One of the biggest questions lingering over the shoulders of the Philadelphia Eagles is regarding the future of Defensive tackle Bennie Logan. While reports have been quiet, Logan has been linked with the Redskins, should be allowed to test the free agency waters. According to a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, things could begin to take a very interesting turn:
#Chiefs are not expected to franchise tag Dontari Poe. The #Ravens are not expected to tag Brandon Williams. Big DTs hitting the FA market
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 1, 2017
With two big name defensive tackles looking to hit the market, this could see Logan’s price-tag take a hit. If it does, the possibility of resigning with the Eagles becomes far more plausible.
Free agency wasn’t exactly glaring with affordable talent prior to these moves. Aside from Logan, Nick Fairley and Abry Jones were among the top targets who fit the Eagles prototype, both of whom would have been looking for a nice payday. With the inclusion of Poe and Williams..free agency has suddenly become a lucrative market for the defensive tackles and teams seeking them.
Logan was previously among the top talents in the free agency class..and understandably so. Setting new career highs in sacks and forced fumbles under Jim Schwartz after transitioning to a 4-3 Defense, Logan found his footing early on and continued to shine throughout the season. The team aren’t blessed with cap space and that was something naturally playing a huge factor in this debate. A factor that could now be diminishing.
Beneath Logan, Beau Allen and Destiny Vaeao acted as more than just backups in 2016, combining for a total of 66.3% of Defensive snaps. Injuries did play a factor into their involvement, but the depth of Allen and the UDFA was well and truly utilized in 2016.
If the Eagles agree to an extension with Bennie Logan, who is reportedly being eyed up by the Washington Redskins, it not only means the team can pursue the more pressing needs earlier in the draft, but also means that the birds won’t be at a disadvantage, trying to bring in an affordable long-term replacement for Logan that can make that same kind of sizable impact right away.
It will certainly be something to keep an eye on over the coming days, especially since many player agents are present at the combine, representing their clients and enabling the Eagles front office staff to talk in-depth about situations just like this one. Could Bennie Logan be playing in the City of Brotherly Love next season after all?
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
