Instead of getting rid of starting quarterbacks and star running backs and wide receivers, the Philadelphia Eagles seem to be locking up their homegrown talent. That probably has just about everything to do with Chip Kelly leaving and Howie Roseman regaining personnel power but there is more to these extensions. Here are some takeaways from Howie’s recent moves.
Howie Likes “Howie Roseman” Guys
Chip Kelly was heavily criticized for swapping out good players for “Chip Kelly” guys (see: Kiko Alsonso). When Jeffrey Lurie gave Kelly the boot, Roseman ascended to power, and “Chip Kelly” guys were still on the team, just without Kelly himself. Now with Roseman calling the shots once again, it is his players that he wants to extend. Ertz, Celek, Johnson, and now Curry were all drafted by then general manager, Howie Roseman. It is obvious that even though they worked together for two years, Roseman and Kelly have different views on a lot of players. Although Sam Bradford showed some potential at the end of the year, and Walter Thurmond III played like a fringe Pro Bowler, there are no reports of any contract discussions for the two impending free agents, both whom were handpicked by Kelly. Howie does not seem too fond of some of Kelly’s core players, and it is shown in these recent signings.
Building the Trenches
Another commonality between these extensions is the positions in which each of these guys play. The offensive and defensive lines are critical areas to address in the attempt to turn a team into a contender and Howie understands that. Roseman looked back at the success of Andy Reid and recognized that guys like Jon Runyan, Tra Thomas, Chad Lewis, Corey Simon, Hugh Douglas and Trent Cole were paramount to Reid’s tenure. Howie seems to be emulating that design, signing his future left tackle, a defensive end, and two tight ends to rather long deals. Even the guy who figures to be next on the extension list, Fletcher Cox, plays in the trenches. Undoubtedly the quarterback position is the most important position in maybe all of sports and Bradford’s future with the Eagles is still an unknown at this point, but Roseman has decided to wait on that front and solidify the offensive and defensive fronts.
Only the Beginning
Howie definitely has some distaste for what Kelly did to his team and these extensions are only the beginning. The Eagles have recently thrown a lot of money to these players, and there are undoubtedly going to be some interesting repercussions.
Guys like Kiko Alsonso and Connor Barwin may not have a position in Jim Schwartz’s 4-3 defense which could lead to some trades in the next couple of months. Bradford is not going to be ignored for too much longer, so Howie has to make a decision on the former top overall pick soon, however the cap space for the quarterback is shrinking.
Finally, it would not be surprising if a lot of guys get cut to free up more cap space. Due to the low amount of dead money, Riley Cooper is almost a lock to be sent packing, and some other Kelly layovers like Mark Sanchez and Josh Huff may also be released by the start of next season.
