This series breaks down the Eagles’ key free agents through the lens of the 2025 season. I will get into what the film showed, how each player fits the scheme, and whether I want them to return. If I include cap numbers in the summary, they are from Spotrac, and all data is via SumerSports. As always, I’ll use film clips to support my work. I’ll be releasing a video breakdown on Patreon, too.
Previously in this series: Reed Blankenship | Jaelen Phillips | Dallas Goedert | Nakobe Dean
This article is a little different, as I’m going to quickly touch on some of the interesting remaining free agents, rather than focusing in-depth on each player. I’ll keep it short and sweet!
Fred Johnson
Johnson is the priority among the Eagles’ pending offensive line free agents, and it’s not particularly close for me. He handled nearly 600 total snaps, allowed just one sack, and earned the staff’s trust operating on both sides, which is exactly what you want from a swing tackle.
If another team convinces itself that he is a starter and pays him accordingly, matching that number for a player projected as a backup becomes a poor use of cap space. He is a high-end swing tackle, not a franchise tackle, and the contract has to reflect that distinction.
Verdict: Keep him if the price reflects his actual role. Walk away if someone pays starter money.
Brett Toth
Toth doesn’t bring upside, but he brings something offensive line coaches consistently value: versatility. He logged meaningful snaps at both guard and center and held up reasonably well when called upon. He grades out ahead of Matt Pryor for me, specifically because of his center flexibility and steadier play.
There are real limitations in pass protection, and his ceiling is what it is. He should never be the reason the Eagles pass on a drafted interior lineman. But as a low-cost insurance policy who can play multiple spots without the offense completely falling apart, he fits the profile, especially with concerns over Cam Jurgens’ health still.
Verdict: Ideal cheap interior backup. Only back at the right price.
Matt Pryor
Pryor is the most expendable of the three. His snap count was limited, and he played less than I thought he might. I had some hopes for him, but he wasn’t really called upon. Veteran experience and multi-position history give him some residual value, but not enough to make him a meaningful retention target.
Verdict: Minimum deal only, and only after the draft picture is settled. I’m happy to let him walk.
Jahan Dotson
I was so disappointed in Dotson’s film last year. I get the lack of volume, but he just didn’t play well. His target rate stayed low, blocking value was minimal, and by the end of the season, he was losing snaps to undrafted rookie Darius Cooper, who plays harder than he does. The underlying talent is real, and a different offense with a higher target share and cleaner role definition may get more out of him. But his film doesn’t make a compelling case for extending him, regardless of what happens with A.J. Brown.
Verdict: Clean break makes sense for both sides.
Grant Calcaterra
I feel bad for Calcaterra. Last year was not his fault. When deployed off the line as a move piece or big slot, he showed usable receiving skills and functional pass-game value. The problem is that the Eagles used him in a role that amplified his biggest weakness: in-line blocking. When asked to function as a traditional TE2, the run game suffered. The usage, more than the player, was the core issue.
There is a narrow path where a return makes sense, specifically if Dallas Goedert departs and the staff fully commits to using Calcaterra as a receiving-only move tight end. Outside of that specific scenario, starting fresh is the cleaner option.
Verdict: Slim outside chance of return if the tight end room is completely rebuilt and the role is clearly defined. But, he’s probably a bad scheme fit, so I expect him to go.
Kylen Granson
Granson has the movement ability to function in lighter receiving roles in space and in a different offense, with an actual slot or H-back plan built around him, he might look OK. Instead, he was repeatedly deployed in run-blocking situations that exposed his limitations, and he never looked good. I have been sharply critical of how the entire tight end position group was constructed and used (and I think Howie Roseman admitted this last week), and Granson was caught in the middle of that broader failure.
Verdict: I would be stunned if he’s back!
Thank you for reading! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to comment below and ask any questions. If you enjoyed this piece, you can find more of my work and podcast here. If you would like to support me further, please check out my Patreon here!
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