The Eagles' season has been in the books for over two months and free agency is less than two weeks away — and yet still, there have been almost no moves on any of the Eagles' free agents.
The fact the Eagles have been so quiet so far is somewhat surprising considering they have around $41 million in cap space and so many key player set to hit the free agency market. Perhaps it is the lack of a new CBA. Perhaps it is a sign that the Eagles are truly ready to move on from some core players from the last few seasons. Or perhaps it is a sign they will be using their cap space on a number of big-money free agents.
So who will be staying and who will be going?
Here is an updated guess heading into free agency:
Jason Peters: The idea of Jason Peters coming back would have been laughable a month ago, but the Eagles have made a mess of the situation over the last two weeks. First, they made it seem at the NFL Combine like they wanted Peters back, creating not only speculation that he would return, but that they might trade Andre Dillard. Then, they released a statement saying Peters would be hitting free agency, which seemed to be a goodbye statement…only to say the two sides would remain in contact. At this point the chances of Peters coming back seem slim, but if he hits free agency and doesn't find an offer he likes, you have to wonder if the Eagles will welcome him back — and what that would mean for Dillards future.
Guess: GO
Ronald Darby: The Eagles have tried desperately to make Darby a No. 1, shutdown cornerback for them, but it is hard to imagine those efforts continuing. Darby was back last season on a one-year deal, but once again spent a large portion of the season on the sideline with an injury. Since coming to the Eagles in 2017, Darby has missed 20 regular season games, which is nearly as many as he has played in (28). The team's interest in Byron Jones, who will cost over $15 million per season, is a sign they are planning for major changes at cornerback.
Guess: GO
Rodney McLeod: McLeod is one of the more interesting decisions the Eagles have to make. McLeod is going to be looking for a big contract after he was forced to take a paycut last season on a one-year deal. McLeod played at a high level, but a market projected to be filled with quality safeties could impact what he is able to make. If the Eagles move on from Malcolm Jenkins, which is possible, their need for McLeod increases. The Eagles want McLeod back, and ultimately, the guess here is the two sides come to an agreement on a new deal.
Guess: STAY
Jalen Mills: Mills has been a very good, very underrated starter for the Eagles since coming to the team as a seventh-round pick in 2016. What kind of market he will find as a free agent will be interesting to see after missing half of last season with a foot injury. The departure of secondary coach Corey Undlin could impact where Mills is back, as Undlin was a big fan of Mills' game and could try to recruit him to Detroit. If Mills is able to find teams willing to pay him over $8 million a year, his days with the Eagles are likely over. If he wants a one-year, prove-it deal to increase his value for next offseason, however, he could be back.
Guess: STAY
Halapoulivaati Vaitai: Vaitai has been a very important piece along the Eagles' offensive line the last few seasons. He has position versatility as the Eagles taught him to play guard this past season and can backup three spots along the offensive line. If the Eagles do move on from Jason Peters, it wouldn't be surprising if they tried to keep Vaitai as the top backup to both Dillard, Lane Johnson and Brandon Brooks. The question is if another team will offer Vaitai starting money at tackle. It is starting to seem like that will the case, and it is hard to see Vaitai coming back to the Eagles as a backup when he would have the chance to start elsewhere.
Guess: GO
Nate Sudfeld: The Eagles can spin it however they want, but the moment they brought in veteran quarterback Josh McCown is was crystal clear that they had soured on Sudfeld. The chances of them going into next season with Sudfeld as their top backup seem slim. The only way Sudfeld is back is if he doesn't find a different team on the open market that wants to bring him in and allow him to be the top backup.
Guess: GO
Nelson Agholor: Roseman mentioned during his season-ending press conference that the data shows them that Agholor entering the 2019 season was one of the 10 fastest players in the NFL. That alone shows that the raw talent for Agholor is there, but for whatever reason, it has just not clicked for the two sides outside of an outstanding 2017 season. The idea of bringing back Agholor isn't crazy — he is quick, young and knows the offense. At this point, however, it seems like it would be better for both sides if they moved on.
Guess: GO
Vinny Curry: Curry had a great season for the Eagles considering the role they wanted him to play, finishing with 5.0 sacks and making some big plays down the stretch. Although the Eagles want to get younger, they are not going to just do away with every single veteran player. Curry loves being in Philadelphia and the Eagles need to maintain some veteran depth at defensive end. Another one-year deal makes sense for both sides.
Guess: STAY
Josh McCown: Chances are that McCown either retires (for real this time) or gets into coaching — and it doesn't look like it will be on the Eagles' staff.
Guess: GO
Timmy Jernigan: Jernigan saved his career this season, looking more-and-more like the dominant defensive tackle he used to be before an injury in 2018 cost him his entire season. Jernigan is going to be looking to get paid and likely won't take any kind of real discount to stay in Philadelphia.
Guess: GO
Jordan Howard: Howard has expressed a desire to stay in Philadelphia and it is understandable why he would want to. Howard played really well this season when healthy, and at one point, looked to be in line for a pretty substantial contract extension. The emergence of Miles Sanders and Boston Scott, however, could complicate things. Howard could be back in Philadelphia, but if he is, it'll likely be on a one-year, prove it deal if he can't find a real offer elsewhere.
Guess: STAY
Kamu Grugier-Hill: The breakout season Grugier-Hill seemed set to have during training camp never came to be as a knee injury derailed his season. The Eagles will be moving to TJ Edwards and Nate Gerry as their starters at linebacker next season, but their decision to cut Nigel Bradham could increase the chances of Grugier-Hill coming back, as they will want at least one veteran in the linebacking room incase Edwards proves to not be ready. Look for Grugier-Hill to come back on a one-year, prove it deal.
Guess: STAY
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
