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Philadelphia Eagles Preparing for Massive Cap Casualties

By George Stockburger

Nov 20, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Ryan Mathews (24) takes the ball upfield as Seattle Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane (20) defends during the second quarter at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks won 26-15. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Ryan Mathews (24) takes the ball upfield as Seattle Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane (20) defends during the second quarter at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks won 26-15. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /
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NFL free agency will be littered with former Eagles this offseason

Philadelphia is still reeling from the short-lived Chip Kelly era where overpaid free agents no longer fitting the organization’s mold remain. With the NFL Combine approaching Eagles general manager Howie Roseman will have the opportunity to talk to agents and look to make new deals that benefit both parties.

However, as typical with the NFL, many of these deals will have been beyond repair and Philadelphia will have to conduct salary cap cuts to lead them into free agency.

All but certainly among the pending cuts will be running back Ryan Mathews and linebacker Connor Barwin. Mathews is approaching the blacklisted age of 30, and has missed multiple games due to injury since arriving in Philly.

Releasing Mathews in the final year of his contract will save Philadelphia $4 million against their cap.

Barwin, on the other hand, would like to stay with the organization despite not fitting the scheme run by Jim Schwartz. Set to earn over $8 million next year, Barwin comes at a price tag too rich for Philadelphia’s blood. Unless a restructured contract can be achieved that dramatically slashes Barwin’s guaranteed salary, he will be available in free agency.

Philadelphia can save nearly all of Barwin’s $8 million salary by releasing him.

Slot-cornerback Ron Brooks suffered a season-ending torn quadricep and is also a likely cut. Despite having two years left in his three-year contract the Eagles can save $1.6 million by moving on from Brooks.

After those obvious moves within the organization, the Eagles have decisions to make regarding center Jason Kelce, who’s owed $6.2 million next year. Kelce excelled as a run blocker but struggled in pass protections and snapping. His price tag is not unbearable, but an organization strapped for cash could look towards a cheaper alternative such as second-year lineman Isaac Seumalo or veteran Stephen Wisniewski.

Mychal Kendricks, Marcus Smith, and Dorial Green-Beckham’s deals will also be addressed, as every dollar counts this offseason for Philadelphia.

Expect the Eagles to be as aggressive as possible on the free agent market, signing multiple wide receivers and cornerbacks to fill a young roster.

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