The Eagles are entering an unusual offseason, one in which their most vital position still has a huge shadow cast over it. So far, extensions for current Eagles have been the prominent actions taken by the front office but eventually, Howie Roseman and Co. must dive into free agency and the draft to compile a 53 man roster that can compete in a somewhat weak NFC East. Here are some predictions on how these next few months may play out.
Fletcher Cox breaks the Bank
This is an easy decision for the Eagles, but with the current 2016 cap at around $27.5 million, the actual structure for the stud defender’s new deal should take time to iron out. Roseman knows that he must lock up Cox quickly or he risks massive competition for the Pro Bowler..especially if he excels under Schwartz next season as many expect. Look for Cox to get a deal around Ndamukong Suh’s 6 year, $114 million contract that he signed a year ago with the Dolphins. The Eagles and Jeffrey Lurie have not been shy about dishing out money to their homegrown talent…that will continue with a mega contract for Fletcher Cox.
Mychal Kendricks or Kiko Alonso will be traded
Chip Kelly had some hits and misses (mostly misses) during his time as the head personnel man for the Eagles. Two of those misses are the contract extension for Mychal Kendricks and the trade for Kiko Alonso. Roseman has already shown a willingness to shed as much fat from the Kelly regime as possible and trading either of these linebackers would continue that. Kendricks has not been able to stay healthy and his contract (4 years, $29 million) really does not reflect his overall impact to this team. Alonso on the other hand, has massive upside, but injuries and just poor play plagued his one year with the Eagles. Once Roseman puts their names on the block, it will be only a matter of time before either one of them is dealt for a mid-round draft pick.
Roseman continues his busy Draft Day trading, trades down in first round
Howie has been criticized a ton for this performance on draft day, specifically for his first round picks of Danny Watkins and Marcus Smith. He is however, very good at working the phones and negotiating trades that put the Eagles in a better position. Roseman drops from 13 to the 20s in an attempt to recoup the second round pick that was sent to the Rams in the Bradford trade. With that pick, the Eagles will draft either a tackle or the number one rated guard, Kansas State’s Cody Whitehair.
The Eagles Are very selective in Free Agency
Roseman, hopefully, has learned from his mistakes (2010 “Dream Team”), and will be much more picky this go round in free agency. No Alshon Jeffrey. No Eric Weddle. No Muhammed Wilkerson. After Walter Thurmond and Cedric Thornton walk, Roseman will make small moves to fill spots. SS George Iloka, OG Brandin Brooks, and WR Marvin Jones will all be suited up with the Eagles come training camp.
The Eagles will match a Texans 3 Year $55 million deal offer, and will bring back Bradford
Okay this is the big one. Will they bring back Sam Bradford? Yes, yes they will. Obviously the exact value of the deal may not be accurate, but it will get done. Just when Texans coach Bill O’Brien thinks that he finally will get his Quarterback, Bradford will ask the Eagles to match, and Roseman obliges. Bradford returns and Roseman uses some of his cap magic to facilitate the cap hit for 2016. The guaranteed portion of the contract will be primarily given out in the first two years while the final year of the contract will basically have an opt-out clause for the Eagles. In addition to retaining Bradford, the Eagles will use a mid-round pick on a developmental quarterback.
