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After analyzing the Eagles Cap figures for 2014, I examined the likely possibilities for cuts and resignings. Philadelphia currently has slightly over $20 Million in available room, but can increase that number with maneuvering along the roster. Each cap number and contract is relevant to the estimated value of players of similar standing throughout the NFL. Any player that is currently listed on the roster or picked up in the offseason not listed on the depth chart will be relegated to the practice squad or cut.
CAP SPACE: $20.5M
Courtesy: NJ.com
CUTS
Jason Avant (Saves $3.2M)
James Casey (Saves $2.9M)
Patrick Chung (Saves $2.25M)
Brad Smith (Saves $1.3M)
Allen Barbre (Saves $730,000)
Damaris Johnson (Saves $570,000)
Jeff Maehl (Saves $570,000)
Alex Henry (Saves $540,000)
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Courtesy: NY Daily News
NOT RESIGNED
Phillip Hunt
Michael Vick
Kurt Coleman
Arrelious Benn
Colt Anderson
Jeff Owens
Jorrick Calvin
CAP ROOM: $32.5M
Courtesy: Bleacher Report
RESIGNINGS
Jeremy Maclin (1 Year/$4M: $4M Cap Hit)
Riley Cooper (3 years/ $9M: $2.5M Cap Hit)
Cedric Thornton (4 years/$10.5M: $2.25M Cap Hit)
Donnie Jones (2 years/$5M: $2M Cap Hit)
Nate Allen (1 year/$1.5M: $1.5M Cap Hit)
Clifton Geathers (2 Years/$3M: $1.5M Cap Hit)
CAP ROOM: $18.75M
Courtesy: Philly.com
RESTRUCTURE (and/or) EXTENSION
Trent Cole (2 years/$8M: Saves $1M)
DeMeco Ryans (3 years/ $12M: Saves $2M)
CAP ROOM: $21.75M
EXTENSIONS
Jason Kelce (4 years/$26M: $4.2M Increase on Cap Hit)
CAP ROOM: $17M
TRADES
Brandon Graham to the Jacksonville Jaguars for 6 (163) Round Pick (Saves $1.5M)
CAP ROOM: $18.5M
FREE AGENT SIGNINGS
Courtesy: Bleacher Report
T.J. Ward- Cleveland Browns SS (5 years/$28M: $5.5M Cap Hit)
The Browns are a complete mess and Ward will try to hitch the first ride out of Cleveland. He is a physical player, that brings a toughness to the defensive backfield. Ward is a major upgrade over anyone that has suited up for Philadelphia since Brian Dawkins departure. He provides an enforcer in the middle of the field and in the box, to add much needed intimidation to the defense.
Courtesy: ESPN
Walter Thurmond III- Seattle Seahawks CB (3 years/$7.5M: $2M Cap Hit)
Thurmond adds size to the CB position, along with the experience of playing with a Super Bowl Champion. Though not a star, he is young and will add depth to one of the worst passing defenses in the NFL. His ability to match up with taller WRs, makes him a much needed asset for the Eagles defense.
Courtesy: USA Today
Cam Thomas- San Diego Chargers DT (2 years/$1.75M: $850,000 Cap Hit)
Thomas adds bulk and depth to good young core along the DL. He is best suited in a rotation, while focusing on being a run-stuffer, clogging the middle. He is a big body that will come relatively cheap, filling in as a backup NT and DE on early downs.
Courtesy: Bleacher Report
Bruce Campbell- Carolina Panthers OL (1 year/$750,000: $750,000 Cap Hit)
The Eagles need to add depth to the OL with versatile athletes, that can play multiple positions. Campbell performed arguably the greatest display of athleticism by an lineman in NFL Combine history. He has experience playing at both Tackle and Guard positions, fitting well into Philadelphia’s uptempo scheme.
Courtesy: ESPN
Robert Meachem- New Orleans Saints WR (1 year/$715,000: $715,000 Cap Hit)
Meachem has been a disappointment for the past two seasons, but has added a consistent deep threat. Though he will not catch many balls, his ability to stretch the field will be a welcome addition to Chip Kelly’s fast-paced offense.
CAP ROOM: $9.6M
DRAFT
Courtesy: Zimbio
1 (22): Calvin Pryor (S Louisville)
Pryor is a big safety that can play both in coverage and in the box. He brings a physical nature to the middle of the field, while pairing him with Ward will create a hard-hitting duo. The Eagles defense desperately needs to find a more intimidating identity, striking fear in the passing game.
