The Eagles have a brand new coach this season and ESPN.com’s panel of NFC East writers pondered whether the rest of the division would be happy to have Chip Kelly out of their hair or perhaps be a little more fearful of Doug Pederson. The group notes that the Cowboys seemed to do pretty well against Kelly’s high-motored offense while the Giants on the other hand went 1-5 against Kelly with their lone win coming against fill-in QB Matt Barkley. The Redskins, meanwhile, lost their first three contests against Kelly but won the last three showdowns.
Here’s more from the NFC East:
- Jimmy Kempski of The Philly Voice wondered if the Eagles should sign linebacker Stephen Tulloch if and when he becomes available. The veteran linebacker was excused from Lions minicamp last week, which could be an indication that his release is imminent. Tulloch played for defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz in Tennessee and the Eagles’ linebacker depth is pretty thin, as shown on Roster Resource. The Eagles are slated to go into the season with starting linebackers Nigel Bradham, Jordan Hicks, and Mychal Kendricks, plus primary backup Najee Goode. After that, there’s a dropoff in talent.
- Ryan Russell has a good chance to earn a roster spot with the Cowboys thanks to their issues at defensive end, Todd Archer of ESPN.com writes. Russell was in the doghouse for much of 2015 but he has been working with the first team for most of the spring as DeMarcus Lawrence recovers from back surgery and Benson Mayowa heals up from knee surgery. Of course, the Cowboys could also use some extra DE depth as Lawrence and Randy Gregory will be suspended for the first four games of the 2016 season.
- While other franchise tagged players are grumbling, Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins is content to play out the 2016 season at his slated $19.95MM salary. That’s because the QB knows his price will continue to rise if the Redskins tag him again next offseason. It would cost Washington $23.94MM to tag Cousins in 2017 and $34.47MM to do the same in 2018.
- The Giants reportedly would like to put Eugene Monroe at right tackle, but there are conflicting reports as to whether the veteran would be willing to make that move.
Turlock could be in play with the Giants.