The Philadelphia Eagles made a big splash by agreeing to terms with Saquon Barkley on the first day of the legal tampering period before following that move by reaching a deal with some offensive line help to create running lanes for the All-Pro running back.
According to a report from Zach Berman and Bo Wulf of PHLY, the Eagles intend to sign former Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Matt Hennessy to a two-year contract when the new league year officially begins.
Hennessy, 26, was originally chosen in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft and has made 22 starts through the first 41 games of his career. The Temple University alum arrives back in Philadelphia with plenty of experience to offer an offensive line that for the first time is in a bit of a state of flux, following All-Pro center Jason Kelce announcing his retirement.
Before missing the entire 2023 season, after suffering a knee injury during training camp that landed him on season-ending injured reserve, Hennessy appeared in 11 games, making three starts, in 2022 and did not allow a sack.
How Matt Hennessy Fits the Eagles
Hennessy is a depth piece, with experience playing center as well as left guard.
As Pro Football Focus points out, when Hennessy played 988 snaps at center in 2021, he posted an elite 88.1 run-blocking grade while surrendering three sacks.
Following Kelce’s retirement, the Eagles will turn to Cam Jurgens to fill the void at center, so Hennessy has the chance to contribute snaps at all three of the interior line positions should Philadelphia suffer any major injuries up front.
General manager Howie Roseman and the Eagles’ philosophy has consistently been centered on building strong offensive and defensive lines. Hennessy’s experience and versatility follows in that plan.
Saquon Barkley Signing Gets High Marks
Barkley has been the Eagles’ marquee addition so far this offseason, and Pro Football Focus believes he’ll make a significant impact.
“This is a shocker,” Brad Spielberger writes for PFF. “The Philadelphia Eagles not only spend at the top of the market for a running back here, but they also poach a former No. 2 overall pick of the New York Giants. There is probably an element to the running back market today that suggests teams may finally feel we’ve hit the inflection point of the market contraction for the position, but there also may not be a running back selected in the top 50 draft picks based on these contracts. Jalen Hurts and Barkley will be a dynamic duo in the zone-read game, and Barkley can be a pass-catching weapon, which Philadelphia could stand to add, as well as an improved pass blocker.”
Spielberger gives Roseman and the Eagles a “B+” for Barkley filling a need, and scheme fit, as well as a “B” for the value of his three-year deal worth $37.5 million.
Along those lines, Waren Sharp of Sharp Football explains that the Eagles’ offensive line should benefit Barkley, significantly.
According to Sharp, Philadelphia’s run-block win rate was No. 1 in the NFL during the 2023 season as the Giants finished 31st. Meanwhile, the Giants were the 30th ranked run-blocking offensive line as the Eagles finished third in the league last season.
Despite running behind a wildly inconsistent offensive line in 2023, Barkley still posted 962 yards and six touchdowns in 14 games. Barkley running behind the Eagles’ stalwart front has the chance to unlock his potential as a game-altering weapon.
Comments
Eagles Add Quality Interior Offensive Line Depth With Latest Agreement