Training Camp is still one month away, but as we all know, Howie Roseman is not the kind of GM to sit on his hands patiently. The Eagles have some tricky contract decisions to make over the next two years and there’s every reason to believe that process starts right now. Here are five players who could be next in line to receive a payday.
Jalen Hurts
Contract expiry: 2024
Perhaps the most obvious candidate for a contract extension is going to be Jalen Hurts. The young quarterback still has another two years on his deal, but we know what Howie Roseman is like in wanting to jump the market. His decision to pay Carson Wentz before Dak Prescott earned his payday proved to be a profitable one as they were the market setters rather than the market chasers.
There are several quarterbacks who could be in line for a big-time extension soon. Kirk Cousins, Derek Carr, and Aaron Rodgers all have deals expiring within the next three years. More importantly, Russell Wilson’s contract expires in the same breath that Jalen’s does.
If Hurts balls out this year, it wouldn’t be surprising in the slightest to see Howie try to jump the gun and give Hurts a long-term extension, keeping the Oklahoma product in Philadelphia and ensuring that future draft capital can be spent on building around him rather than replacing him.
Javon Hargrave
Contract expiry: 2023
The Eagles are quickly running into a conundrum. Fletcher Cox is probably on his last legs as an Eagle and Hargrave’s deal expires in 2023. By that time, Jordan Davis and Milton Williams may be in a prime position to take over the DT1 & 2 spots. Paying Hargrave by the end of 2022 on a team-friendly deal, should he be willing to accept, would ensure a long-term 3-man rotation at one of the most important positions on this Eagles team.
Isaac Seumalo
Contract expiry: 2023
The Oregon State product has been a consistently productive offensive guard and an underrated cog of this offensive front when healthy. Behind Seumalo, depth is fairly light. Nate Herbig is no longer on the team, Landon Dickerson has locked down his starting spot, and Sua Opeta is still relatively young in his development.
The Eagles are either going to let him walk into Big-V money, or alternatively could opt to sign him to a new deal, keeping a vital piece of their o-line who can play multiple spots. Whether he’s a spot-starter, a solidified RG, or a versatile backup, his services are valuable to Stoutland’s group.
Miles Sanders
Contract expiry: 2023
For what it’s worth, I don’t think the Eagles extend Sanders, but if he can get it all together in 2022 and stay healthy, then the Eagles may finally get to see what happens when Sanders fires on all cylinders. He still has flaws in his game and injuries are a worry, but if he balls out in 2022, it may be the time that Howie does finally step up and pay a running back.
Outside of Kenny Gainwell, there are no viable long-term options. Sanders needs to prove himself worthy of an extension, but if he can do so, it would behoove the Eagles to explore an extension.
Marcus Epps
Contract expiry: 2023
This is looking a lot less likely with Jaquiski Tartt now in the ranks, but Epps should still see plenty of playing time in 2022. he fills a niche role in this defense and fills it well. Epps has earned praise from both coordinators he’s played under, has blossomed from what was once a special teams role, and is a player who organically deserves to keep growing in Philadelphia.
Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire
