As part of their rebuild this offseason the Eagles completely overhauled their salary cap situation, and once the dust settles, chances are they will have around $40-50 million in cap space for the 2022 offseason.
They are certainly going to need it.
It isn't a pressing issue now, but entering the 2021 season, there are seven players projected to have big roles that are also on the last year of their deal.
Who are they — and what are their chances of being paid by the Eagles?
Here is a look at seven key upcoming free agents:
Derek Barnett: The biggest financial decision the Eagles will need to make is with defensive end Derek Barnett. The Eagles already committed $10.5 million to him this season (unless he is traded), a sign that they still are hopeful he can turn into an every game, impact pass rusher. Barnett has shown enough flashes that had he been a free agent this offseason he likely would have cashed in considering the big-money deals that were handed out to average pass rusher. If the 24-year old turns in a career year in 2021, and he will be given plenty of snaps to do so, it would't be surprising to see him sign a huge deal next offseason.
The key question for the Eagles will be when they take the risk of paying Barnett. If they wait too long, and he does have a huge year, it could end up costing them. If they do it before the season, or after a few good games, they run the risk of overpaying him if he turns back into the same player he has been throughout his career.
The combination of the money and the importance of the position makes Barnett the biggest financial decision facing the team.
Dallas Goedert: The money coming Goedert's way might not have the ceiling that Barnett's does, considering his position — but the floor is much higher.
Goedert will be the Eagles' No. 1 tight end this season, and even with a new head coach, chances are he will get the same kind of targets that Zach Ertz did when he was the starter. Goedert has done well in the team's No. 2 tight end role, catching 70% of the targets coming his way over the last three seasons. If he gets close to the 110-plus targets Ertz used to get, and he should considering there is no real backup to take any targets from him, Goedert could end up with 77 catches for 800-plus yards and eight-plus touchdowns.
If he does, and those numbers are certainly doable if he stays healthy, Goedert is going to be able to cash in big time on a growing tight-end market.
Josh Sweat: If Barnett's financial situation is the most important one facing the team, than Josh Sweat's impending free agency might be the most interesting.
Sweat arguably outplayed Barnett last season, finishing 2020 with six sacks and as one of the only bright spots in an otherwise very disappointing season overall for the team. Sweat's potential alone would have gotten him a pretty decent sized contract this offseason. If he improves next season, even with some concerns about his knee, he will almost certainly land a big deal next offseason.
The question for the Eagles is — can they pay both Barnett and Sweat? And if they can't, will they just play the one they plan on paying?
Avonte Maddox: This is truly a make-or-break year for Maddox. The fourth-year cornerback has moved all over the Eagles' defense, but has yet to find a spot he really thrives at. This year Maddox will be given every chance to win the starting nickel job. If he plays well, the Eagles will almost certainly extend him, considering the price likely won't be too high. If he is once again inconsistent, however, Maddox very well could be entering free agency with the Eagles moving on.
Anthony Harris: The idea of Harris playing on a one-year, $5 million deal would have been laughed at last offseason when he was designated the Minnesota Vikings' franchise player. After a rough 2020, however, Harris is now looking to rebound his value with the Eagles. Harris is a prime candidate to be signed during the season if he gets off to a hot start, as he is young enough to be a long-term starter for the Eagles. If he has the season he is capable of Harris will definitely be cashing in next offseason.
Eric Wilson: Wilson is in the exact same boat as Harris — a one-year deal that could allow him to cash in next offseason. Also like Harris it is likely that Wilson will be playing a huge role in the defense, and it is expected he will be getting the most snaps among the linebackers. Defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon is a big fan of Wilson, and if he proves to be the answer at linebacker, there is zero shot the Eagles let him walk in free agency.
Alex Singleton: Singleton was one of the few bright spots on the Eagles last season, stepping in and giving them quality linebacker play, something they desperately needed. Singleton could cash in with the Eagles next offseason, but it is unlikely he will get paid any significant money if the team is also paying Wilson. If Singleton has a big year, and Wilson does as well, chances are the Eagles will only pay one — and it won't be Singleton.
