Howie Roseman Remains Unblemished When Stakes Are Lowest

By Matt Giraldi | Mar 12, 2017

Mar 1, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman speaks to the media during the 2017 NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Congratulations Howie Roseman, you’ve won the offseason again. You’ve signed Alshon Jeffery, Torrey Smith and Chance Warmack to contracts with the Philadelphia Eagles. Can this offseason championship lead to a postseason berth however?

Remember when the Philadelphia Eagles didn’t have cap space to be active in free agency? Those were good times. The offense has been completely revamped thus far. The free agent bonanza Howie Roseman continues to flirt with has netted zilch in the past, but man is it fun to watch. Names such as Byron Maxwell, Leodis McKelvin, Nnamdi Asomugha, and Asante Samuel are synonymous for failure in Philadelphia.

The Eagles, and more importantly Roseman, have addressed two of the biggest holes on the roster this year though. In a draft that features several corners and pass rushers, netting a starting caliber wide receiver and an offensive lineman was a big step in making the Eagles a contender for the playoffs this season. Why? Because now they can take the best player available.

Maybe you can call me a skeptic, but I have had way too many delicious taco truck runs (pardon the pun) at 2:00 a.m. that turned into morning sorrow. Roseman is no different. From February to the draft, and then the draft to the start of training camp, Roseman is undefeated. Ian Malcolm would be proud of Roseman. He always finds a way.

Next: Chance Warmack Could Do Big Things With The Eagles

More from Eagles News

But some of that talent hasn’t exactly developed in the regular season has it?

For the record, this is not going to turn into a Roseman bashing session. This honestly is an acknowledgement of his prowess during the low stakes part of the NFL year. He’s exceptional at bringing in free agent talent.

However, what if the tide has turned on the draft aspect of the Eagles? Imagine Roseman being able to lure underpaid and potentially productive players to the Eagles without having to worry about the farm system.

Consider this: Last year’s draft netted the Eagles five players who started at least two games. Imagine, for a second, that in this year’s draft, the Eagles netted three or more starters. I know it seems far-fetched, but it’s possible. Other teams actually employ this strategy.

Now this is not going to turn into a Roseman butt kissing session either. History suggests he knows how to circumvent the salary cap. Talent evaluation is something entirely different. That’s why it’s important to figure out whether last season’s offseason (draft) was an indicator towards future success. I am leaning towards the yes. It’s amazing what an organization can accomplish when the coach, G.M., owner, and other staff can give and take.

I’ll conclude by applauding Roseman for his moves (for now), even if he’s gotten plenty of praise in years past. I am also going to do my best to refrain from holding exceedingly high expectations for the draft. This free agency allowed that to be a possibility however. Having said that, if defense isn’t a primary target during the draft, hellfire and brimstone will come crashing down on Roseman and the Eagles front office.

Home/Eagles News