Philadelphia Eagles: 5 offseason needs

3. Linebacker

Jordan Hicks should return off a season-ending injury last year, but Nigel Bradham, Najee Goode and Dannell Ellerbe will all hit free agency in March, which basically forces the Eagles to keep Mychal Kendricks (who’d be rumored on the block and could have been cut to save money this offseason), while still leaving a void to fill at linebacker.

The strength of this Jim Schwartz defense is in the front seven. Their speed, physicality, and ability to move in space set the tone for everything the Eagles do on that side of the ball.

They’re going to play plenty of nickel against most teams, which necessitates fewer linebackers, but losing three of them in one offseason will leave a considerable hole in the roster, including at least one starting spot.