Well, the inevitable happened. After yet another offseason of LeSean McCoy being linked with the Eagles, he signed with another team in the way of Tampa Bay. So, who will join the room of Eagles running backs?
What’s interesting here is that the deal is only worth a little over $1M. We know for a fact the Eagles didn’t want to pay more than a veteran’s minimum for a veteran running back and this is hardly a ridiculous price. For McCoy, this decision would’ve likely came down to the role.
What now for the Eagles running backs?
McCoy comes in as the immediate head of the dragon, while in Philadelphia, his ceiling would always be capped by franchise running back Miles Sanders, as would be the case for any veteran running back. If the Birds don’t want to play, running backs may simply find somewhere else to play.
Now whether or not the Eagles actually need a veteran running back is another debate entirely. They have Boston Scott behind Sanders as a lock for RB2, but beyond that is a mystery. Corey Clement has some leverage (if healthy) over three UDFA’s. One from last year in Elijah Holyfield, and two from this year in Michael Warren and Adrian Killins. Without OTA’s or preseason, finding a proven veteran would make sense, but is it the right call for a team with such little cap leverage?
The McCoy fit was always an interesting one and the eagerness to work something out did seem mutual earlier in the offseason. But after losing out on Carlos Hyde and with Devonta Freeman wanting a big bag, the team are running out of time and options if they want to find a supporting member to Miles Sanders.
Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
