With the playoffs upon us and just 27 days to the Super Bowl, the Eagles and their counterparts are well into the player evaluation stage.
Several decisions must be made when the dust settles, the moves framed for the Eagles against a projected $28.55 million in salary cap space in 2024. That’s enough room to re-sign select free agents and extend a few contracts, the latter of which we will address in a few.
It’s never too early to think strategically. Here is what the Eagles are working through with their free agents:
Unrestricted
Center Jason Kelce >> This is a huge order of business for the Eagles and Kelce, who turns 37 in November. If he hangs up his cleats, he’d have a lot of non-football activities to keep him busy, possibly as an analyst in waiting. If he checks out after 14 seasons, the Eagles will have an extra $12.3 million of cap room in 2024. Kelce probably doesn’t need the money. He’s frugal and has made $82 million in his career.
Defensive end Brandon Graham >> Money isn’t the issue as much as role, and the Eagles selected Nolan Smith in the first round to see what he could do rushing the passer.
Defensive tackle Fletcher Cox >> The Big Guy was much more of an asset this year than last, and he still has football left in him at 33. That said, this is a good time to turn the page on him and make full use of Georgia defensive tackles Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter, who the Birds took off the board in the first round of the past two drafts. Wouldn’t be surprised to see him join coordinator Jim Schwartz in Cleveland.
Quarterback Marcus Mariota >> Joining the Eagles has reinvigorated Mariota, who seriously considered hanging up his cleats after he fell out of favor in Atlanta following a knee injury. He’s worth $5 million for another year.
Running back D’Andre Swift >> Swift earned himself a raise after rushing for 1,000 yards for the first time in his four-year career. He’s looking at a multi-year deal averaging more than $5.5 million. Like Miles Sanders, who rushed for 1,000 and exited for a four-year, $25 million pact with the Panthers, he’s probably not going to cash in here.
Running back Boston Scott >> You could do a lot worse for a utility back/kickoff returner than Scott, who a market value around $1.5 million.
Running back Rashaad Penny >> The Eagles didn’t have a role for Penny once they traded for Swift.
Wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus >> The Eagles can give his snaps to Britain Covey, who has demonstrated the ability to play slot.
Wide receiver Quez Watkins >> Just like Nick Sirianni, we believe there always is room for Watkins and his supersonic speed.
Linebacker Zach Cunningham >> Thanks for everything, Zach. Don’t forget to drop off the company iPad.
Linebacker Nicholas Morrow >> Great job, Nick. We’ll get back to you.
Safety Justin Evans >> Just cannot stay healthy.
Tight end Albert Okwuegbunam >> Checks all the boxes physically but neither a natural passcatcher nor blocker.
Linebacker Shaq Leonard >> Not the guy who terrorized offenses when his knees were healthy.
Guard Sua Opeta >> At the right price, yup, bring him back.
Guard Jack Driscoll >> Driscoll either has played at every position or knows it. He can get more money somewhere else.
Punter Braden Mann >> Eagles like to go cheap at punter, but this guy is worth a competitive contract. Very good punter, excellent hands to get the ball down on placements and he’s a threat to throw on fakes.
Linebacker Shaun Bradley >> A torn Achilles’ tendon robbed him of the season. Getting healthy is the priority.
Restricted free agent
Tight end Jack Stoll >> Worth a $2.8 million tender.
Free agency targets
The Eagles need a shutdown cornerback. Two if they decide Darius Slay or James Bradberry are overpaid.
Unfortunately, this isn’t a great market for next-level corners. The best guy due to become unrestricted is Stephon Gilmore, and he’s 33. Do you want to give him a deal averaging $11 million? Adoree Jackson and Kendall Fuller are 28 years or older. Are they worth deals averaging $11 million and $14 million, respectively. (Maybe Fuller.)
The Eagles might want to take another shot at acquiring cornerback Patrick Surtain of Denver, who Eagles players quietly call the top corner in the league. The Broncos own the 12th overall pick in the first round, and it’s pretty clear they need a quarterback. Make it happen.
Contract extensions
Wide receiver DeVonta Smith and Pro Bowl guard Landon Dickerson are on the verge of completing their third seasons, making them eligible to redo rookie deals. It’s almost always cheaper to do them now then after their fourth season.
Haason Reddick has 27 sacks over the last two regular seasons for the Eagles and 51 sacks over the last four seasons, the latter fourth among all NFL players.
Yet he’s not paid among the top 10 pass rushers in the league, T.J. Watt leading that list with a deal averaging $28 million followed by Joey Bosa at $27 million. Even players used similarly to Reddick are getting paid. Khalil Mack averages $23.5 million, Bradley Chubb $22 million.
Reddick’s three-year deal with the Ealges averaged $15 million. He has a cap hit of $19.1 million next season, and that could be lowered with the right structure.
Contact Bob Grotz at rgrotz@delcotimes.com.
Source: Berkshire mont