Fantastic Four – Eagles Crucial Free Agents
4 March 2018 Eagles News
Retooling is part of winning a Super Bowl. Key role players are let go every offseason by winning teams (see Chris Long from the Patriots) and it is the job of the front office to weigh the pros and cons of cutting players who contribute in ways that help a team win. With the NFL Combine wrapping up, the start to the new season is already upon us.
Unfortunately, the Eagles have the responsibility of evaluating four crucial players this offseason and determining who they can afford to offer a new deal. LB Nigel Bradham, TE Trey Burton, CB Patrick Robinson, and DT Beau Allen are all able to explore free agency this offseason.
With Brent Celek getting older by the day (33), Burton seems to be the most crucial signing for the Eagles future. Spotrac.com estimates Trey Burton’s market value at 3-years/$21 million. Reports have surfaced that Burton does not expect to re-sign with the team, and Eagles faithful may have to wait for a legitimate replacement. Although a back-up, Burton is very important to the Eagles future providing depth and capability.
Bradham, Robinson, and Allen, all had career years in 2017. The problem with their contract status is that the Eagles will have to make a decision before the draft. Bradham is expected to see a deal similar to 2-years/$12 million in free agency and Robinson’s resurgence may earn him a multi-year deal as teams are always looking for defensive talent in this “air it out” age of the NFL.
The Eagles may prioritize retaining Bradham and Allen, but may also find themselves unable to match another team’s offer in the market. Robinson is more expendable however as Mills, Darby, and Sidney Jones will most likely be the starters next season with Rasul Douglas and Malcolm Jenkins as depth. Only time will tell what kind of offers are out there.
Howie Roseman, Doug Pederson and the rest of the talent acquisition staff will shift their focus to the free agent market before drafting the next crop of elite prospects in April’s draft, and there are very important decisions to be made to continue what they call “The New Norm.”