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Philadelphia Eagles: Recapping Day 1 of NFL Free Agency

By Chuck Abel

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
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 /
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The Philadelphia Eagles were busy on Day 1 of free agency.

With the big move of the day, the Philadelphia Eagles and Alshon Jeffery agreed to a one-year deal worth $14 million. Congratulations, Eagles fans. Howie Roseman is a bold man and somehow no other team was willing to give Jeffery the contract he wanted. This is the best possible result for the Eagles. Getting Jeffery on a one-year prove it contract means they will get his best, or prove he is not worth future investment. Bold. Brilliant. Lucky.

Connor Barwin departs

In my previous post, I listed several players who could be released or traded for some sorely needed salary cap room. Connor Barwin, by all accounts an excellent player and a good man, is the first to go. I’m surprised he was first, but it gives him time to sign with a contender. After the Jeffery signing, Barwin won’t be alone as an ex-Eagle for long.

Torrey Smith joins the receiving corps

The Eagles have signed Torrey Smith for $15 million over three years. Pretty decent signing since Robert Woods and Kenny Britt got an average over $8 million per season. Smith will stretch the field, Jeffery will provide Carson Wentz his security blanket and Zach Ertz will get less attention in the middle of the field. It’s going to be hard to defend the Eagles’ passing game this season. Short-term, the receiver position is set. Long-term is still murky, but the Eagles’ focus now should be the draft.

Next: Eagles Post-Combine 7-Round Mock Draft

How does this impact the draft?

Next week I’ll put together my first mock draft, once the big free agent signings are complete. With Jeffery and Smith now onboard, wide receiver drops below cornerback and running back on the totem pole. Still a need, but not as urgent as corner. The Eagles also need an outside linebacker, an edge rusher to spell Vinny Curry and Brandon Graham and depth anywhere else. Without really zeroing in, my opinion is that they select one of the draft’s best corners in Sidney Jones or Gareon Conley or running back Dalvin Cook. Whoever the Eagles view as the best player should be the pick. Now it looks like defense and running back.

Congratulations, Eagles fans. Howie gave you a nice gift today.

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