The Eagles are currently projected to head into free agency with only $7.4MM in available cap space, but de facto general manager Howie Roseman and staff are likely to create “significant” wiggle room this offseason through various roster machinations, a source tells Jimmy Kempski of PhillyVoice.
[RELATED: Philadelphia Eagles Depth Chart]
Among the players who are likely to be traded or released, per Kempski, are edge rusher Connor Barwin, running back Ryan Mathews, center Jason Kelce, offensive lineman Allen Barbre, linebacker Mychal Kendricks, and cornerbacks Leodis McKelvin and Ron Brooks. As I noted when examining Philadelphia’s top three offseason needs, the Eagles will need to cut bait with a decent amount of the players listed in order to target roster weaknesses such as wide receiver. Releasing or trading that entire group would create north of $24MM in cap space.
Left tackle Jason Peters could be approached regarding a paycut, according to Kempski, but the veteran lineman is unlikely to be amenable to such a move, meaning the Eagles could be forced to restructure his contract in order to lower his cap charge. Linebacker Nigel Bradham, meanwhile, could face a league suspension following two recent arrests, and could be released despite his sterling 2016 campaign (Pro Football Focus’ No. 9 linebacker).
If I’m Roseman, I’d cut all those aforementioned names and restructure Peters contract. Use that extra space to bring in 2 premier players at position of greatest need. Wide receiver and CB. Alshon Johnson, Kenny Britt, AJ Bouye, and Trumaine Johnson are the 4 names I’m hearing that interest me the most. Let’s not mess around by getting 6 third tier guys that never quite pan out. It never pans out. Unless somehow they can work out a trade for Antonio Brown or Hopkins and give them a huge payday.
I think you move on from Peters as well, slide lane over to LT and sign a Riley Reiff to play RT..go CB WR in the draft.. the only veteran I’d gamble on is a jamaal charles
who alshon johnson
You know that guy that use to play for the Texans/Colts/Titans before retiring lol…Alshon Johnson…just kidding
u know how hard it will be to sign guys with 7.4 m when other teams got 100 m to 40 m howie roseman need to be fired for a real g.m
I’d cut all those guys & reconstructure jason peters contract. Go after antonio brown or if not pick up desean jackson & drafter mike williams or corey davis. And get a dominant cb like joe haden
No thanks on Jackson, don’t need him back in our locker room.
I’m a Steelers fan and please trade for Antonio Brown. I love him but he’s such an distraction for the team. And apparently we can use the picks because they might have to look for a new quarterback
I agree! He’s a cocky old man who’s best days are behind him.
Jackson not Antonio Brown^
AB would be an amazing fit in the eagles him tearing up the corners with Matthews in the slot and Ertz as a safety blanket would make for an interesting 2017
Antonio Brown is under contract for another year, that would likely be a record setting trade package to get that done.
Restructure Mr. False Start (Peters), trade Kendricks as he does have value in the right system, and dump the rest.