5 Simple Free Agency Casualties for Eagles
28 February 2018 Eagles News
The Super Bowl Champion… yes… WORLD CHAMPION Philadelphia Eagles will enter the 2018 offseason with a lot of decision making to do as the free agency period and other major events in the NFL’s offseason begin to take place. After it has recently been reported that the 2018 Salary Cap will be $178 million dollars, the Eagles (as currently constructed) stand $9.8 million above the league’s salary cap.
Entering this offseason, Philadelphia will need to take a look at its 14 free agents and make a business decision based on each player’s projected market value and their future role with the team. Some decisions are easier than others. Here is a list of five probable players the Eagles will let walk into Free Agency.
RB – LeGarrette Blount
Blount served his purpose this past season filling in as the “thumper”. However, the veteran will turn 32 next season and with Jay Ajayi and Corey Clement set to hold down the first two roster spots, it seems likely that ‘LB’ is sent packing.
OL – Will Beatty
The 33-year-old lineman was signed as late insurance by the Eagles but never played a snap for the team. The front office wants to get younger up front to create stable protection for Wentz over the next decade.
K – Caleb Sturgis
Despite Jake Elliott’s rookie hiccups this past year when it came to PAT attempts, Elliott proved he’s got accuracy from long distance and a stronger leg than Sturgis. Elliott is half the price of the injury-riddled Sturgis and proved to be a legitimate special teams weapon.
DE – Bryan Braman
Braman essentially was a “throw-in” late in the season to sure up the Eagles postseason special teams unit when a roster spot became available. Being that the Eagles have plenty of defensive-end help, there’s simply no room for his salary of $775,000.
RB – Kenjon Barner
Although Barner did contribute in minimal ways, he is apart of a roster that currently features Ajayi, Clement, Sproles, Blount, Pumphrey and himself. Once again, there’s simply no room for his services on the depth chart.
By simply letting these five players walk, the Eagles can alleviate a little over $4.5 million according to last year’s payroll. This list doesn’t include other fringe players like Dannell Ellerbe, Najee Goode, and Jaylen Watkins who could also get snipped this offseason.