Following the blockbuster trade of their franchise QB, Russell Wilson, the Seattle Seahawks don’t appear to be done. They’re not the only NFL team making waves, either and they might directly help the Philadelphia Eagles.
The NFL is going to be sleepless, thanks to Seattle
Both Tyler Lockett and franchise cornerstone Bobby Wagner are expected to be moved this offseason. Two stalwarts of the Seahawks franchise could very well be gone shortly after their franchise QB was traded.
Lockett is 30 years old and carries a $3 million dollar guaranteed cap hit, after signing a 4-year, $69 million contract before the 2021 season. Lockett had 71 catches for over 1,000 yards and 8 TD’s. He has had 1,000 yard receiving seasons for the last three years while having excellent return capabilities.
Wagner is a bit more complicated in his overall contract, but is apparently set to be released by the team according to the latest reports. If the Seahawks do release him, the dead cap is only $3.75 million. Wagner is going to be 32 heading into this season also and hasn’t missed a game in over three seasons.
Both Lockett and Wagner would be instant fills for an Eagles team that has needs at both receiver and LB. It would be more likely for the Eagles to try and come to a trade deal with the services of Lockett just because of his overall age and cap hit, but if Wagner hits the open market, it could give the Eagles a cheaper option at LB that would be an immediate solve for their troubles.
DeShaun Watson’s hearing
The Eagles have been tied to Deshaun Watson for the better part of a year now, and there might finally be some movement on his situation.
The troubled Texans QB missed all of the 2021 NFL campaign due to the fact that he’s currently alleged to have sexually assaulted 22 women. A grand jury is set to hear evidence from the defendant this Friday, with expectations that a decision will be made that same day.
If Watson is found innocent, then we can assume that NFL teams may start coming out of the woodwork to see what Houston may want in return for a quarterback whose on-field production would be regarded as elite by many.
It will be very interesting to see how teams react to the outcome of Friday’s hearing, and the Eagles are absolutely among the teams to monitor. It could be assumed that the team is all-in on Jalen Hurts after Howie’s comments at the Combine were reinforced by a lack of a push to land Russell Wilson, but would they stand pat on a quarterback whose prime years are still well ahead of him, providing he’s found innocent? It’s a moral dilemma on many levels, but one that Roseman will need to answer.
Mike Williams signs a new deal
The Eagles were dealt another cruel blow yesterday. Pending free agent wideout, Mike Williams, signed a three-year deal with the Chargers worth $60M.
A 50/50 ball machine, Williams was thought to come at a premium if he hit the open market thanks to his explosive 2021 campaign. I wrote an article recently trying to come up with a fair value for Allen Robinson, another potential target. That number sat at around $53M, and Williams’ new deal should only further enforce that rough ballpark figure.
Around the NFL
We can expect plenty more headlines to emerge in the coming days as the legal tampering period nears. The Eagles have around $21M in cap space to work with and are expected to be active players in the free-agent market.
For the latest updates, make sure to check back regularly!
Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire
