Philadelphia Eagles Free-Agency Tracker: Updated Signings, Rumors and Grades
The NFL’s free-agency period officially opened at 4 p.m. ET on March 10, although the Philadelphia Eagles were already hard at work beforehand. Reports of movement were already leaking in days before the market even opened thanks in large part to the league’s “legal tampering” window.
Despite all major news that had broken before the new league year even began, clearly there was much, much more to come. The Eagles came out swinging immediately with some unexpected trades and courtships as soon as the market opened. Additional signings and deals no doubt are still on the way.
We’ll get you up to speed on all of the Eagles’ latest news and rumors and continue to update this space as the speculation and transactions roll in. And, of course, we’ll analyze and grade the signings while the ink on the contracts are still drying as this huge offseason of change for Philadelphia rolls on.
RB DeMarco Murray to Sign with Eagles
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Philadelphia's wild offseason continues. The Eagles continued to dominate the NFL news cycle, this time with cameras catching real-time footage of All-Pro running back DeMarco Murray's plain landing in the City of Brotherly Love, reportedly to sign on the dotted line with the team today.
According to Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen for ESPN, the league's reigning rushing champion is expected to receiver a five-year, $42 million contract from the Eagles, including $21 million guaranteed.
That seems like a lot of money for a 27-year-old back that was run into the ground by the Dallas Cowboys last season. Murray's 392 carries tied for seventh in NFL history, his 449 total touches good for sixth all-time. That's not even including two playoff games that bump his total touches to just shy of 500.
Prior to 2014, Murray had durability issues that prevented him from suiting up for 16 games in a season. He also has a little fumbling problem, with at least three in each of the last three season, five in '14, plus a pivotal fumble during the Cowboys' playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers in January.
Don't get me wrong, Murray is an outstanding back. He's explosive and tough, and fits Chip Kelly's offense perfectly. But when you take into account last year's workload and the "Curse of 370," and combine those things with the amount of money and years that the Eagles just committed to an aging ball-carrier, getting the reigning rushing champion might not be all it's cracked up to be.
I reserve the right to change my grade if the contract details come in and Murray's contract amounts to a one- or two-year deal, but sorry, I'm not just not that excited about this.
Grade: C-
QB Nick Foles Traded to St. Louis for QB Sam Bradford, Picks Exchanged
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Eagles head coach and personnel czar Chip Kelly has been no stranger to bold trades this offseason. First, he trades All-Pro running back LeSean McCoy to the Buffalo Bills for linebacker Kiko Alonso, and now in the most stunning blockbuster yet, Kelly sends Nick Foles to the St. Louis Rams for Sam Bradford in an exchange of quarterbacks and draft picks.
The deal was first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Eagles later announced the draft compensation. Philadelphia sends this year's fourth-round pick and a conditional second-rounder in 2016, and receives St. Louis' fifth-round pick this year in the exchange.
The condition of the second-round pick is based upon whether Bradford is the starter. Per Schefter, the Eagles can get either a third- or fourth-round pick back based on playing time/injury.
The trade is puzzling, to say the least.
Foles was coming off of a disappointing season to say the least, tossing 11 interceptions and losing three fumbles before suffering a season-ending collarbone injury. That being said, he's only a year removed from a historic 2013 campaign in which he set an NFL record with 27 touchdowns to only two interceptions. He's only started 24 games as a professional, and might've been poised to rebound behind a healthy offensive line in '15.
Meanwhile, Bradford didn't play at all in 2014, suffering a torn ACL for the second season in a row. Even when he has been healthy, the former first overall selection was underwhelming. Bradford's record is 18-30-1 as a starter with a career 58.6 completion percentage and 79.3 passer rating. Yes, he was never surrounded with much offensive talent, and yes, he was showing signs of improvement in '13, but does he really have more upside than Foles?
It's still possible the Eagles are hoping to flip Bradford to a team toward the top of the draft in a bid to move up for Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Marcus Mariota. If that happens, I reserve the right to change my grade on this trade.
As of now, the fact is the Eagles gave up draft picks for a quarterback who has bad knees and done less with more opportunities than Foles. I don't get it.
