By Eliot Shorr-Parks | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

The Eagles are defending Super Bowl champions for a number of reasons, but one was their ability to hit on a number of veteran free agent signings last offseason after the initial wave of free agency.

Who could they still sign among the remaining free agents this year to help them in their quest to repeat?

Here is a look at some of the top remaining free agents and why they make sense for the Eagles -- but also why they might not.

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Lachlan Cunningham | AP PHOTO

ERIC REID, S

WHY IT MAKES SENSE: Does the fact that Reid protested during the National Anthem have anything to do with him still being a free agent? It is hard to argue it doesn't, as Reid is a starting caliber player in the NFL. Reid exercising his rights, however, shouldn't be an issue for the Eagles, who need help at backup safety and could use Reid in the same role they used Corey Graham in last season.

WHY IT DOESN'T: The Eagles have shown strong interest in a number of the top safeties in this year's NFL Draft and they appear more interested in drafting a player to develop than signing a free agent at the position.

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MARQUETTE KING, P

WHY IT MAKES SENSE: The Eagles are a team built to win right now and should be playing in some very close (and big) games this season. King was one of the best punters in the NFL last season and would be perhaps their best chance at replacing Donnie Jones, who was huge for them last season, next season.

WHY IT DOESN'T: The Eagles appear to be genuinely high on punter Cameron Johnston, who nearly made the team last season as an undrafted free agent. If the Eagles signed King they would be handing him the job -- and chances are the Eagles want to give Johnston a chance to win the job in training camp.

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KENNY VACCARO, S

WHY IT MAKES SENSE: At 27-years old, Vaccaro is far from a player with only a few years left. Vaccaro has played both safety spots in the NFL and even has a year experience playing with Malcolm Jenkins during their days in New Orleans.

WHY IT DOESN'T: Vaccaro doesn't make sense for the same reasons as Reid -- the Eagles appear set on adding their top backup safety through the draft.

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JEREMY MACLIN, WR

WHY IT MAKES SENSE: Maclin almost signed with the Eagles last offseason and reports after he was released this offseason indicated that he was interested in coming back to Philadelphia this year. For the veteran minimum, the Eagles could do a lot worse than Maclin as their fifth option at wide receiver.

WHY IT DOESN'T: The signing of veteran receiver Mike Wallace likely ended any shot of Maclin coming to the Eagles.

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Matt Rourke | AP PHOTO

JORDAN MATTHEWS, WR

WHY IT MAKES SENSE: Matthews not only knows the offense, but he already has on-the-field chemistry with both quarterbacks Carson Wentz and Nick Foles. Matthews could be the Eagles top backup at slot receiver behind Nelson Agholor and take some snaps on the outside if needed.

WHY IT DOESN'T: The Eagles have not yet shown interest in Matthews, a strong sign that they aren't interested in a reunion with the best receiver on their team during the 2015 and 2016 season.

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OBVIOUSLY! HERE IS WHY THE EAGLES SHOULD SIGN KING

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AUSTIN HOWARD, OT

WHY IT MAKES SENSE: The Eagles signed Will Beatty towards the end of last season to be their top veteran backup at offensive tackle. Beatty remains unsigned, and if the Eagles want to go in another direction, Howard would bring 88 games of starting experience to the team.

WHY IT DOESN'T: The Eagles seem to be very high on Taylor Hart as an offensive tackle, and if they want to keep him on the roster, there might not be room for a veteran tackle as well.

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NFL DRAFT: EAGLES ARE SHOWING INTEREST IN THIS TIGHT END

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MARCEDES LEWIS, TE

WHY IT MAKES SENSE: Head coach Doug Pederson said during the NFL Annual Meetings that the team could still sign a backup veteran tight end, something they desperately need after losing both Trey Burton and Brent Celek this offseason. With 375 career catches, Lewis would be the second receiving tight end that the Eagles need.

WHY IT DOESN'T: Like safety, the Eagles are showing plenty of interest in tight ends in the NFL Draft, and it is likely they add one to the roster through the draft. With Billy Brown also likely to land a roster spot, there might not be room for a player like Lewis.

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Matt Kartozian | AP PHOTO

DEMARCO MURRAY, RB

WHY IT MAKES SENSE:Pederson said when he was hired as head coach of the Eagles prior to the 2016 season that he was excited to have Murray in his offense -- but then the front office traded him to the Tennessee Titans. As a veteran running back to replace LeGarrette Blount, however, Murray could find himself back with the Eagles if they decide to add a veteran at the position.

WHY IT DOESN'T: Murray's time with the Eagles was not pretty, and although head coach Chip Kelly is no longer here, it is unlikely Murray would be excited about returning to Philadelphia.

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WILL EAGLES DRAFT JENKINS OR MCLEOD'S REPLACEMENT?

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DARREN SPROLES, RB

WHY IT MAKES SENSE: Pederson made it sound like Sproles already had a spot on the roster during the NFL Annual Meetings, and it is very clear the head coach wants Sproles back. Sproles is a freak athlete and it wouldn't be surprising if he comes back from a torn ACL as the same player he was before the injury -- even though he is 34-years old.

WHY IT DOESN'T: If there was a deal to be made between the Eagles and Sproles, it might have already happened. Sproles might also decide to end his career closer to his family on the west coast.

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HERE IS HOW MUCH CAP SPACE THE EAGLES HAVE

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BRIAN CUSHING, ILB

WHY IT MAKES SENSE: The Eagles are very thing at linebacker, and starting middle linebacker Jordan Hicks has shown he has trouble staying healthy. Cushing, who has also struggled to stay healthy, would qualify as a player who might be able to excel in a limited role.

WHY IT DOESN'T: The Eagles signed linebacker Corey Nelson, who played inside linebacker for the Denver Broncos, and might use him as the top backup if they keep Mychal Kendricks.

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Elsa | GETTY IMAGES

COREY GRAHAM, S

WHY IT MAKES SENSE: Graham came to the Eagles in training camp last season and ended up playing a significant role on the defense. Bringing back Graham would save the team from teaching a new player the role they used Graham in last season and would keep some continuity on the defense.

WHY IT DOESN'T: If there was a deal to be made between Graham and the Eagles, it likely would have already been signed.

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ALFRED MORRIS, RB

WHY IT MAKES SENSE: Morris averaged 5.8 yards per carry last season for the Dallas Cowboys as a backup and has shown throughout his career that he is capable pass catcher out of the backfield.

WHY IT DOESN'T: The Eagles appear to be set as Corey Clement and Jay Ajayi as their top running backs, and with the potential of Donnell Pumphrey and a rookie both making the team, Morris might not want to sign on with the Eagles.

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BRYAN BRAMAN, DE

WHY IT MAKES SENSE: The Eagles made the mistake of letting Bryan Braman walk as a free agent last offseason, only to sign him back during the regular season with their special teams struggling.

WHY IT DOESN'T: The Eagles might not have signed Braman if not for the injuries they suffered, and the team should enter training camp with all of their key special teams players healthy.

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WHERE TO REACH ME

Eliot Shorr-Parks may be reached at eshorrpa@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @EliotShorrParks. Find NJ.com Eagles on Facebook.

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