Player Comparison: Eric Reid (S San Francisco 49ers)
Courtesy: CBS Sports
2 (54): Dee Ford (DE/OLB Auburn)
Ford will most likely have to convert to a 3-4 OLB in the NFL because of a smaller frame, but does display good pass rush skills. He has above average speed for an edge rusher, with fluid movements getting after the QB. Injury concerns force him into the second round, but his production on tape last season shown an player that could develop into an excellent threat against the pass.
Player Comparison: Junior Gallette (OLB New Orleans Saints)
Courtesy: CBS Sports
3 (86): DeAnthony Thomas (RB/RS Oregon)
Chip Kelly’s offense is predicated on speed and Thomas has a ton. His versatility fits well with the Eagles scheme, as he can line up anywhere on the field. Add in the fact he is an explosive return man on kickoffs, he fills several needs with the pick. His familiarity with his offense will make him an useful weapon as a rookie.
Player Comparison: Dexter McCluster (RB/WR Kansas City Chiefs)
Courtesy: Rant Sports
4 (118): Billy Turner (OL North Dakota State)
Though he played under lesser competition at an FCS school, he still dominated his ranks, including being named an All-American and winning a national title. He has the ideal size and athleticism to fit the Eagles scheme; who can be groomed to take over at either tackle or guard spot in the future.
Player Comparison: Todd Herremans (OL Philadelphia Eagles)
Courtesy: CBS Sports
5 (150): Devin Street (WR Pittsburgh)
Street is a big target, with a strong ability to catch the ball over the middle. After becoming the go-to target for the Panthers, he proved to be able to take the pounding as a possesion receiver. Though he does not have ideal speed, at this point the Eagles will be looking for more sure-handed large targets to compliment their receiving core.
Player Comparison: Marlon Brown (WR Baltimore Ravens)
Courtesy: CNN.com
5 (158-From New England Patriots): Michael Sam (DE/OLB Missouri)
He made the monumental announcement of his homosexuality, but there is not a team more prepared for the media storm than the Eagles. After transgressions with Michael Vick and Riley Cooper over the past couple years, the team understands how to defer attention. He was an ultra-productive pass-rusher in college, evidenced by his Co-Defensive Player of the Year Award in the SEC in 2013. The Eagles need help on the edge and Sam attacks the QB with ferocity.
Player Comparison: Michael Bennett (DE Seattle Seahawks)
Courtesy: ESPN
6 (163- From Jacksonville Jaguars): Bennett Jackson (CB Notre Dame)
Jackson fits the theme of the off season in adding physical defensive backs to improve in the passing game. He has great size for the position, while has underrated downfield speed. His ability to play several different positions, whether inside or outside, is needed for CB depth.
Player Comparison: Marcus Cooper (CB Kansas City Chiefs)
Courtesy: Rant Sports
7 (216): Zach Kerr (DT Delaware)
Kerr is a big body that has played in several different schemes, while in college. He can eat up space and add more size to the DL. He is another player that was highly productive against inferior competition, but has a willingness to do whatever to help his team.
Player Comparison: Cam Thomas (DT San Diego Chargers)
UNDRAFTED FREE AGENTS
Courtesy: CBS Sports
Colt Lylera (HB/TE Oregon)
Keith Price (QB Washington)
Matt Paradis (OL Boise State)
Isaiah Burse (WR Fresno State)
Glenn Carson (LB Penn State)
Shaquille Richardson (DB Arizona State)
Anthony Fera (K Texas)
DEPTH CHART
QB: Foles, Barkley, Price
RB: McCoy, Brown, Polk, Thomas
WR: Jackson, Maclin, Cooper, Meachem, Street, Burse
TE: Celek, Ertz, Lylera
——————————
LT: Peters. Turner
LG: Mathis, Campbell
C: Kelce, Vandervelde
RG: Herremans, Paradis
RT: Johnson, Kelly
—————————–
RDE: Thornton, Geathers
NT: Logan, Thomas, Square
LDE: Cox, Curry
————————–
ROLB: Barwin, Sam
MLB (1): Ryans, Goode
MLB (2): Kendricks, Matthews
LOLB: Cole, Ford
—————————-
CB (1): Williams, Thurmond
CB (2): Fletcher, Boykin, Jackson
FS: Pryor, Allen
SS: Ward, Wolff
————————
K: Fera
P: Jones
LS: Dorenbos
Submit your own Mock Offseason or Mock Draft to TSC at: https://www.thesportscol.com/submit-an-article/!!!