Grade: F
Eagles Agree to Terms with CB Byron Maxwell
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The Eagles were one of the first teams to fire a shot in free agency, reportedly agreeing to a huge long-term contract with Seattle Seahawks cornerback Byron Maxwell over the weekend, as was confirmed by ESPN’s Josina Anderson. Not unexpectedly, Maxwell broke the bank with a six-year deal worth $63 million in total money, $25 million guaranteed.
Maxwell was regarded as the top cornerback on the market, so the numbers should come as no surprise. Nor should Philadelphia’s interest after finishing 32nd and 31st in pass defense in consecutive seasons, not to mention being linked to the 27-year-old cornerback throughout the offseason.
On one hand, Maxwell fills an enormous hole on the Birds defense and seems like a good fit. At 6’1”, 207 pounds, he’s got the size and length the club prefers in defensive backs. He’s proven himself something of a playmaker with 24 pass breakups and six interceptions over the past two seasons. And coming from Seattle, Maxwell brings big-game experience and a championship pedigree to Philly.
On the flip side, Maxwell is not a proven shutdown cornerback, or anything of the sort, which is what you would expect for that kind of money. He’s not even very established at all, with just 17 career NFL starts. And who knows how much Maxwell benefited from playing in a historically great defense with three All-Pros in the secondary.
The Eagles needed a No. 1 cornerback, and Maxwell was the best option available, so you can’t blame them for trying. However, chances are good this was a huge overpay. No doubt, the team is banking on Maxwell’s continued development. Unfortunately, this is going to be a difficult deal to live up to for a relatively unproven player.
Grade: B-
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Eagles Also Add CB Walter Thurmond
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The Eagles continued bolstering their woeful secondary on day two of free agency, adding former Seattle Seahawks and New York Giants cornerback Walter Thurmond III, as reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Thurmond rose to prominence as a nickel cornerback of Seattle's 2013 Super Bowl championship team. He played 12 games that year, starting three, finishing with six pass breakups and an interception.
The five-year veteran was able to parlay that into a free-agent contract with the Giants, but missed all but two games last season with a torn pectoral muscle. Thurmond's inability to stay on the field his plagued his entire career, as he's managed to suit up for six or fewer games in three of the past four seasons.
Thurmond turns 28 this year, so there is some tread left on the tire if he can stay healthy. However, it's something of a curious signing given his extensive injury history and experience mainly playing in the slot. The Eagles already have one of the better nickel corners in the game in Brandon Boykin, although he is entering the final year of his rookie contract.
Perhaps Thurmond is here to compete for a starting role on the cheap, and could eventually take over in the slot if/when Boykin departs. However, it's difficult to put much faith in this signing becoming a major contributor given his history. The presumed lack of long-term or financial commitment is the only saving grace here.
Grade: C
RB Ryan Mathews Expected to Sign with Eagles
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With McCoy out of the nest and Frank Gore slipping through the Eagles' grasp, the club still needed to address the uncertainty at running back. As Mike Garafolo for Fox Sports tells us, former San Diego Chargers rusher Ryan Mathews is on his way to Philly for a visit and is expected to sign.
Mathews was taken in the first round of the 2010 draft, and has shown flashes of being a quality all-purpose back. In five seasons with the Bolts, he posted 4,061 yards with a 4.4 average per carry and 23 touchdowns in addition to 1,110 yards and one score through the air. Mathews has rushed for over 1,000 yards in a season twice.
However, injuries have plagued Mathews throughout his career. He's managed to play 16 games just once in five NFL seasons, and last year dressed for only six.
If he's able to stay healthy, Mathews could help ease the transition from McCoy. It helps that he has Darren Sproles and Chris Polk to pick up some of the slack, although having quality backs in supporting roles didn't keep him on the field for most of his time in San Diego.
The Eagles will likely look to take a back in the draft, which means Mathews might be a short-term fix, although we'll have to wait for the contract numbers to know for sure. We don't anticipate Philly having to break the bank here, and we reserve the right to change the grade if the salary is out of control, but otherwise Mathews seems like a low-risk/high-reward signing.
Grade: B-
WR Jeremy Maclin Bolts Philadelphia for Kansas City
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It seemed like a foregone conclusion. Jeremy Maclin said he wanted to remain in Philadelphia. The Eagles had interest in keeping the Pro Bowl wide receiver and former first-round pick. Done deal.
