By Paul Macrie, Sports Talk Philly staff writer 
Free agency is fast approaching, and the Eagles have a important decision to make with outside linebacker Mychal Kendricks, who continues to be a name regarded as a release or trade candidate.
Kendricks carries a cap hit of $6.6 million, a hefty figure considering his playing time decreased last season as he struggled in Jim Schwartz's 4-3 defensive scheme. The problem with releasing Kendricks outright is that he carries $4.8 million of dead money. Finding a trade partner would make more sense, and that has been reported by several outlets in recent weeks.
Yes, trading Kendricks and getting a late-round draft pick in return is the most ideal scenario for the Eagles. His base salary increases during the next three seasons on his contract, plus he has an $8 million signing bonus that is being paid out in increments during the length of the four-year contract extension and a $150,000 workout bonus each of those years. But where will that leave the Eagles, who could be overlooking the need for linebacker depth?
A release would be a $1.8 million cap savings, but the crucial date is March 11. That is when $4.35 million of Kendricks' base salary becomes guaranteed. A decision on his 2017 status with the Eagles will likely be made before that date.
So where are the Eagles if they release or trade Kendricks? Other than Jordan Hicks and Nigel Bradham, the team won't have another viable starter on the roster. Najee Goode and Stephen Tulloch are scheduled to become free agents on March 9, and both of them are serviceable starters at best. Bryan Braman will be a free agent as well. Kamu Grugier–Hill is listed as the backup to Kendricks, according to ourlads.com, but there were many occasions the Eagles went to two linebacker sets this past season.
Joe Walker has a shot to be Hicks' backup at middle linebacker next season if he rebounds from a torn ACL he sustained in the preseason. Last year's seventh-round draft pick from Oregon had an intriguing camp before the injury.
Either way, the Eagles will be looking for additional linebacker help if they decide Kendricks isn't worth keeping. With all the talk about needs at wide receiver, running back and corner, it feels as though the lack of linebacker depth is being overlooked.
Free agency offers the Eagles very few options at linebacker, at least starting quality at 4-3 outside linebacker. Melvin Ingram will get a big payday from the Chargers or elsewhere, but he is a 3-4 fit, same with Chandler Jones, who will likely re-up with Arizona, and then you have aging players such as Julius Peppers and James Harrison who are 3-4 edge rushers.
Gerald Hodges is one interesting fit for the Eagles. Hodges played the last two seasons with the 49ers, and produced career numbers in 2016 with 83 tackles, three sacks, two interceptions and one forced fumble and fumble recovery. The 26-year-old is from Paulsboro, New Jersey and played his college ball at Penn State. Listed at 6'2" and 233 pounds, he would be an upgrade from Kendricks and is at the prime of his career.
April's draft in Philadelphia offers opportunities for upgrades and additional depth at linebacker as well. Though it is unlikely the Eagles draft a linebacker in the earlier rounds, it would behoove them to take at least one at some point between rounds three and seven. Temple product Haason Reddick is one name to keep track of as the pre-draft process continues. Reddick is considered a first or second round pick, according to nfldraftscout.com.
Trading or releasing Kendricks remains a very likely outcome. If the team decides to do it before the critical March 11 deadline, then it is safe to expect a free agent signing and a draft addition, or two, at linebacker as well. Though Hicks and Bradham are solid performers in Schwartz's defense, there is a need of an talent infusion at the inside and outside linebacker spots.
Addressing a lack of depth at linebacker shouldn't be neglected this offseason. The Eagles' list of needs is longer than maybe some think. It doesn't just end at wide receiver, running back and corner. It extends to other positions. Other than quarterback and maybe safety, the rebuilding organization shouldn't hesitate to add to various positions as preparations for constructing the 2017 roster begins.
