The bigger picture
When it comes to longevity, something craved at the position, that doesn’t often come without huge paydays, the Eagles could potentially lose both starters after next season. At the very least, it’s looking like Ronald Darby will be looking to secure the bag, leaving the team with no option but to lean on the next in line…and that’s where the waters become murky.
Ronald Darby 2020
Cre’Von LeBLanc 2020
Jalen Mills 2020
Sidney Jones 2021
Rasul Douglas 2021
Avonte Maddox 2022
The Eagles would almost be forced to extend one of the two next of kin due to the fact that both Sidney Jones and Rasul Douglas would be entering contract years of their own. If we’re to leave Maddox out of this discussion (for now), the Birds will have no option but to either retain Jalen Mills, or put all their chips on Sidney Jones, a corner who hasn’t been able to shake off the ‘injury’ label, and Rasul Douglas, who clearly isn’t viewed in the same vein as he is by those screaming ‘SUUUL’ in the stands whenever he makes a big-time play.
If we take a best-case scenario of an affordable Mills extension, who then lines up with Jones and LeBlanc/Douglas, the need for not only depth, but longer term options suddenly become immediate. Free agency plug-n-plays work well, but the Eagles have a luxury of being deep at the position right now, so using that as a breeding ground instead of relying on free agents, seems the best option.