In the end, money talked. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Kansas City Chiefs swooped in with an offer Maclin couldn’t refuse, awarding the wideout a contract worth $11 million annually. Andrew Brandt for ESPN reported the Eagles offered just under $10 million per year.
With former Birds head coach Andy Reid at the helm, the Chiefs might’ve been one of the few teams that could lure Maclin away from Philly. Clearly, there was a comfort level there, enough to be swayed by a relatively small difference in money in the grand scheme of things.
You can’t totally blame the Eagles for not matching. Maclin is coming off of a career year with 85 receptions, 1,318 yards and 10 touchdowns—numbers that might’ve been even stronger had quarterback Nick Foles not suffered a season-ending injury. But how much of that production was a result of playing in Chip Kelly’s uptempo, attacking offense?
On the other hand, by not signing Maclin, the Eagles have lost a No. 1 receiver for the second straight offseason after releasing DeSean Jackson in 2014. At least Maclin was still on the roster last time. It’s unclear who will fill the void this time around.
The Eagles did invest second- and third-round picks in Jordan Matthews and Josh Huff last season, but neither is proven in a feature role. The remaining free-agent options are not impressive, and the 2015 draft—while deep at receiver—provides no guarantees. The Chiefs may have overpaid for Maclin’s services, but it sure put Philly in a tough spot.
Eagles Still After RB DeMarco Murray?
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We just assumed the Eagles signing Ryan Mathews negated any potential interest in Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray, who the team was reported to have interest in on Tuesday. But sure enough, Peter Schrager for Fox Sports is reporting talks between the two parties are "heating up."
Schrager mentions Murray was college roommates at Oklahoma with recently acquired Sam Bradford, which might be the foundation for the back's interest in Philly.
At this point, it's safe to assume talks have taken place, but to what end? The Eagles already have Mathews, Darren Sproles and tendered an offer to restricted free agent Chris Polk. Why would they need Murray?
Perhaps the negotiations here are a ploy by Murray's agent to squeeze more money out of the division-rival Cowboys, a game the Birds would be all too happy to go in on. Time will tell, but for what it's worth, reports aren't going away.
OLB Brandon Graham Returning to Philly After Testing Free Agency
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Brandon Graham wanted to test the market. Ultimately, the pass-rusher found the gap between what he wanted and what the Eagles were offering was not so large that it couldn’t be bridged.
In something of a minor upset, Philadelphia was able to re-sign Graham on Monday, less than 24 hours before free agency was officially set to open. The haul: $6.5 million per season over four years, $14 million in guarantees, according to Tim McManus for Philadelphia Magazine.
This was a significant win for the Eagles in negotiations, as they did not have to come up drastically from their original offer to complete the deal. Back in December, Derrick Gunn for CSNPhilly.com reported the club had offered a deal worth $6.2 million per year with $10 million guaranteed. Graham was said to be asking for $7.5 million annually, $20 million guaranteed.
Clearly, there was a middle ground, but it wound up being much closer to the team’s comfort zone.
On the field, the Eagles avoided opening a massive hole at outside linebacker, where an aging Trent Cole was released for financial reasons. Graham—coming off a career year with 5.5 sacks and four forced fumbles—is now able to step into a starting role for the first time since he was taken with the 13th overall pick in the 2010 draft.
It’s always better to solve needs from within whenever possible, especially given the availability, or lack thereof, of pass-rushers. The Eagles were able to do that here without breaking the bank. Whether Graham will finally flourish as a starter remains to be seen, but it was the best possible outcome under the circumstances.
Grade: B+
RB LeSean McCoy for LB Kiko Alonso Trade Official
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It feels like an eternity has passed since news broke Philadelphia would send LeSean McCoy, the leading rusher in franchise history, to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for 24-year-old linebacker Kiko Alonso. On Tuesday, the Eagles announced the deal is official.
It's a straight player-for-player trade, with the Birds sending McCoy, who turns 27 this year, for Alonso, a 2013 second-round pick out of Oregon who missed all of last season with a torn ACL.
The move was not without some controversy. McCoy was arguably the Eagles' most talented and dangerous weapon on offense, leading the NFL in rushing as recently as 2013. The two-time All-Pro was coming off a down year behind a banged-up offensive line, but the feeling was there is still tread left on the tires.
