Latest Eagles rumors, news: Byron Maxwell to Dolphins, still open to drafting quarterback

Just because Chip Kelly’s “reign of terror” is over doesn’t mean the offseason will be calm and uneventful under Doug Pederson and Howie Roseman.

And it also doesn’t mean there are not lingering Kelly decisions that could be reversed.

According to NFL.com’s Ian Raporport, the Eagles and Dolphins are in negotiations over a possible trade of Byron Maxwell.And in even more reports — these confirmed by Dolphins and ESPN reporters — are speculating that Kiko Alonso will also be in the deal.

Kelly brought in Maxwell last season on aa six-year, $63-million contract. After reports surfaced that the Fins will release cornerback Brent Grimes”as soon as they acquire his replacement,” the rumor made even more sense, as the money saved on Grimes could work to bay for Maxwell.

Kelly also mastermined a move that sent LeSean McCoy, the Birds’ all-time leading rusher to the Bills in exchange for Alonso, who spent 2015 with the Eagles on and off the field with injury woes.

The Eagles are thin at cornerback after Maxwell, but would likely resign free agent Nolan Carroll to go work alongside Eric Rowe to fill in the hole. As for the linebacking situation, the Birds are already set with Mychal Kendricks and Jordan Hicks but would be thin at the position after cutting DeMeco Ryans.

The inclusion of Alonso is likely part of Miami’s demands, in exchange for taking on the large salary Maxwell commands. In exchange, draft picks and the room to sign more free agents with expanded cap space would be the Eagles’ return.

Offensive line help a priority

With the free agency window opening on March 9, the Eagles will be looking for a solid piece to replace Matt Tobin and play next to Jason Kelce, Jason Peters, and Lane Johnson.

“It’s important to have an offensive line. In Kansas City, we found fiveguys who wanted to play,” Pederson said after the re-signing of Sam Bradford.”You find five guys who are going to be tough, who are brothers in arms who are nitty griddy. We found those guys in Kansas City and we will find them here.

“You can do it in offseason.”

The language chosen by Pederson would imply that, perhaps Kansas City free agent offensive lineman Jeff Allen could be a possible new cog for the Birds’ offense.

Eagles quarterback position still in flux

The Eagles are set for today, with veteran quarterback Sam Bradford inked for two years, and Mark Sanchez slated to return as a back up (though many surmise he will be cut in coming days).

But for the future? The Eagles are still looking for their guy. Could he be taken at No. 13 in the NFL draft?

“I don’t know about 13 but if the right guy is at 13 we have to do what’sbest for the Philadelphia Eagles,” Pederson said,”and that’s a critical spot.”

With the NFL a league defined by an ever-changing landscape, Pederson knows Bradford would not have any problem with the Birds adding a young, quarterback’s apprentice in April.

“He would have no problem with that,” Pederson said.”You’re going to have to continue to develop your roster, in the National Football League you have to… If you can develop young talent it makes you better especiallylate in the season when you really need those guys.”