Roster Decisions For The Eagles

Every dollar counts; and there are some creative ways to approach and manage the salary cap in the NFL.  It’s not you or I writing the check or picking the players, we have plenty of advice if Howie or Chip cared to listen.  So what do we know already, and what exactly lies ahead?

There are plenty of questions that will be answered in the upcoming months.  Examining the current roster, decisions will need to be made with who stays, goes, resigns and renegotiates their contract.

Do you lock Maclin up for the next five years after watching what he could do in the Chip Kelly offense?  He had a heck of a season after sitting out all of 2013.  If Chip says he needs Maclin, even with the injury history, is that all it takes with the new roles of hierarchy?

Walking the thin line of asking veteran players to restructure their current contract goes on in every NFL organization, and several big names could be asked to re-do their deal.  One can really only speculate how this effects the player being asked the question or the morale in the locker room, especially with how the Eagles have done some of their deals over the years.

Is a running back like McCoy going to take a pay-cut knowing the shelf life of running backs, seeing the market price for running backs in the league today, really hard to imagine that he would agree to it.  A guy like Cole who is aging or someone like Celek who is willing to play any role the team asks of him, I could see both redoing their deal.  Does a guy like Ryans need to, “nope.” When the head coach tells the media that he wants you back next season, focus on the rehab, Chip loves you.

I think it’s safe to say Graham, Fletcher and Williams are gone.  James Casey has to be in the mix as well, maybe Marcus Smith can work his way into “special team” packages next season.  I would love to send Cooper packing, cut his hair on the way out, but he seems to have a really strong bond with the coach, maybe they share a love for music, omelets or Lifetime movies.

I like Thorton, but I would understand if he was not back.  Cox and Kendricks is where I would spend my money in terms of locking up some of the younger players.

I’m looking at the free agent list; this is where I’m rebuilding my secondary.  I want a strong safety and a minimum of two cornerbacks, all coming from good organizations as proven starters.  I’ll sign my next tier players to add depth to the offensive line, linebacker core and back-up QB, but I’m not shying away at spending for the secondary. Enough with the mediocre safeties who are a liability, no more cornerbacks who can’t turn their head around when the football is in the air, get guys who can solidify the secondary.  Our front seven can be that much better if this area is approached properly.

Looking early at the incoming draft class, maybe the corner from Michigan State in round one, but chances are we would have to trade up for him with the depth at the secondary position.  Offensive line and defensive line is the shining star in a decent draft class, an area to build for the future but I wouldn’t consider devoting a first round pick to.

There are good pieces in place, but a lot of work needs to be done to elevate this team to the next level.  Some believe Foles can get the job done, I like the kid, but the only way I believe Chip can run “his” style of offense is with a different style quarterback.

Chip has all the control, it’s not surprising but whether it’s good or not is yet to be determined.

The NFL calendar has all of the important dates for when the Eagles can officially alter their roster.  Until that time, it’s on us to do the scouting of free agents, college prospects and anything else that could improve our chances of a successful 2015 season.