The Eagles aren’t exactly swimming in cap space and it’s expected that the team will be making some interesting moves over the coming weeks in order to change that, with free agency looming. That process may have already started if a report by Adam Caplan turns out to be true:
ESPN Sources: #Eagles recently approached Pro Bowl LT Jason Peters about reducing his salary: https://t.co/frVyUa7TfY
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) February 8, 2017
The Eagles are expected to have around $7M in cap space heading into the free agency window and have some prominent holes to fill. The veteran left tackle has two seasons remaining no his current contract and carries a cap hit of $11M in both 2017 and 2018.
It’s easy to see why the Eagles have approached Peters. Not only is he one of the oldest players on the roster, but he’s also the most expensive, ahead of Lane Johnson and Fletcher Cox. With the word loyalty in mind, the Birds would be hoping to save money wherever possible in order to retain the services of the likes of Connor Barwin..so starting with the most expensive player on the roster certainly isn’t a bad decision.
If Peters declines the pay cut however, that’s where things could get a little awkward. The nine time Pro Bowler was widely expected to regress in 2016 in a west-coast offense, but was instead voted to yet another pro bowl. Whether or not Peters can sustain his level of performance for the remaining contracted years will be pivotal to the success of the Eagles offensive front. But cutting him would leave the Birds low on depth and riding the likes of Halapoulivaati Vaitai going into 2017..a year in which the Eagles are expected to compete.
It will be interesting to see how this story develops and whether or not the 35-year old would be willing to surrender some of his well earned money. Either way, the Eagles have officially started their salary purge..let the fun begin!
