Rounding Up the Latest Philadelphia Eagles Offseason Buzz
It’s been anything but a boring offseason for the Philadelphia Eagles. Head coach Chip Kelly has seized power from vice president of football operations Howie Roseman, traded away Nick Foles and LeSean McCoy, signed Tim Tebow and now released All-Pro guard Evan Mathis.
Kelly will go down in Philadelphia as either a sheer Bill Belichickian genius or an arrogant fool who got run out of town; his third season will go a long way to establishing his legacy either way.
Voluntary spring organized team activities have started, giving coaches their first glimpses at some of their new players. Soon will come training camp, then preseason contests and finally regular-season games. For now, here are the latest news stories surrounding the Eagles.
Chip Kelly Releases All-Pro Guard Evan Mathis
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This move was a long time coming, but still, it’s surprising that Kelly outright released arguably the NFL’s best all-around guard. Mathis, 33, was scheduled to make $5.5 million in 2015 but wanted a pay raise.
Mathis had skipped all of the team’s voluntary spring OTAs thus far, with Allen Barbre filling in for him at left guard, according to ESPN.com's Phil Sheridan. It may be telling that none of Mathis’ teammates has come to his defense, with ex-Eagles guard Todd Herremans (another offseason release by Kelly) exclaiming in an interview with 97.5 The Fanatic (h/t Birds 24/7, via Sheridan) that Mathis “brought it upon himself.”
The Eagles will take a hit, as Mathis could flat-out play. Per Pro Football Focus, Mathis was the NFL’s top-rated guard in each season from 2011 to 2013. Even last year, when Mathis missed nearly half the season with a sprained MCL, he still finished second in the season ratings.
It won’t be easy to replace Mathis’ production; in fact, it will be all but impossible. This will test whether Kelly can plug-and-play on his offensive line or he needs top talent to succeed.
Eagles to Sign Offensive Lineman Jared Wheeler
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Don’t expect Jared Wheeler to replace Mathis as a Pro Bowl left guard, or even a starter, but he will provide depth on the Eagles offensive line if he signs, as his agent, Brett Tessler, claims Mathis will do after he passes a physical, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer's Zach Berman.
Wheeler, 24, is 6’4”, 318 pounds and was an undrafted free agent a year ago. He spent his rookie campaign on four different NFL teams but hasn’t appeared in a regular-season game. Assuming he signs, Wheeler will compete for one of the final roster spots on the Eagles roster.
Fletcher Cox Says Eagles Have Best Front 7 in NFL
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When talking about the Eagles defense this year to CSN’s Quick Slants (via Reuben Frank of CSNPhilly.com) Fletcher Cox called it the best front seven in the NFL.
It’s not unreasonable to think that. Cox is an All-Pro talent, and he’s surrounded by Bennie Logan, Vinny Curry and Cedric Thornton on a three-man front that ranked fifth in the NFL in average rushing yards allowed per attempt in 2014 (3.7).
The linebackers are arguably even better. Connor Barwin led the team with 14.5 sacks last year. Brandon Graham will start for the first time, and he’s always been a fine pass-rushing specialist. On the inside, the trio of Kiko Alonso, Mychal Kendricks and DeMeco Ryans may be the best unit in the league.
The Eagles registered 49 sacks last year, a figure that led the NFC. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Philly top that total in 2015.
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Sam Bradford’s ACL Rehab Progressing Well
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Kelly is placing an unbelievable amount of faith in quarterback Sam Bradford to run his offense, especially considering that Bradford has missed the last 25 regular-season games due to multiple ACL tears in the same knee.
Kelly has been vocal in throwing his support behind Bradford so far this spring:
"Chip Kelly: Sam Bradford is doing a great job in what he's asked to do ... We think he's right on track.
— Eagles Insider (@EaglesInsider) June 9, 2015"
Multiple reports from Eagles beat reporters indicate that Bradford is progressing well:
"Sam Bradford moving better than he was a week ago. Movements still look cautious, but he has lighter feet.
— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) June 8, 2015"
"Another OTA first: Sam Bradford running in warm-ups.
— Geoff Mosher (@GeoffMosherCSN) June 8, 2015"
The 6’4” Bradford is accurate and possesses a strong arm. He’s just 27 years old. If he can stay healthy, it’s reasonable to think he can run this offense efficiently.
Earl Wolff’s Knee Hasn’t Healed
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The Eagles essentially have an open tryout at the strong safety position next to Malcolm Jenkins. PhillyVoice’s Jimmy Kempski reports cornerback Walter Thurmond is attempting to transition to the safety position, which says something about the play and health of safety Earl Wolff.
Wolff was a 2013 fifth-round pick of the Eagles, and he says he’s still not 100 percent after knee surgery, according to Kempski. The knee appears to be limiting him in OTAs.
"#Eagles Earl Wolff doesn't look good. It's obvious to everybody that his career is in jeopardy. He can't move on that leg. #FlyEaglesFly
— Garry Cobb (@GarryCobb) June 9, 2015"
Kelly doesn’t see eye to eye with Wolff, though, and he’s made it clear that he’s “not thrilled with Earl,” per Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Daily News:
"Chip says Earl Wolff cleared by Dr. Andrews. “It’s what he can tolerate.” Translation: not thrilled with Earl.
— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) June 9, 2015"
If Wolff can’t win a starting job this summer, he may not make the 2015 roster.
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