Courtesy: USA Today
The Philadelphia Eagles has seen their organization be the star of the off season headlines so far. Head Coach Chip Kelly was given full control over the personnel starting this season and has not wasted anytime molding his roster. There is a culture shock going on at the NovaCare Complex that will reshape the team’s future.
After trading running back (and fan favorite) LeSean McCoy to the Bills for linebacker Kiko Alonso, they have made several other moves to clear cap room. The longest tenured Philadelphia Eagles in linebacker Trent Cole and offensive lineman Todd Herremans were on the wrong side of cap casualties. They also released tumoltuous cornerback Cary Williams to save another six million dollars before free agency has officially begun (giving them almost $50 million in cap room). Middle linebacker DeMaco Ryans may be next in line as he is expendable with the acquisition of Alonso and would save almost $7 million.
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They already added former Seattle Seahawks cornerback Byron Maxwell to a five year contract. The Philadelphia Eagles were smart to attack their biggest need first, before the market dried up. But the signing is not a surefire hit, as he is not without questions.
Can Maxwell perform as a top corner? Or was he a product of playing with All-Pro defensive backs Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor? He has the size and physicality the Philadelphia Eagles lacked the past several seasons from their corners and is an instant upgrade from the duo of Williams and free agent Bradley Fletcher. His press man coverage fits well in a defensive system that utilizes exotic blitzes, leaving the corners on an island.
The Philadelphia Eagles also retained Brandon Graham, in hopes of him taking over the starting outside linebacker spot vacated by the departure of Cole. He has progressed drastically over the past two seasons and is now one of the most efficient edge players in the entire NFL. Though the roster needs to add more depth to the position, it is no longer a top concern looking into the rest of the off season.
But what comes next for Chip Kelly and the Philadelphia Eagles?
Reports initially had San Francisco 49ers Frank Gore taking over for McCoy. But cold feet right before the start of free agency has the Philadelphia Eagles looking at other possible options. Gore would bring a physical down hill style of back, fitting Chip Kelly’s zone blocking scheme.
Other available veteran runners that fit that mold include Knowshon Moreno, Steven Ridley, Darren McFadden, Pierre Thomas, Roy Helu, and Justin Forsett. None seem like a long term solution, but could complete a running back-by-committee with Darren Sproles, Chris Polk and Kenjon Barner. Though none individually could replace McCoy’s dynamic playmaking ability, a unit with versatility could replace his production, similar to what has been deployed by the New England Patriots in recent seasons.
Yet there is always the outside chance that the Philadelphia Eagles make a big splash and sign Dallas Cowboys DeMarco Murray or trade for Minnesota Vikings Adrian Peterson. But both have hefty price tags and may be unrealistic considering the organization just traded its best overall player because of his cap hit. Either back would certainly fit into the offense though and be a bell-cow back for the near future.
They have lost out in the bidding war for their leading receiver Jeremy Maclin to the Kansas City Chiefs (and former head coach Andy Reid). He finally proved to be a legit No. 1 receiving threat in 2014, after returning from a knee injury and the ouster of running mate DeSean Jackson. Maclin was not only a great deep threat but also a polished route runner that fit into the Philadelphia Eagles offensive system.
Looking into available free agents, there is no comparable talent left on the market. But the team could look at some high potential players like Michael Crabtree or Cecil Shorts to fill his shoes. Neither one has remained on the field enough to merit big paydays and could come at a discounted price.
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There is also the likely hood of more cap casualties flooding the wide receiver market. Houston Texans wide out Andre Johnson has officially been cut because of his age and contract. He is one of the most productive wide receivers in the history of the NFL. Johnson has great size and hands, while still having some explosion to stretch the field.
The same goes for Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Vincent Jackson, who also may be released to clear up some cap room. The Philadelphia Eagles expressed interest before the trade deadline for the former Pro-Bowler last season. Either would give the roster another big target on the outside alongside Riley Cooper and second year player Jordan Matthews.
While adding other cap casualties like New York Jets Percy Harvin or possibly Miami Dolphins Mike Wallace would add a speed dynamic to the offense. With both DeSean Jackson and Maclin gone, the Philadelphia Eagles lack a true threat to stretch the field. And Chip Kelly has built his playbook on being fast.
The Philadelphia Eagles could also look to free agency to add a replacement for Herremans in the starting offensive line as well. Though All-Pro Mike Iupati is on the market, he might be out of the price range with so much money already allotted to the unit. The team not only needs to find an instant starter, but influx some youth at offensive guard.
A more realistic option is Cincinnati Bengals Clint Boling, who is step below Iupati. But he is not only younger but also a better fit for the Philadelphia Eagles system. His athleticism and versatility are intriguing for a player still developing. While the under-the-radar deal could be a steal similar to the past signing of Evan Mathis deal (who blossomed into one of the best lineman in all of football in Philadelphia).
Yet Chip Kelly has been focused on the defensive side of the ball, expressing interest in New England Patriots safety Devin McCourty. But after he agreed to resign with the reigning champions, options are limited on who can fill the hole alongside Malcolm Jenkins in the defensive backfield. The question is whether the team is looking for help in coverage or a more physical presence.
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Denver Broncos safety Rahim Moore is a natural centerfielder, who is only 25 years old and still has more development ahead. While Oakland Raiders Tyvon Branch is a former Pro- Bowler that could strike fear into any pass catcher going across the middle. But both have been bitten by the injury bug all too often and are questionable whether they can be relied upon for an entire season. Though that will bring their price tag drastically down, as both could sign short term “show me” deals.
But the most important question is who will be under center for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2015? Obviously Nick Foles is still under contract, but the explicit interest in Oregon quarterback (and Chip Kelly protege) Marcus Mariota has raised eyebrows on his future with the organization. But will they team be willing to give up the draft pick assets to move up 15-20 spots to select him? If they trade current starter Foles to another quarterback needy team, they could have enough to make an enticing draft pick package.
There is also the rumors that San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick could be available via trade. His athletic ability would bode well in the uptempo Philadelphia Eagles system. And the team has plenty of cap room still to absorb his contract, which pays him over $20 million a year. And the draft pick compensation to acquire him could be replenished by dealing the incumbent Foles. While there is also the possibility that Chip Kelly could pick up Kaepernick, only to move him in a package with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the top overall pick.
Final Prediction:
The Philadelphia Eagles fill their offensive holes by signing offensive lineman Clint Boling to fill out the starting unit. They lose out on Gore and opt for Ridley instead. Vincent Jackson takes over as the top wide receiver on a three year deal. While the Chip Kelly fills out his defensive backfield with Rahim Moore. Finally, Nick Foles is traded to the St. Louis Rams for a second round pick and a future fourth rounder.
Courtesy: USA Today
All this fills their current roster holes, allowing for their extra draft picks to be expendable. The Philadelphia Eagles package their 2015 1st, 2nd and 4th round picks, along with their 2016 1st round and 4th round picks for the first overall pick. And as predicted by many experts all along, Chip Kelly gets his man and the fate of the franchise rests on the shoulders of Marcus Mariota. They also use their remaining five picks on a wide receiver, running back, offensive lineman, outside linebacker and a defensive back.
