By Paul Macrie, Sports Talk Philly staff writer 
The bulk of the Eagles offseason discussion has been centered around the necessity to upgrade the wide receiver and cornerback positions. Yes, those two positions are the top weaknesses of the roster, but the quest to improve in 2017 won't be that simple.
There are other concerns on both sides of the football, and the team's current salary cap restrictions only complicate matters.
With Bennie Logan scheduled to become a free agent, the underrated defensive tackle should be in for a nice payday. The Eagles haven't approached Logan about a new contract, or at least not yet.
There is some time for the organization to confront the four-year player about re-upping with the Eagles, but it probably won't be a serious conversation until more cap space is created. The franchise tag is an option, but is usually only used for a core player, and plus it would create a bigger cap hit unless they are confident a long-term contract to lower the cap number can take place.
If the Eagles front office ultimately decides to move on from Logan, the starting position opposite of Fletcher Cox will be up in the air. Free agents such as Saints Nick Fairley, who was drafted by Jim Schwartz in Detroit in 2011, is an option, along with Kawann Short of the Carolina Panthers.
Fairley signed a one-year contract with New Orleans this past season, and racked up six sacks and 29 tackles, while also playing all 16 games. The first-round pick in 2011 has been a bit of a disappointment throughout his career so far. Short was a second-round pick of the Panthers in 2013, and is in for a sizable payday. He compiled 55 tackles and six sacks this season after 11.5 sacks in 2015. He has never missed a game in his career to this point.
If the Eagles decide to address Logan's potential departure through the draft instead, Caleb Brantley of Florida, Carlos Watkins of Clemson, Chris Wormley of Michigan and Dalvin Tomlinson of Alabama are a few names to consider. These names could immediately fill the void left behind by Logan without throwing a ton a money at the player.
The Eagles defensive line started off hot, but the production tailed off during the second half of the season. The numbers were largely disappointing with Cox having a less productive season than previous years, while Vinny Curry and Connor Barwin struggled to become three-down linemen in Schwartz's 4-3 scheme. If Barwin is let go by the organization, a defensive end will need to be added as well.
In free agency, Jason Pierre-Paul is seeking a long-term contract after settling for a one-year deal with the Giants in 2016. Pierre-Paul bounced back after the firework-induced hand injury in July of 2015. 'JPP' will be command at least $10-$12 million a year for more than three years, and it will likely be out of the Eagles price range.
A cheaper option such as Jack Crawford of the Cowboys is a name to watch. Crawford is 28 years old, and has improved as a defensive end during the last few seasons.
If the Eagles target defensive end in the draft, it will likely be in the middle-to-late rounds. The more significant needs of corner, wide receiver and defensive tackle could take precedent.
And don't forget the team's need for a running back. With Ryan Mathews likely being released with one year left on his contract, offseason shopping will also include the backfield. Wendell Smallwood and Darren Sproles will likely be in the mix in 2017, but the Eagles are in desperate need of a lead back. Free agency isn't the best route to address this issue.
Le'Veon Bell won't be a free agent even though he is currently listed as one. The top running back in the NFL will either be slapped the franchise tag, or given a long-term deal. LaGarrette Blount is a decent option on a short-term agreement, along with some consideration for Eddie Lacy. However, Lacy has largely disappointed in Green Bay with weight and injury concerns.
This year's draft class is headlined by a loaded running back class. Dalvin Cook is regarded as the top back available, but if the Eagles decide to go corner or wide receiver in the first round and Cook is off the board, there will be plenty of other intriguing options in the second and third round. Some names to consider are Alvin Kamara of Tennessee, Joe Mixon of Oklahoma, Wayne Gallman of Clemson, D'Onta Foreman of Texas and James Connor of Pittsburgh. Each tailback prospect has a potential to be a workhorse type option in the NFL.
Upgrades or more depth is needed at linebacker and offensive line as well. Jordan Hicks has established himself as the Eagles playmaking middle linebacker, but Mychal Kendricks future with the team is murky and additional depth will need to be addressed in free agency and the draft.
With Jason Peters career winding down, the team addressed the position in last year's draft with the selection of Halapoulivaati Vaitai in the fifth round. Lane Johnson's 10-game PED suspension was a major blow to the offensive line's continuity this past season, so with all things considered, the Eagles should add at least one offensive tackle to the fold this offseason.
Fixing the Eagles isn't as simple as adding several wide receivers and defensive backs to the roster. The issues are much larger than that. With needs along with the defensive line, in the backfield, linebacker and offensive tackle as well, this offseason will be very busy for Howie Roseman and company. Prepare for a lot of news come March and April.
