By: Steve Johnson
We went into the 2014 Philadelphia Eagles football season with great expectations for a promising young team with a brilliant head coach. We thought we could improve on the 10-6 record of 2013 and possibly take the next step in the NFC. Then came the outright release of DeSean Jackson, the (what Phanaddictblog said at the time) horrendous draft class, and the suspension of Lane Johnson. And if that wasn't enough, during the season, the Eagles lost most of their offensive line, Nick Foles, and the leader of their defense in Demeco Ryans. Despite all these losses, somehow the Eagles started 9-3 after a huge Thanksgiving Day win in Dallas. Unfortunately the momentum ended there, as the Eagles would to Seattle and then to Dallas on back to back prime time home games. If that wasn't enough the Eagles pretty much eliminated themselves on a Saturday night in Washington, to become one of only four NFL teams to start 9-3 and miss the playoffs. This caused the firing and apparent escorting out of VP of Player Personnel Tom Gamble, the Chip Kelly to leave rumors and eventually the Howie Roseman demoted to a higher paying title. So what now? Now we're concerned with this Eagles regime, 12 months after having all the hope in the world. This can only happen in Philadelphia, and only with our beloved football team. Here's to "There's always next year", the 2015 edition.
Players That May Go
QBs
Mark Sanchez is a free agent and could get an opportunity to battle for a starting job elsewhere.
Matt Barkley, the 2013 draft pick of Kelly, could be replaced if the Eagles decide to bring in a veteran backup and also draft a prospect in the draft.
WR
Jeff Maehl and Brad Smith are both free agents and likely will be replaced by more talented and younger players. Josh Huff should be healthy this year and we expect them to draft someone later.
TE
James Casey had a great year on special teams and even contributed a little on offense, but with a $4 million cap hit and no dead money if cut, it's probably time to move on. Rookie Trey Burton played great on special teams and could probably be worked into the offense as much as Casey was.
OL
Todd Herremans will get paid $4 million this year, they would still have to pay about half that to cut him. Todd is aging and was injured last year, he's a good locker room guy, but they might want to upgrade the position.
Dennis Kelly and Julian Vandervelde provide minimal depth. Neither are a big cap hit, but they need to upgrade the OL depth, maybe more than any other position.
DL
Brandon Blair is nothing more than a journeyman. His only hope is Taylor Hart still isn't ready.
Vinny Curry would obviously fit better in a 4-3 scheme, but they found a way to get him 9 sacks this year. I imagine if the Eagles got the right offer they might move him, but good pass rushers are hard to come by in the NFL.
LB
Demeco Ryans has almost a $7 million cap hit and just tore his Achilles for the second time. His best years are behind him, but he could end up on the PUP list and maybe take a pay cut.
Trent Cole will need to take a pay cut to stay on the roster. He's 32 years old, making $10 million, and in a scheme that doesn't fit him.
Brandon Graham is a free agent and might get more a big offer from a 4-3 team. He had another good year and would be the starter if Cole isn't here. Can't see a scenario where they can afford to keep both, if any.
Casey Matthews, Emmanuel Acho and Najee Goode aren't providing the depth they need at inside linebacker. With Ryan's injury expect them to address this position in both free agency and the draft.
Secondary
Nate Allen is a free agent and has likely see his last games as an Eagle.
Cary Williams has one more year left on his deal, but could be cut for little dead money. If they do keep him, it's likely as a second corner because they signed a top guy.
Bradley Fletcher is done as an Eagle, plain and simple.
Earl Wolff is also most likely done as an Eagle. He simply cannot play, nor can he stay healthy.
