Analysis: A lot has to happen for Eagles to take next step

[time2rock]

Analysis: A lot has to happen for Eagles to take next step

Eagles’ bosses have work cut out for them this offseason

PHILADELPHIA — Only eight of the 57 teams to lose in the Super Bowl have returned to the big game the following season, most recently the New England Patriots. They won it all in 2019, despite replacing five startes on offense and four on defense. It was their second victory in a three-year Super Bowl streak, the only loss being to the Eagles in Super Bowl LII.

Now the Eagles have just seven players who started on offense and five on defense in the Super Bowl under contract next season. To take the next step on a personnel level, the runner-up Birds need to find two or three plug-and-play players in the upcoming draft and do a lot of salary cap work through cuts, restructured contracts and just plain decisions to move on from select veterans.

For now, the Eagles have only $7.3 million of salary cap space available per Overthecap.com, which isn’t nearly enough to do what they need to do, starting with a major extension averaging more than $45 million annually for quarterback Jalen Hurts.

Though the Eagles’ brain trust wouldn’t go out on a limb at a postseason media availability Thursday, safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson is their obvious free agent priority, veteran offensive lineman Isaac Seumalo a luxury signee, although his ability to play the pivot (should Jason Kelce retire) could keep him around at a competitive wage.

The rest of the unrestricted free agents who really want to come back almost certainly will be required to accept discounted pacts.

The good news is on the quarterback contract extension for Hurts won’t have nearly the risk as the cap-killing pact the Eagles gave the moody, injury plagued and overrated Carson Wentz. The Eagles didn’t put a timetable on a Hurts extension but confirmed he is the one. Hurts gave the Eagles a chance to win every week this past season and in the playoffs. On the biggest stage he almost willed the Birds to a win.

You cannot say the same about any of the Eagles’ pending free agents, although Kelce seriously uplifts the offensive line.

Let’s cue up the free agents and their stay or go status as we see it …

BACKUP QB GARDNER MINSHEW >> Could see him wind up as a bridge quarterback with Shane Steichen if the Colts find a cap-manageable way to dispose of Matt Ryan (37 years old) and Nick Foles (34).

Status: Go.

RB MILES SANDERS >> Just 26 snaps in the Super Bowl for this 1,000-yard rusher, largely because he fumbled on his first series and was fortunate his second fumble was ruled an incomplete pass, not a scoop and score. Kenny Gainwell (38 SB snaps) is a cheaper and more trustworthy alternative. See ya, Miles. You were fun to write about.

Status: Go.

C JASON KELCE >> The contract won’t be a problem, but deep down inside the feeling here is this is the year the 35-year-old Kelce hangs up his cleats to be with his daughters and wife. Cam "Beef Jurgy” Jurgens is on deck at the pivot. PS: See you around Delco, Kelce.

Status: Go.

G ISAAC SEUMALO >> Starting to get the feeling he won’t take a hometown discount because he’s talented enough to get a mega-bucks deal providing long-term security. Signing him would hedge against a flop by Jurgens.

Status: Go.

OT ANDRE DILLARD >> Value as a sub and the potential loss of Seumalo could keep him around for another season at a discount.

Status: Stay.

OT BRETT TOTH >> Not since the days of King Dunlap (look him up) have I seen such a serviceable starter languishing on the bench. And he’s cheap.

Status: Stay.

RB BOSTON SCOTT: Gainwell and Trey Sermon are the future,

Status: Go.

WR ZACH PASCAL >> Teammates love him but …

Status: Go.

LB KYZIR WHITE >> He has coverage skills, which is a lot more than T.J. Edwards can do in the pass game. Here if he takes a discount.

Status: Stay.

LB T.J. EDWARDS >> Makes a lot of tackles but doesn’t hold up in coverage and that’s where the game is now. He likely will leave to get a better contract.

Status: Go.

CB JAMES BRADBERRY >> Classy guy with veteran savvy but … memorable penalty aside, he can’t run like he used to. Prove me wrong.

Status: Go.

S CHAUNCEY GARDNER-JOHNSON >> C.J. easily was the best player in the secondary, and he played with reckless abandon in the Super Bowl. A deal averaging $14 million is in order.

Status: Stay.

DT JAVON HARGRAVE >> With 11 sacks, he’s in line for a three-year, $54 million pact. Unaffordable.

Status: Go.

DT FLETCHER COX >> Time for the big guy to move on unless he wants to take a serious discount.

Status: Go.

DE BRANDON GRAHAM >> The soon-to-be 35-year-old Graham can match the great Chuck Bednarik for the longest-tenured Eagle if he sticks around for a 14th season. That will be arranged.

Status: Stay.

S MARCUS EPPS >> Nice season, but he’s more of a third safety than starter. Upgrade needed here.

Status: Go.

DT LINVAL JOSEPH >> An excellent influence on the younger players, including rookie nose tackle Jordan Davis. It would be smart to bring Joseph, 34, back on an incentives-laden deal.

Status: Stay.

DT NDAMUKONG SUH >> Look for Suh to resurface in Cleveland as he has a history with defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.

Status: Go.

DE ROBERT QUINN >> Wouldn’t be surprised if Quinn, 32, follows the path that Suh and Joseph did, and signs on midway through the season.

Status: Go for now.

CONTRACT RESTRUCTURES

CB DARIUS SLAY >> His cap number is a staggering $26.1 million in 2023, which is comical. Does anyone think he’s worth $17 million in base pay next year? When you ask him to restructure, be sure to call him ‘Slay.’

OT LANE JOHNSON >> Cap number of $24.1 million in 2023 must be reduced.

TE DALLAS GOEDERT >> His $6.6 million cap number could be reduced.

DE JOSH SWEAT >> He has a $6 million cap number. See Goedert.

K JAKE ELLIOTT >> A $5.8 million cap hit? Please.

CUTS

DE DEREK BARNETT >> Too many injuries for the once-promising first-round pick who for all practical purposes peaked when he recovered that Tom Brady fumble late in Super Bowl LII. A $3.1 million cap savings.

WR QUEZ WATKINS >> Tremendous speed, underwhelming tracking ability, just OK hands. Getting rid of Quez would save $2.78 million and a lot of angst when the ball spirals in his direction. Eagles might be able to get something in a trade.

PLUG & PLAY DRAFT PICKS

DT CALIJAH KANCEY (6-0, 280) >> This PItt product is an incredible inside pass rusher and an Aaron Donald knockoff. He’ll be there at the Birds’ No. 10 overall selection.

OT: BRODRICK JONES (6-4,311) >> Georgia tackle has the quickness, feet and nastiness to move inside to guard if Seumalo moves on or step in if Johnson gets injured.

https://www.delcotimes.com/2023/02/16/analysis-a-lot-has-to-happen-for-eagles-to-take-next-step/

[Procus]

Let's face it - between having a roster that is not as strong as this year combined with a more difficult schedule, the Eagles are likely taking a step back next year, not a step forward.

[UK_EaglesFan89]

I don't think they should run it back. They fell short and I think they need to look to a fresh approach going in to next year. The mistake they need in 2018 was that they tried to run it back. Difficult decisions will need to be made and whilst some players should return, a lot shouldn't.