This is an article that will show you how the Eagles can get to the Super Bowl in the next season or two. Since we often pretend to be salary cap gurus, but we really aren’t I’m gonna do my best to use as much salary cap as needed, but make it a realistic venture. For what its worth the Eagles are projected to have $15million dollars in cap space (this includes the draft pool).
TAKING CARE OF YOUR OWN….or not.
Eagles are scheduled to have 7 unrestricted free agents (Jeremy Maclin, Brandon Graham, Bradley Fletcher, Mark Sanchez, Nate Allen, Casey Mathews, and Brad Smith), and 2 restricted free agents (Chris Polk and Cedric Thornton). The only player on the unrestricted free agent side worth resigning would be Jeremy Maclin. Even though Maclin is in line for a pay day he will have deserved it. He banked on himself and it has paid off. Even though he might potentially cost $10 million per year he has shown he is a good locker room guy, and more importantly fit the system on the field. One could make a case for Mark Sanchez to be resigned for a backup role, but some team might try to make him a starter. Polk and Thornton have shown both deserve to be signed long term, even though Polk needs to show he can stay healthy. Thornton is a 2 gap run stuffing beast, but I doubt many teams covet that as much as other positions. So I see Thornton coming back at around $4million.
WE NO LONGER NEED YOUR SERVICES HERE
The Eagles have a few huge contract guys that can be cut without any ramifications thanks to our new waterboy captain. Here are some guys that should be cut which will say the Eagles a lot of money:
Trent Cole- Cutting Cole would save $8million. I think they will get his replacement in Jason Worlids. I would not be opposed if they restructure Cole and he takes a huge pay cut and stayed for a couple of more years as depth. He still sets the edge well, but his pass rush has declined and was never much of player out in space.
- Cary Williams- Would save $7million and looks like Helen Keller when the ball is in the air.
- James Casey- Would save $4million. Even though he was one of the top players on the best special teams in the league the Eagles have a cheaper replacement on both offense and special teams in Trey Burton.
- Honorable mention is Todd Herremans. His play has declined while his injuries have increased. Depending on how the Eagles handle the draft he may be cut after the preseason. Cutting him will save $3million.
So if you’re keeping track that would be a potential $19million in savings bringing the total cap to $34million for free agency.
WINNING FREE AGENCY!
Most fans are now scared off by free agency due to teams like the Redskins and Cowboys who traditionally will go all out for a player and it doesn’t matter if they are a scheme or culture fit. Lets forget about the Dream Team for this exercise. But one of the main reasons the Eagles have made such a quick turnaround under Chip is because of the scheme fit free agents that the Eagles have been bringing in the past two years. This are a list of guys that I think that could take the Eagles to the next level and fill the holes necessary for the Eagles to go BPA or dare I say trade up for Mariota. Here are a list of guys that will all hopefully be available for the Eagles to sign:
- Devin McCourty- If the Pats let McCourty walk and the Eagles snatch him up on day won to be their FS alongside Maclolm Jenkins it would be hard to top that move. Considering how bad safety play is and for the Eagles to have two perfect safeties schematically would be a huge win.
- Jason Worilds- I personally think he would have been an Eagle last year had the Steelers not used the transaction tag on him.
Antonio Cromartie- He could be a good physical corner that can help the Eagles pass rush because of his coverage skills in the short to intermediate routes. Having McCourty over the top of him can help him be aggressive. - Kareem Jackson- I’m not sure if he would be to much for the budget, but a young CB with #1 CB experience like Jackson could be the LCB in this defense.
- Pernell McPhee- This is a depth signing. McPhee has experience lining up all over the field for the Ravens and he could replace Brandon Graham at a cheaper price.
- Dwayne Harris- Eagles obviously prioritize special teams and they need a permanent returner. I think he could offer some package plays where the Eagles can get him the ball near the LOS and he can make a play or two. He would be a good upgrade over Maehl and Brad Smith.
- Bruce Carter- Another depth signing. He excelled in the 3-4 ILB role and still has the athletic ability to do so. Depending what the Eagles do with Ryans and in the draft he would be a good back up.
- Honorable mention would be Mike Iupati. He would easily be an upgrade over Herremans in the run game, but I don’t know if he is scheme fit since he is more of a road grader over the standard athletes the Eagles have starting.
NO MORE 1ST ROUND PROJECTS PLEASE!
This draft could line up for the Eagles to get some help on the oline and ILB.
- 1st round- Eric Kendricks ILB- I personally think he is a top 20 player in this draft and could create havoc by himself let alone alongside his brother. Measurables may hold him back. Hopefully Chip doesn’t look at his height before this pick. Honorable mention- La’el Collins. He could be a day 1 RG and convert to a RT once Johnson takes over for Peters
- 2nd Rounder- Quinton Rollins CB- This is my personal draft crush. I think he could turn into a star. He might not have top end speed but his ball skills are elite, and his change of speed keeps him in the receiver’s pocket. He could eventually go to safety if his speed cannot convert to the pros. His combine 40 will determine his draft stock. Honorable mention- Preston Smith DE/OLB.
- 3rd Rounder- Ali Marpet G- He showed he belonged with the big boys during his Senior Bowl week. Chip doesn’t draft small school players, but again this is my manifest and I’ll make sure pass it along to him after I’m done, and I’m sure he’s happy I gave him an offensive lineman unlike the equipment manager. Honorable Mention- Shaq Mason G or Eric Fisher T
- 4th rounder- Ifo Ekrpe-Olomu CB- Potential first rounder drops this far due to his ACL tear. Who can’t resist some Oregon Bias!
- 4th rounder- Justin Hardy WR- Poor man’s Michael Crabtree. Can get separation in short areas and extremely productive. Some will wonder can he play either outside or strictly in the slot. I personally think he will be able to do both.
- 5th rounder- David Johnson RB- I think this might be the steal of the draft. He reminds me of Levon Bell without the Blount. Tremendous vision and patient runner that can excel in the zone blocking scheme. Tends to run high, but is a great receiver and can run the routes to become a mismatch for LBs and Safeties.
I really don’t have anyone else for the 6th and 7th round. Best bet is to get more Dline depth and Oline depth.
