Free Agency Preview: NFC East News and Offseason Player Props
During the previous offseason, teams within the NFC East, including the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants and Washington Commanders, utilized their franchise tags as a strategic move. Specifically, the Cowboys and Giants applied their tags to their leading running backs, Tony Pollard and Saquon Barkley, respectively, ensuring their retention for another season. Meanwhile, the Commanders chose to use their franchise tag on defensive tackle Daron Payne, a crucial component of their defensive line.
However, this year presents a contrasting scenario as none of the teams in the NFC East decided to employ their franchise tags. This decision could lead to significant changes for the teams, especially for the Cowboys and Giants, who now face the risk of losing key players. The absence of the franchise tag means that both teams might see the departure of valuable talent, which could impact their performance in the upcoming season.
These moves will also impact the NFL odds for the NFC East in 2024. The odds are currently in Dallas’ favor, but that could instantly change if they make the right or wrong move.
Here’s a look at some NFL Draft Odds to consider!
1. Philadelphia Eagles
Notable free agents: Fletcher Cox (IDL), Brandon Graham (EDGE), D’Andre Swift (RB), Zach Cunningham (LB), Marcus Mariota (QB)
The Eagles had a horrific end to the season after starting like legit Super Bowl contenders. After losing so much momentum, even with a strong roster, the Eagles might be in trouble if they don’t make some quality moves this offseason.
The Eagles are expected to have around $42 million in cap space, far better than their situation last offseason.
Expect them to try to save money on their backup quarterback and not re-sign Marcus Mariota. Instead, they could pick up more budget-friendly players like Gardner Minshew, Jameis Winston or Josh Dobbs.
This could free up enough money for Philly to pursue players like Saquon Barkley or Derrick Henry. A move like that would likely shift their NFL betting odds to win the division into being favorites.
2. Dallas Cowboys
Notable free agents: Tony Pollard (RB), Stephon Gilmore (CB), Tyron Smith (LT), Jayron Kearse (S), Tyler Biadasz
The Cowboys face cap constraints but could benefit from bringing on veterans on the market, like Mitch Morse and Jemari Ferrell, filling potential starter vacancies, possibly at a discount.
This creates a top-heavy situation in a talented roster. The values of Tony Pollard, an oft-injured Tyron Smith and a 33-year-old Stephon Gilmore are in question. Tyler Biadasz is likely to be a sought-after center, and Jayron Kearse is expected to secure a significant contract as a proven safety.
The impending Dak Prescott contract complicates the financial picture, hinting at a notably different Cowboys lineup in 2024.
Pollard may or may not be back with the Cowboys after getting franchise-tagged last year. He was a disappointment and averaged just 3.99 yards per carry. The Cowboys have chosen not to tag him this season. If Pollard does leave Dallas, the NFL odds favor the Eagles (+400) as his most likely landing spot. The Chicago Bears (+600) and Tennessee Titans (+600) are next on the odds board.
Tony Pollard is reportedly open to taking less money in free agency if it means staying with the Dallas Cowboys, says Calvin Watkins.
Should Dallas still be looking to add another other Running back?
— NFL CONTENT 24/7/365 (@SundayQBs) March 7, 2024
The Vegas betting odds list the Cowboys as the most likely team in the division to win the Super Bowl, but it would take a monumental effort and a lot of luck to even make the NFC Championship Game with the current roster.
Take A Look At These Other 2 NFL Special Articles
- NFC South Free Agency Report and Futures Betting Odds
- NFC North Free Agency: NFL Odds, Futures, and Predictions
3. Washington Redskins
Notable free agents: Kamren Curl (S), Kendall Fuller (CB), Cody Barton (LB), Jacoby Brissett (QB), Charles Leno (LT),
The Commanders have several notable players hitting free agency, including starting-caliber cornerback Kendall Fuller and under-appreciated safety Kamren Curl, enhancing the quality of Washington’s outgoing free-agent class. They also have left tackle Charles Leno and reliable backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett.
Despite these assets, the Commanders, leading the NFL with $77.9 million in salary cap space, appear unlikely to retain many in-house players.
Furthermore, they hold the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, highlighting an offseason filled with potential strategic moves. The departure of solid players like Curl and Fuller underlines the transition, offering other teams valuable additions while Washington decides on its direction with significant financial flexibility.
Explore the excitement of NFL draft betting odds and Vegas odds NFL draft – your winning play awaits!
4. New York Giants
Notable free agents: Saquon Barkley (RB), Xavier McKinney (S), A’Shawn Robinson (DT)
The Giants have major offense issues, and it all starts with Daniel Jones’ mess at quarterback. New York signed Danny Dimes to a four-year extension last year, but they deal with buyer’s remorse.
Jones will likely be the Week 1 starter but expect the Giants to try to draft a quarterback in the first round to rebuild around that.
Daniel Jones finding out who the Giants 1st round pick is. pic.twitter.com/FWeC4spo30
— Dandolf Hitler (@footballtalk425) March 2, 2024
The other big news here is the Giants have stated they will not use the non-exclusive franchise tag on Barkley again in 2024. That decision might mean the end of Barkley’s days with the G-Men after they took him second in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Questions Of The Day
Who has the best odds to win the NFC East?
The Cowboys NFL lines are +110 to win the division, with the Eagles (+140), Commanders (+850) and Giants (+900) rounding out the pack.
Which team is favored to be Haasan Reddick’s next team, if not the Eagles?
The Atlanta Falcons are favored to land Reddick at +300.
