Philadelphia Eagles: What’s the next move from Howie Roseman?
After the start of an unexpectedly active offseason, what’s next for the Philadelphia Eagles?
The weather is starting to warm up and football season is one step closer. As most teams have begun their offseason workouts, it’s only a matter of time until players strap on their helmets and ball shorts. This year, the Philadelphia Eagles are welcoming five new draft picks and have invited many undrafted players to try out for the team as well. But the rookies aren’t the only new guys on board. As we all know, general manager Howie Roseman has been wheeling and dealing all offseason with trades and signings of established veterans.
With free agency and the draft in the books, recent moves made it very clear that the Eagles are trying to take care of their own now. A couple of weeks ago the Eagles rewarded backup quarterback Nick Foles with an option for next year along with a handful of incentives. Then, the Eagles decided shortly after the NFL Draft that they would bring back 34-year-old running back and return specialist, Darren Sproles.
Although the Eagles roster seems very satisfied at the moment, Roseman and the front office have some other things to take care of in the meantime. Remember one of the biggest moments in Super Bowl LII when Eagles defensive end strip-sacked Tom Brady to pretty much seal the deal? You know, one of the biggest plays in Philadelphia Eagles history? Well, that guy Brandon Graham is set to become a free agent in 2019, and he’s going to want his money sooner than later. And after that play, there should be no question as to why he shouldn’t get it.
Bringing out the checkbook for No. 55:
The next move for the Eagles must be an extension for Graham. As they are undoubtedly one of the most complete teams in the NFL, there should be no more free agent signings at this time. Graham has served the Eagles well for the past eight seasons, and 2017 was his best one yet. After finishing up with 47 tackles, and a career-high of 9.5 sacks, Graham is definitely worthy of an extension.
Re-signing Graham won’t exactly be a piece of cake for the Eagles, though. As Graham will be looking for a monster payday, the Eagles are still struggling with their cap space. As of now, the team is a little under by $2.1 million. Obviously, that may not be enough to sign Graham at this time. According to Spotrac, Graham’s estimated market value is quite hefty.
What could the deal look like?
Graham could find a deal in the range of a five-year contract worth $83 million in total. It may look crazy, but Graham was indeed a top-five pass rusher in the NFL this past season, and he has only been improving year after year.
The bottom line is that Graham knows he can get paid elsewhere, so he may have to force the Eagles hand to do so if he wants to stay in Philly. We could see another contract re-structure sooner than later to free up some space for an extension, but the front office shouldn’t wait too long.
With mandatory OTA’s around the corner, it would be ideal to make sure that Graham doesn’t hold out so he could get some reps in to teach the young and newly acquired defensive ends. Only time will tell if the Eagles re-sign Graham or not, but his contract should be on the Eagles front office priority list.