feet. Hurts is in the final year of his rookie deal, and the market for starting quarterbacks is about to change.

Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert will have new contracts soon. Thanks to Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson and Kyler Murray, the floor for elite-level quarterbacks is now more $45 million per year. The Eagles must get something done before Hurts' contract becomes a distraction.

3. Tough schedule

After playing one of the easier schedules in the league last season, the Eagles have the toughest strength of schedule for 2023. No team gave up fewer passing yards last season, but they weren’t exactly challenged by the NFL's best quarterbacks.

QB Cooper Rush (Dallas), Carson Wentz (Washington) and Kenny Pickett (Pittsburgh) didn’t put up much of a fight last season, but 2023 should be more difficult, especially for a team that lost its defensive coordinator and both starting safeties.

In 2023, the Eagles will face Buffalo's Josh Allen and Miami's Tua Tagovailoa at home, and assuming Rodgers is traded to the Jets, they’ll meet Seattle's Geno Smith, Kansas City's Patrick Mahomes and Rodgers on the road.

Who said Philly won’t miss Wentz?

Mix in an unbalanced schedule with nine road games and fans should be concerned for 2023.