Incoming Players
A lot has been talked about the notion that the Eagles will tag and trade quarterback Nick Foles, even I looked at the possible players/picks the Eagles could net in a trade. But with the recent report that the Eagles will most likely let Foles walk in free agency, it’s looking more likely that those trade scenarios will stay as fantasy.
So with just a little more than $5 million in cap space, could the Eagles be players for big name free agents?
You could never trust Howie Roseman out, but it’ll be difficult to land the likes of DeMarcus Lawrence, Dee Ford, or Jadeveon Clowney. Who else could come and be an impact player on the cheap?
Preston Smith
Poaching a player from a rival is always a good thing. Poaching a good player is even better. Preston Smith would provide much-needed depth at linebacker and he had over 50 quarterback pressures and 20 run stops last season. This is the type of production the Eagles need, especially if they want to get back to the run-stopping dominance everyone has seen in the past.
Prediction: 6 years $24 million with $12 million guaranteed
Za’Darius Smith
Another addition to the defense, Smith had a breakout year that could net him a nice pay raise. However, teams may be wary of giving him a big check in the event his 2018 performance was a fluke. I think the Eagles will give him a shot to prove he’s the real deal and allow the team to have two young dominant defensive ends, alongside Derek Barnett.
Prediction: 4 years $12 million with $2 million guaranteed
Tevin Coleman
The popular prediction for running back is that the Eagles will tag and trade Nick Foles and send him to the Jaguars for Leonard Fournette. Well, that doesn’t look like it’s happening and it’ll be the draft and/or free agency that helps the Eagles replenish their running back depth.
Enter Tevin Coleman. Entering free agency at age 26, Coleman is set to be a highly sought after commodity this offseason. Coleman is coming off an 800-yard rushing season and added 32 receptions for 276 yards. His 4.8 yards per carry average would like nice in an Eagles uniform next season. Pairing Wentz with Coleman for the next 5-6 years would be a very good thing.
Prediction: 6 years $30 million with $9 million guaranteed and $6 million signing bonus
Of course, there will be more signings, but with a couple of restructurings (Lane Johnson and Alshon Jeffrey for example) of the base salaries into roster bonuses, the Eagles could fall between $5 million and $8 million after these three signings.
Of course, more reinforcements will come via the draft, so who will be the first round pick in April?
