Eagles Offseason

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The Eagles by some standards have had a really good offseason in terms of rebuilding their WR corps. Bringing in Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith are definite upgrades. The Smith signing was a no brainer as the Eagles have lacked a deep threat since they released Desean Jackson. Smith can do that but comes with his warts. He wasn't really all that productive in his time with the 49ers and was wildly inconsistent with the Ravens. His role is clear in this offense, which is to get down field fast and open things up underneath. Alshon Jeffery is basically a luxury right now. He is on a one-year deal which means he could be as good as gone next offseason if he chooses. The deal isn't a bad one. $9.5M in guaranteed money plus another $5M in bonuses. This move sends mixed messages to the fan base. It makes it appear that they are in "win-now" mode but really they are in just year two of a complete overhaul. Bringing in these two guys basically, cements that the Eagles plan to take a CB in 2 of the first three rounds of the draft. This is their biggest need. With the potential of going into the season with 2 rookies starting at CB this team really isn't ready to compete. Maybe 8 or 9 wins will be how much this team maxes out next year. Another position of need is RB. Ryan Mathews has bee rumored to be getting released since the season ended. He was without a doubt their best RB in the group last season. He did have a few costly fumbles at critical moments. He also always seemed to have an injury of sorts. It is a shame because he is a hell of a talent. Darren Sproles will be back as the change of pace back as well as Punt Returner. With no signings at this position so far all signs point to Wendell Smallwood being the guy heading into next season. The Birds will likely draft another RB to add to the mix. Smallwood ended last season injured so he needs to prove he can stay on the field. The most confusing situation thus far in the offseason has been the release of Chase Daniels and signing of Nick Foles. Sure there have been rumors of Daniels demanding a release because he wanted to be a starter. Still, the team can say no. Or at least allow the player to look for a trade. By cutting him it costs them $7M in cap room. Nick Foles comes in on two-year, $11M deal to backup Wentz and without knowing the full details of the contract they have now committed about $12.5M to the backup QB position. This leaves them with around $6M in cap room moving forward with the need to have about $12-13M reserved for the signing of draft picks. The expected cuts of Ryan Mathews and LB Mychal Kendricks will get them to about $10.8 under the cap. Now with the need to make up some more room in the cap, they will need to make som difficult decisions. Center Jason Kelce is most likely going to be traded or cut. That is a move that will get them where they need to be but will leave a hole on the line. The draft will be very interesting. The Eagles could try and trade WR Jordan Mathews in a package deal to move back into the 2nd round after they pick at 11. The Bills(11) or Lions(21) will be the likely trade partners. 

It has been very curious so far. A lot of hype on the Alshon move but the small moves leave you wondering what exactly is the plan here. With the cap situation still looking to be a problem next season as well, it is hard to see how they will get an extension done with DE Brandon graham who has finally shown the team why he was drafted so high. Hopefully the draft will bring more clarity to which direction this franchise is going.