Philadelphia Eagles Fans: Put Your Salary Caps On

Dec 7, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver

(18) celebrates his touchdown with Philadelphia Eagles quarterback

(3) against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey G. Pittenger-USA TODAY Sports

Who Do You Keep?

First and foremost, the Philadelphia Eagles will need to resign players who are on expiring contracts.

Jeremy Maclin – Wide receiver.   2014 Performance rank – ninth in NFL.  Estimated pay – at his performance, expect to see Maclin come in with a five year contract at $ 9M per year.  Total value of contract $45 Million.   (Cap Hit $9 Million)

Brandon Graham – Outside Linebacker.  2014 Performance rank – Rotational player, extremely effective in limited snaps.   Estimated pay – would love to see the Eagles bring him back at the $2 M per year.   I can see his role growing in 2015 to expand number of snaps.   It’s more likely that he will be true to his word and test the waters as a 4-3 defensive end.    He will have a good season in 2015, but his size could prove to be problematic as a 4 down lineman.

Bradley Fletcher – Cornerback. 2014 Performance rank – not good.   He won’t be resigned, but I can see him ending up as a slot corner on another team, and at some point in the season becoming a starter.   Look for the Baltimore Ravens to show interest.

Mark Sanchez – Quarterback .  2014 performance rank – mid range.   He took over for the first place Eagles at mid season, and his 5-4 record was as expected.   Should he be interested in remaining a back-up quarterback, he will likely end up with another offer from the Eagles in the $4 Million range over two years, with $2 Million guaranteed.  (Cap Hit $1-2 Million)

Nate Allen – Safety.   2014 performance – average.  While he certainly was not the second coming of Brian Dawkins, Allen did have flashes of good performance.   His four interceptions led the team in that category in 2014.   And while many want all defensive backs to go, keep in mind that Patrick Chung scored an average $2.4 Million to return to the New England Patriots.  Chris Maragos, special team superstar for the Eagles, earns $1..345 Million.   The Eagles will certainly be drafting this position, but in the meantime would be smart to sign the guy for now to a repeat contract.   (Cap Hit $2 Million)

Cedric Thornton – Defensive End – 2014 performance rank (Starting DE in young and gifted defensive line) .  Let’s face it.   Cedric Thornton is a quality player who has yet to see a paycheck reflecting his talents.   That changes this year, as the Eagles show some multi year love with back end gratitude.    Look for a $9 Million over 4 years with $4 Million guaranteed.   $3 Million signing bonus with $1 Million in year one.   ($1.75 M Cap Hit)

Casey Matthews – Linebacker – 2014 performance rank (adequate backup)   Linebackers are not easy to find, and if the Eagles do not want to search over and over, they need to keep Matthews on board.   He is not a pro bowler, but the fact that he stepped up during both Kendricks and Ryans injuries says alot about the often maligned player.   He’s good enough to stay.  At $4 M over three years, we should be able to keep him.   ($1.35 Cap Hit)

Chris Polk – Running Back – 2014 performance-few snaps, great production.  Everyone loved seeing Polk run the ball into the end zone.  Nobody enjoyed how few times that happened in 2014.  In 2015, running backs are available in the draft.  Polk may want to test free agency, but his heart is in Philadelphia.   He’ll get a $3M over four years offer.   He should stay (750k Cap Hit)

Jeff Maehl – Wide Receiver – 2014 performance special teams seldom used.  If he wants to stay, look for little more than league minimum.

Brad Smith – Wide Receiver – 2014 performance special teams seldom used.  If he wants to stay, look for little more than league minimum.

CAP SPACE USED UP $15,850,000.   CAP LEFT OVER $10,150,000

SHOPPING LIST

Cornerback – To sign a top twenty cornerback, the Eagles will need top twenty money.  To get there, the Eagles will need to guarantee approximately $15 Million, and  have a total compensation for a five year contract in the $40 Million dollar range.  (cap hit $8 Million)

Safety – The Eagles could try to go back to the well.  If Allen does not resign, they will surely be in the market again.   Look for another attempt to upgrade, with a  four year deal with $3 Million guaranteed.   (cap hit $1.35 Million)

Bargain Player – If the Eagles find some player returning from injury or young but showing signs of high ceiling, they could take a chance on a league minimum.

SUMMARY

With Chip Kelly taking over the personnel duties, look for the Eagles to resign their veterans.  But, anyone signed will cut valuable cap dollars from dollars needed to plug the holes in the team.   It’s not anything goes with the team, as they need to balance needs versus return.  Imagine if the Eagles had won the bidding war for Jairus Byrd last year?

The team has some holes to fill.   To do so, they need to spend wisely.   Feel free to leave comments on what you would do, and I will be happy to include in a follow up article.