Last-Minute Guide to Philadelphia Eagles' Free Agency
The official start of free agency is Tuesday, March 10, and it's expected that the Philadelphia Eagles are active in pursuing key free agents.
In fact, numerous reports during the legal three-day tampering period indicate that Chip Kelly has deals in place with multiple players, and the team has still been linked to even more. It hasn’t been a boring offseason for Kelly, as he sent All-Pro running back LeSean McCoy to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for third-year inside linebacker, Kiko Alonso, a 2013 Defensive Rookie of the Year runner-up.
That has cleared up over $50 million in cap space, putting the Eagles in position to sign a handful of prime free agents. Are the Eagles looking to sign a multitude of key players in free agency and thus trade their draft picks in a blockbuster move for Marcus Mariota? Regardless, the Eagles’ roster in one week could look much different than the one they have now.
Eagles Reportedly Have a Deal in Place for Cornerback Byron Maxwell
1 of 6
The Philadelphia Eagles needed cornerback help after a 2014 season in which the defense ranked dead-last in passing yards. Veteran Cary Williams was released and Bradley Fletcher isn’t likely to be re-signed, according to CSNPhilly.com. That could leave two open cornerback spots if Brandon Boykin stays in his nickel slot, although it sounds like Byron Maxwell will fill one of the voids.
"Byron Maxwell deal is done. Guarantee came in higher after more discussion. Byron Maxwell will become an Eagle Tuesday w/ $25 mil guaranteed
— Jayson Braddock (@JaysonBraddock) March 8, 2015"
It’s a lot of money the Eagles are giving him, as Maxwell is reportedly getting $25 million guaranteed. That’s more than Patrick Peterson or Richard Sherman got in their recent extensions. For a cornerback who has only started one season, Philadelphia is banking on Maxwell developing into one of the NFL’s finer cornerbacks.
There's reason to believe he can be extremely successful, though. He's big for a corner, at 6'0" and 200 pounds, he ran a 4.46 at the NFL Scouting Combine back in 2011 and he has ridiculously long arms.
Eagles to Sign Veteran Running Back Frank Gore
2 of 6
When the Philadelphia Eagles traded away McCoy, it seemed likely Kelly would hand-pick a running back via the NFL draft.
But reports indicate the organization is planning to sign 31-year-old running back Frank Gore to a three-year deal.
"BREAKING: Frank Gore has told people he will sign with Eagles this week. (via @caplannfl and @AdamSchefter) pic.twitter.com/lew52j1l82
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 8, 2015
"
It’s essentially a one-year deal at $5 million with a $2 million buyout and then two team options after that.
"Barring a breakdown in talks, Frank Gore expected to sign 3-year deal in which $7.5 million in first two years are guaranteed.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 8, 2015"
That’s not unreasonable, considering Gore is coming off four straight 1,100-yard rushing seasons and hasn’t missed a game since 2010. It is surprising though, given Gore’s age and the fact that 31-year-old backs don’t frequently produce at a high level.
Jeremy Maclin Will Sign with Kansas City Chiefs
3 of 6
This is a devastating blow for the Philadelphia Eagles, as reports indicate that Jeremy Maclin will be reunited with Andy Reid in Kansas City.
"The Eagles' wild ride will continue: Jeremy Maclin plans to reunite with Andy Reid in Kansas City once free agent market opens Tuesday.
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) March 9, 2015"
It’s worth noting the Eagles didn’t let Maclin leave easily, though.
"If Jeremy Maclin signs with KC, as ESPN reported, wouldn't be without a fight from PHI. Eagles were trying hard to lock up deal by tonite
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 9, 2015"
That leaves the Eagles with just Jordan Matthews, Riley Cooper and Josh Huff, meaning Kelly will likely need to make a trade for a player like Vincent Jackson or draft a receiver with another high pick.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Eagles Will Re-Sign Mark Sanchez
4 of 6
The Philadelphia Eagles will reportedly be re-signing Mark Sanchez, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, a move that means the organization could enter 2015 with the same three quarterbacks that it had last year.
"QB Mark Sanchez is going back to Eagles on 2-year deal w/ max value of $16M, $5.5M guaranteed. (via @AdamSchefter) pic.twitter.com/Y3ZQwY200O
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 8, 2015"
Philly.com's Les Bowen suggested an interesting theory for 2015.
"I think that's what you pay Mark Sanchez to be Mariota's Doug Pederson next season, not to sit on bench behind Nick Foles.
— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) March 8, 2015"
This would mean Kelly pulling off a move to acquire Mariota, and it would likely mean Nick Foles is traded. For now though, Foles is the starter and Sanchez is the backup.
Eagles Likely to Lose Outside Linebacker Brandon Graham
5 of 6
The Philadelphia Eagles released veteran linebacker Trent Cole earlier this week, and it seems likely they’re also going to lose former first-round pick Brandon Graham.
"#Eagles to release Trent Cole, pre @GeoffMosherCSN. Could help in re-signing Brandon Graham, but am told he's 99.9 pct likely to test FA.
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) March 3, 2015"
Graham will probably be paid well, as the Everson Griffen comparisons are inevitable. So what does that mean for the outside linebacker set to start opposite Connor Barwin?
Reports are that the Eagles are interested in Jason Worilds, formerly of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
"PHI and BUF will be very active. PHI to target Byron Maxwell, Jason Worilds, Devin McCourty among others. BUF like David Harris, Mike Iupati
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 5, 2015"
Worilds is a 27-year-old who had a fine season for the ’14 Steelers, racking up 7.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries and 41 tackles.
Eagles Still in Running for Devin McCourty
6 of 6
The Philadelphia Eagles are said to be in the running for Devin McCourty, but the All-Pro safety hasn’t yet chosen a team.
"just heard from source that nothing is decided yet for Devin McCourty - multiple options being weighed, incl return to #patriots
— shalise manza young (@shalisemyoung) March 9, 2015
Considering what the Philadelphia Eagles paid Byron Maxwell, it may seem implausible for the organization to also get McCourty.
Denver’s Rahim Moore may make more sense.
""It's not clear if McCourty has a front-runner yet. Other options for the #Eagles to consider: Rahim Moore, Ron Parker.
— Rand Getlin (@Rand_Getlin) March 8, 2015"
Kansas City’s Ron Parker would be a cheaper alternative.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
