6 pending free agents with ties to Eagles’ OC Kellen Moore

With the exception of head coach Nick Sirianni and a few other veterans, the Eagles’ coaching staff will change in 2024.

Vic Fangio is their new defensive coordinator and Kellen Moore is their new offensive coordinator.

After looking at a few pending free agents with connections to Fangio, we’ll now look at others with ties to Moore:

Austin Ekeler, RB:Before the Chargers’ 2023 season, signing Ekeler was a far more tempting idea. The 28-year-old’s season wasn’t very good, particularly when it came to running the ball. It’s alarming that despite having 628 yards on the ground, he only averaged 3.5 yards per carry. Still, he received 51 receptions. Ekeler has connections to both Sirianni, the Chargers’ receivers coach during Ekeler’s rookie season in 2017, and Moore following their 2023 season together. I’m not sure if Ekeler still has what it takes to be a lead back, but if he can find his rhythm for a season or two more, the Eagles could be able to acquire him for a price that makes sense.

Another player to consider is Joshua Kelley, a running back who was the Chargers’ RB2 in 2023. In 2023, the 26-year-old gained 405 rushing yards. I’m not sure you want to replicate the Chargers’ terrible rushing attack in Philadelphia, given that they had one during the previous campaign. The Eagles have a stronger line and Jeff Stoutland running their run game, which is a plus.

Tony Pollard, RB:Any running back that gets signed has some risk, and teams should take note of Pollard’s 2023 contract with the Cowboys. After sustaining an ankle injury during the 2022 playoffs, Pollard didn’t appear to have the same kind of breakout performance the previous year. Despite this, he still finished with 1,000 yards in the season, but his yards per carry dropped to 4.0—the lowest of his career. However, Pollard’s first Pro Bowl appearance as Dallas’ top running back in 2022 came with Moore serving as the offensive coordinator. And maybe after recovering from his ankle injury for another year, the soon-to-be 27-year-old may return to his Pro Bowl form. In case you were wondering, Pollard appears to be a huge admirer of Moore:

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Wide receiver Noah Brown: Brown, 28, signed a one-year contract with the Houston Texans for the 2023 season, however he missed considerable time due to ailments during training and was eliminated from the playoffs due to a shoulder injury. However, Brown was still able to record 33/567/2 in 10 games. That followed a breakout 2022 campaign in Dallas under Moore, when he finished with 43/555/3. The kind of large-framed receiver the Eagles attempted to add this past offseason with several futures deals is Brown (6-2, 215 pounds). Brown, a 2017 seventh-round selection out of Ohio State, has a strong history of contributing on special teams and is regarded as a reliable blocker in the NFL. Because of his blocking prowess, he possesses considerable versatility and may even be used as a tight end in certain smaller personnel configurations.

WR Cedrick Wilson: Prior to joining the Dolphins in 2022, the former sixth-round selection from Boise State spent his first four years of professional football with the Cowboys. Wilson, 28, is now a free agent. Wilson originally signed a three-year contract with the Dolphins, but it was purportedly altered this past summer, nullifying the 2024 campaign. After having a breakthrough season under Moore with the Cowboys in 2021, Wilson (6-2, 197) had two poor seasons with the Dolphins. Wilson participated in 16 games during that season, hauling in 45 passes for 602 yards and 6 touchdowns. After agreeing to a three-year, $22 million contract in Miami, he had a total of 432 over the previous two years. Wilson was also used by Moore as a trick play threat; in 2020–21, Wilson completed 5 of 5 passes.

TE Gerald Everett: The Eagles may decide to add a veteran tight end with some NFL production, such as Everett, if they wish to retain the trio of Dallas Goedert, Grant Calcaterra, and Jack Stoll. Despite not having a great NFL career, the former second-round choice has averaged over 400 yards each season during his seven-year NFL career. He hauled in 51 catches for 411 yards and three scores in 2023. Additionally, Everett has become a much better blocker throughout his NFL career.

The following is what Everett had to say about Moore on Good Morning Football following his hiring by the Chargers prior to the 2023 campaign:

incredibly imaginative. I was initially kind of taken aback by his offensive prowess, but we have a lot of players who we will attempt to bring together. The new one is Quentin (Johnson). I can’t wait to see what he and Justin come up with. However, we’re thrilled to have Kellen. I don’t think there’s any restriction on what he can do with us.

QB Easton Stick: Stick took over after Justin Herbert was injured in 2023. The former North Dakota State player selected in the fifth round went winless in four starts. Nevertheless, 63.8% of his passes for 1,129 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception were completed by him. In addition, he ran for 144 yards and another touchdown. Don’t let Stick’s 0–4 record get to you. Yes, he wasn’t spectacular, but he also faced a difficult assignment leading a squad that was already in free fall with an injured offense.

Moore made the following statement regarding Stick’s entry into the Chargers’ Week 17 matchup in the midst of a five-game losing run to close out the season:

“I think Easton did a wonderful job. He has undoubtedly given us an opportunity over the past few weeks. Yes, at least the last week. He throws it effectively and works extremely well. His legs have obviously come to life, especially in the past week. Although he still has room for improvement, I believe he’s doing a great job.

Stick was well-known for his ability to run the ball even while he was a student at NDSU, so he would make sense if the Eagles are interested in having a backup who can threaten, similar to Marcus Mariota in 2023. Tanner McKee may serve as the Eagles’ backup quarterback in 2024, but if they choose to push him, a player with some experience could be added to the roster.

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