After an exciting first day of free agency, the Eagles are clearly a better team. With the additions, of WR’s Torrey Smith and Alshon Jefferey, as well as bringing in OG Chance Warmack, the Birds’ were able to build around QB Carson Wentz and give him a legitimate wideout core. With that being said, Howie Roseman made it clear that the Eagles had a lot left to do. What will that involve? Here are six things we know after day two of free agency.
We’re just getting started:
Howie Roseman stated today that “We have more to do”. The Eagles are likely to make another move..and soon. Whether that’s in the way of adding some veteran talent to the secondary, a free agent to the backfield or even making some cap-saving trades and cuts, it’s clear that the Eagles are only just getting started.
The trenches:
Between Drafting Isaac Seumalo last season and then adding Chance Warmack, and bringing back OG/C Steven Wisniewski over the last few days, the future isn’t clear for Pro-Bowler, Jason Kelce. Howie did reiterate today that the recent moves don’t mean that Kelce is on his way out of Philadelphia, but it’s increasingly difficult to avoid connecting the dots when the team have seventeen offensive linemen on the roster so far out of their 90 player total.
Cap casualties:
The Eagles will need to move on from some veterans in order to open up cap space. Kelce is a name that could be moved, as well as the likes of Ryan Mathews, Mychael Kendricks, Allan Barbre, and Darren Sproles. The latter, probably being the safest as of now. Releasing these players would open up some much needed cap space and allow the birds’ enough leverage to dip their toes even further into free agency if they so wished.
The Offense is ready to fire:
With the addition of Alshon and Torrey, along with Jordan Matthews, and Zach Ertz, the Eagles passing game will become a legitimate strength this season. It’s all eyes on Carson Wentz now that the Eagles have given their franchise quarterback an arsenal to work with moving forward. The Eagles may have plenty of questions to answer moving forward..and how they balance the offense is still going to play a vital role. But the passing attack is STACKED heading into 2017.
It’s time to build the No Phly Zone:
After the signings, the Eagles will likely go defense, defense, and more defense in the Draft. Luckily, their biggest need as of right now, cornerback, is the deepest position in the Draft. The Eagles will be able to add an NFL ready playmaker in round one..but there’s nothing stopping them continuing to get younger at the position, as Roseman alluded to today and drafting some of the high-potential defensive backs who slip through the cracks.
Trust the Process:
Howie Roseman, deserves a lot.. and I mean a lot..of credit here. We all know he has been the victim of a lot of criticism,and it’s time to be honest. Since taking the team back, he has been nothing short of commendable. From trading up to draft the franchise QB in Wentz, to the Alshon pickup that is even cheaper than many expected, he has the Eagles set on the right path.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
