Grading the Eagles Moves Thus Far
10 March 2017 Eagles News
The Eagles, by pretty much everyone’s standard, have gotten better since free agency started yesterday. While the ‘Legal Tampering Period’ was unusually quiet for the Eagles, they made plenty of noise just after 4:00 p.m. with the signing of former Bears receiver Alshon Jeffery.
While Jeffery was the biggest fish that Howie Roseman and Co. were able to reel in, there have been a total of four moves made since the new league year kicked off. Here’s how I would grade each of those four moves.
Torrey Smith looks to make a play up-field after making a catch for the San Francisco 49ers last year.
Torrey Smith – WR – ‘B-‘
While Smith would have left much to be desired if he was the only receiver brought in, he is a solid addition to this receiving corp as a ‘WR2.’ Smith is basically on a one year contract (5 Mil. per) with two team options tagged on, so the risk is minimal for the Eagles. Getting a viable deep threat for that cheap without having to commit long term is a really good strategy.
Chance Warmack- Guard – ‘A-‘
Warmack, a former first round pick out of Alabama, is reunited with offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland on a very team friendly, one year deal (1.5 Mil.). Warmack never seemed to find his full potential in Tennessee but he will provide depth for the Eagles at the very least.
If Warmack can reach his full potential, he could very well contend for a starting role in 2017 or 2018 if he chooses to re-sign. For the price the Eagles will pay, the Warmack signing is a very low risk, high reward kind of deal.
Alshon Jeffery – WR – ‘A+’
Jeffery is perhaps the most talented receiver to come to Philadelphia since Terrell Owens left. Jeffery is a big bodied wideout who doesn’t have any glaring weaknesses. The one year deal (14 Mil.) was a smart move on both sides. Jeffery, who missed four games last year due to a positive PED test, felt like he could make more money in free agency, and if he plays well in 2017, he most likely will make a lot more money next year.
Dec 1, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) catches a pass against the Minnesota Vikings for an 80 yard touchdown catch in the third quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Vikings win 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
The deal also benefits the Eagles because again, they aren’t strapped down to a potentially burdensome contract. What if Jeffery has another positive test this year and misses 10 games this time? Obviously the hope is that everything will work out perfectly and by next year Jeffery will be in Philadelphia for years to come, but it was good thinking on the part of Roseman to only commit to one year.
Stephen Wisniewski – Guard/Center – ‘B’
Re-signing Wisneiwski could have been seen as a ‘must’ had the Eagles missed out on Warmack. The Penn State product can play any interior line position which gives Doug Pederson and Jeff Stoutland fantastic flexibility in the event of an injury.
With ‘Wiz’ back in the fold, the Eagles may be looking to move on from their long-time center Jason Kelce, a move that would free up both cap space and playing time.
Howie Roseman and the front office have gotten off to a terrific start. The only area that they didn’t address is the cornerback position. If the Eagles can make a trade or two and free up some more salary cap space, look for a mid-level corner to be added.
Dustin Habecker Alshon Jeffery, Chance Warmack, Stephen Wisniewski, Torrey smith