My random thoughts on the Eagles' big day...
At first I wasn't sure what to think about the Eagles signing WRs Torry Smith and Alshon Jeffery yesterday, especially the unexpected inking of Jeffery to a one-year contract. Then I liked it..for the following reasons:
Finally, someone actually wants to play in Philly. Jeffery turned down more money to "bet on himself" in a contract year. Jeffery will be a motivated player, and won't screw it up by taking meds again.
The move gives Philly fans hope. After enduring the Sixers and Phillies' recent "Trust the Process" rebuilds, finally, a Philly today is going for it, actually getting good players NOW, giving the city much-needed excitement.
If Jeffery plays well, the Birds can resign him for more years. They can franchise him for an extra year. Or they can let him walk, no harm. Same for Smith, who gives the team speed and will stretch the field and allow Jeffery and Ertz and Matthews work underneath. Smith is signed to a 3-year contract, the last two years being option years.
Howie Rossman makes more bold moves, and seems to be listening to player personnel guy Joe Douglas. Howie needs to manage the cap, as currently, the team is over the salary cap. Cuts will be coming, including Ryan Mathews, Mychal Kendricks and possibly Jason Kelcie.
The moves also give the Eagles flexibility in the upcoming draft. They have their weapons for Carson Wentz now ( and won't it be fun to imagine Wentz with receivers who can catch the ball and make plays for more than 5 yards at a time), so they don't necessarily need to draft a wide receiver in the first round of the draft. They could draft a WR like Mike Williams for the future. Or they can focus on defense, especially corner backs.
The team could haul in at least two corner backs in the April draft. DBs are deep this year, so the Birds could select a young WR or even a running back early, then cash in at defensive back later.
Why not really give Wentz some weapons and draft RB Delvin Cook if he is there at #14? Cook is an explosive, speedy back, who along with the new receivers, would give the Birds a suddenly-potent offensive. Add another receiver later in the draft (Cooper Kupp?) and instantly the Eagles are formidable on offense.
The fans now have something to look forward to this fall. With their easier schedule, the Eagles can be competitive with Dallas and the Giants. The Eagles return to prime time games, and excitement builds later in the season like old times. Suddenly, if the Eagles fill their holes, especially on defense, the layoffs are a realistic goal.
Would I rather have Brandin Cooks from New Orleans as my long-term receiver answer? yes. But for now, the Eagles are better. They finally have play makers, home run hitters, yet can still build through the draft with younger players.
GM Rossman has put his neck on the line.Give him credit for thinking out of the box and going for it. If these moves blow up, and especially if Wentz fails in time, Howie will be gone and the Eagles will need to start over.But kudos to Rossman and owner Jeff Laurie for NOT being patient and for giving Eagle fans something to smile about.
Under the radar is the signing of guard Chance Warmack, a former top ten pick who played four years for Tennessee. Another move which gives the team flexibility on the offensive line, and which allows the front office to make cuts and moves going forward.
Yes, the Eagles need defensive end help, now that Connor Barwin is gone. An elite pass rusher would be nice. It's also time for highly-paid Vinny Curry to step it up and earn his big paycheck. How will Fletcher Cox play with Bennie Logan by his side?
Sports is supposed to be entertaining na d fun. The Eagles have made football season fun again. I can't wait for the schedule to come out soon, and for the NFL Draft in Philadelphia in late April.
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