5 biggest questions as the Eagles’ offseason program gets underway

3. How will the Eagles proceed in Round 1?

Philadelphia doesn't wait for decline—they prepare for it. That mindset could once again lead Philadelphia to prioritize offensive line help early in Round 1 for the first time since landing Lane Johnson. The Eagles have used picks on cornerbacks, linebackers, defensive tackles, and multiple other positions outside of the trenches, but that should change this April. Over the past three years, Philadelphia has used early draft capital on other key positions and hasn't drafted an offensive lineman in the first two rounds since Cam Jurgens in 2022.

4. Who's looking for a breakout off-season?

Tyler Steen, Darius Cooper, Tank Bigsby, Moro Ojomo, and Jalyx Hunt are some of the names that could take a big spring and summer and turn it into a breakout campaign.

5. Will Howie Roseman exercise 5th-year options?

Carter is a two-time Pro Bowler and has achieved All-Pro status, and there's been some talk of a potential $40 million contract. Philadelphia could buy itself some time by allowing Carter to play under his 5th-year option. Teams will have until May 1 to decide whether or not to exercise the fifth-year option on first-round picks from the 2023 NFL draft. Because Carter is a two-time Pro Bowler, the fifth-year option for the star defensive tackle is $27, 127,000

Despite two badly injured shoulders, Carter was the Eagles' lone Pro Bowl starter. In 12 games this season, he had 33 tackles, 41 QB pressures, 11 quarterback hits, and three sacks. Carter dealt with injuries last season, but will certainly have his fifth-year option exercised, and is eligible for a contract extension. A first-round pick who's eligible for an extension but should be focused on his 5th-year option, Smith had 20 tackles, two sacks, and 33 pressures in 452 snaps after missing seven games. The 5th-year option, as it currently stands, is $14 million for 2027.

6. Will there be another wave of free agent signings?

Teams around the league are preparing for the NFL draft, and as roster reshaping begins, the onus will be on improving through the selection process, while saving the late portion of Free Agency for under-the-radar signings that teams hope will develop into quality signings with huge dividends.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: 5 biggest questions as the Eagles’ offseason program gets underway