Meanwhile, Alonso had a tremendous rookie season in Buffalo, racking up 159 total tackles, 2.0 sacks, four pass breakups, four interceptions and a forced fumble. He seemed to have the makings of a Pro Bowl interior linebacker who could be the heart of a defense for years to come, provided he recovers from an ACL.
Banking on Alonso's recovery might be a risk, but so too is keeping McCoy, considering running backs begin to decline in their late 20s. Plus, Alonso is earning a fraction of McCoy's salary, his contract certainly playing a role in the Eagles' decision to move on. McCoy quickly received a five-year, $40 million extension from the Bills.
Overall, it's a tremendous move by the Eagles, using foresight to trade a player at the peak of his value to fill a need on defense. It may not be the most popular move, but a good trade is a good trade.
Grade: A
Eagles Interested in RB DeMarco Murray?
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The Eagles may have missed out on Frank Gore, but could they fill the opening in their backfield with the NFL's reigning rushing champion? A player from a loathed division rival no less?
Adam Caplan for ESPN.com reports the Eagles and All-Pro running back DeMarco Murray have shown "mutual interest" in a potential deal. Murray led the NFL with last season with 1,845 rushing yards, 13 rushing touchdowns and 2,261 yards from scrimmage for the Dallas Cowboys.
It would be interesting to see what Philly would be willing to pay Murray, as financial reasons were believed to be at least partly responsible for LeSean McCoy's departure from the team.
Murray is 27 years old, and has had durability issues throughout his four-year career. However, he played all 16 games for the Cowboys in 2014, his 392 carries the seventh-most in NFL history—and that doesn't even include two playoff games.
More as it develops.
RB Frank Gore Reconsiders Commitment to Eagles
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It seemed the Eagles had found their replacement for LeSean McCoy, reportedly agreeing to terms with San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore over the weekend. However, on Monday afternoon, the unexpected happened.
Ian Rapoport for the NFL Network tweeted an ominous report that Gore to Philly was not a done deal after all. Eventually, Gore wound up choosing the Indianapolis Colts over the Birds instead.
Mike Garafolo for Fox Sports wrote that a number of issues caused Gore to change his mind. Among those, a more favorable contract from Indianapolis, personnel questions in Philly after the departure of Jeremy Maclin and concerns that he may clash with head coach Chip Kelly's "overbearing" personality.
Despite missing out on Gore, it’s not the end of the world for the Eagles. Approaching 32 years old, he was always a short-term solution at best, granted a good one. Even at his advanced age, Gore posted his eighth career 1,000-yard season in 2014. He can catch the ball out of the backfield and is a plus pass-protector.
However, there are other running backs available who fit the Eagles offense, so it’s not a major concern on the field.
It’s fair to wonder what it says about free agents’ interest in the Eagles, though. One player backing out is one thing, but in conjunction with Maclin leaving the nest for slightly more money, these decisions raise some questions. If the Birds miss out on any more free agents they are targeting, it might be time to worry.
QB Mark Sanchez Re-Signs with Eagles
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On one hand, Mark Sanchez played the best football of his six-year NFL career for the Eagles in 2014, posting career highs in completion percentage (64.1), yards per attempt (7.8) and passer rating (88.4). Then again, he still struggled with turnovers, committing 14 over nine games, and the club fell out of the playoff race under his guidance.
Sanchez proved he is purely a backup or transitional quarterback, but a good one, which is something the Eagles clearly value. Mike Garafolo for Fox Sports reports the two sides have agreed to terms on a two-year deal worth $9 million, $5.5 million guaranteed.
Yet that wasn’t even the interesting part. Garafolo added that with incentives, Sanchez’s deal could be worth as much as $16 million, which is much more than backup money.
The pact fuels speculation that Sanchez could find himself in a starting role over the next two years. One potential scenario where that could happen is if things don’t work out with Nick Foles, and the signal-caller departs as a free agent next year. Another possibility, and perhaps far more likely, is the Eagles intend to trade Foles and select a quarterback in the draft, and Sanchez is there to keep the job warm for a rookie.
Regardless, it’s hard to give high marks to any contract that projects Sanchez as a starter. Sure, it would only be temporary, but Sanchez as the “temporary” starter for eight games in 2014 was enough to dump the Eagles out of the playoffs. It’s never a bad idea to have a little insurance, but this deal is nothing to get excited about.
Grade: C
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