5 reasons Eagles can win the Super Bowl this year

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 11: Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) runs after a catch during the first mandatory day of Philadelphia Eagles Minicamp on June 11, 2019 at the Novacare Complex in Philadelphia, PA (Photo by John Jones/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JANUARY 06: Nigel Bradham #53 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts against the Chicago Bears in the second quarter of the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Soldier Field on January 06, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

4. Solidifying the linebacking corps

Nigel Bradham has been the Eagles’ steadiest linebacker the past three seasons. A former member of the Buffalo Bills, he signed a two-year contract with Philadelphia in 2016 and two years later was rewarded with a five-year, $40 million deal. He’s played and started in a combined 46 regular-season contest since ’16 and led the club in tackles in each of the last three seasons.

That’s the good news. This offseason, the Eagles were certainly looking to upgrade this position and not only added L.J. Fort from the Pittsburgh Steelers but scooped up veteran Zach Brown after he was released by the rival Washington Redskins. Once-promising middle linebacker Jordan Hicks is now a member of the Arizona Cardinals. A 16-game starter in 2016, he missed a total of 13 contests over the past two years and wasn’t around for the Eagles’ postseason run in 2017.

Recently, starter Kamu Grugier-Hill went down with a knee sprain and he could be out for quite some time. He was a 10-game starter in ’18 and not only finished with 34 stops but added a team-high 11 special teams tackles. His absence is an opportunity for performers such as two-year pro Nathan Gerry (2 starts in 2018) to earn a bigger role. Elsewhere, it will be interesting to see how veteran Paul Worrilow (who missed all of 2018) figures as well. All told, Brown was a productive addition and Fort not only helps out on defense but special teams as well. Could the Eagles be in the market for some veteran help here?

Next: No. 3

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