The Eagles brass spoke publicly for the first time since the Super Bowl parade a few weeks ago, and the focus has turned as the calendar has to the 2018 season.
New coaches will flank Doug Pederson, as Mike Groh assumes the vacated role of Frank Reich as offensive coordinator. Duce Staley will be an assistant head coach, address the team in Pederson’s absense and take on a greater role in the passing game. A new wide receivers coach is yet to be hired.
Personnel changes are far from the only turnover the Eagles will have this season. According to Philly.com’s Eagles beat writer Zach Berman, there is a lot more change to come.
Eagles expect roster turnover this year. Know there’s going to be a lot of departures, expect compensatory picks in 2019. Roseman said Eagles need to be creative in upgrading the roster.
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) February 28, 2018
What does this mean specifically? Well the Birds aren’t content to stay the same. They want to improve.
“From our perspective, we have to find a way to get better,” Eagles GM Howie Roseman said. “We have to improve our football team. We understand that nothing is given to us in 2018. If we say, ‘Hey we’re going to bring everything back and do everything the same,’ we’re going to get our ass kicked.”
This means the Eagles need to move on from some players to create the room for some new blood. There are a number of candidates to take their Super Bowl rings to other teams (or retirement). Here is a look at who might not be in South Philly anymore come the spring:
Torrey Smith, WR
His contract includes a team option for $5 million. With Mack Hollins a capable No. 3 receiver, the Birds can’t afford Smith’s return.
LeGarrette Blount, RB
Blount was a key piece of the Eagles incredible running game but the ground game is in good hands with Corey Clement and Jay Ajayi next year.
Darren Sproles, RB
Will he retire? Will he return? He’s a free agent in 2018.
Trey Burton, TE
He’s better than a third tight end and will be able to get starter money elsewhere. He’s a free agent.
Patrick Robinson, CB
Robinson played far beyond his $775,000 salary last season and was a playoff hero. He will get paid more with another team.
Donnie Jones, P
Jones is already gone, the first Eagles’ Super Bowl champion to ride into the sunset.
Jason Peters, LT
With more than $10.6 million due to Peters this year, the future Hall of Famer will either be cut, restructure or retire.
Brent Celek, TE
Celek can save the Birds $4 million if he’s cut and $5 million if he retires. He’s also an unaforable luxury with the cap issues Philly has.
Mychal Kendricks, LB
Kendricks can be cut to save money or traded to save more. You’ll notice Nigel Bradham isn’t on this list — he’s Philly’s top priority and Kendricks could be a casuality.
Vinny Curry, DE
Curry carries an $11 million cap hit with him next season — a little more money than he’s probably worth. He may be hard to move but the Eagles may try to trade or restructure him.
Nick Foles, QB
Of course, Foles is the most noteworthy name and he could be in a new uniform next season. The Eagles say they intend to talk with the Super Bowl MVP to assertain what it is he wants. They will then decide whether they’ll keep him for his last contract year or move him for cap relief and draft picks.
