Free agency continues to provide us with a whirlwind of headlines, and even though the Eagles have made their blockbuster moves for this year (or so we think), it hasn’t stopped them from giving us yet more thrills on the offseason rollercoaster. In case you’ve missed any of today’s headlines, here’s a quick recap:
Nick Folean dynamite returns:
The Eagles made an interesting move at the quarterback position today, signing the signal caller who sent them to a playoff berth in 2013, Nick Foles. The two-year deal worth $11M is a little less intimidating than that of Chase Daniel, and Foles clearly offers more upside as a long-term solution to back up Carson Wentz.
After Kansas City decided not to pick up his option, it seemed only fitting that he returned home to the City of Brotherly Love, with too many dots to avoid connecting. After all, it was Doug Pederson who made a push for the Eagles to draft Foles during his time as the team’s quarterback coach..and Foles has played as both a backup and a capable starter during his time in the NFL.
You can read a full breakdown of what this means for both Foles and the Eagles here.
Arguably the most intriguing report of the day comes from ESPN’s Field Yates. According to the Insider, the Eagles turned $3.225M of Ertz’ base salary into a guaranteed roster bonus. In doing so, the team have actually created around $2.6M in cap space.
Source: the Eagles turned $3.225M of TE Zach Ertz' base salary in 2017 into a guaranteed roster bonus, creating $2.58M in cap space.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 13, 2017
It’s important to know that Ertz isn’t taking a pay cut as such, the Eagles are just moving the money around in a Heisenberg sort of fashion. However, with the Eagles still facing such prominent holes on the roster, freeing up cap space in this fashion means they don’t compromise any other positions on the roster. Howie Roseman is certainly making a strong case for his best offseason yet.
Bennie Logan finds a new home:
According to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, former Eagles DT Bennie Logan is set to sign a one-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs, replacing Dontari Poe.
To fill expected void, Chiefs and former Eagles DT Bennie Logan reach agreement on 1-year deal, per source. Looks like Dontari Poe moves on.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2017
Logan was previously among the top talents in the free agency class and had already visited with the Washington Redskins. Demand was high 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 his future. A future that now sees him playing in Kansas City.
With Barwin already released, the Eagles have lost two major contributors along the defensive line..a growing area of need, as we noted just yesterday. Will the Eagles strengthen the core of the trenches through the draft or the remainder of free agency? Only time will tell.
Eagles release Chase Daniel:
Well, who would have seen this coming. Just moments after the Eagles had announced the signing of Nick Foles, current backup quarterback, Chase Daniel, had already decided he wants no part in a quarterback competition. With a belief that he’s a starter in this league…(as proven by 78 pass attempts in 8 years), Daniel decided to hand in a release request. A request which was approved by the Eagles just over an hour ago. The transition from Daniel to Foles should be easy for the Eagles from a financial and production standpoint.
Chase Daniel tells me w release request from #eagles "Yes we did and it was mutual. I believe I'm a starter in this league" @SportsRadioWIP
— Howard Eskin (@howardeskin) March 13, 2017
Daniel’s 3-year contract worth $21M was expensive at best and even though he was incredibly valuable to the growth of Carson Wentz in his rookie year, the direction of the franchise has changed dramatically since his arrival after Doug Pederson was unveiled as Head Coach.
However, we know that Chase Daniel has quite the trade market enveloping as teams seek a veteran presence. Daniel will no doubt be aware of the Jets situation among others, as well as those looking to add a veteran backup. But after forcing his way out of Philadelphia, the Eagles have lost any chance of getting anything back for him, (other than a $1M increase in cap space) despite the consensus being that teams would actually trade for his services.
The direction that the team are headed with Nick Foles at the backup spot is certainly encouraging as aforementioned..but the team still need to acquire a third quarterback. McLeod Bethel-Thompson, anyone?
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
