CHIRPING BIRDS- OFF-SEASON EAGLES' MOVES?

ESPN.com issued an article about their 5 suggested moves the Eagles should consider this off-season. Here they are, with my thoughts...


1.  Decline the option on WR Torrey Smith-

Agreed. Smith made some big catches during the season, but also dropped some key passes. his blazing,break-away speed really didn't come into play much. The Birds do need a receiver who can take the top off defenses, keep opposing defenses from crowding the box, keep defenses honest. But the Birds should be able to find another burner, maybe in the draft, and cheaper too.

2. Release OT Jason Peters after June 1-

Disagree. Yes, releasing Peters after June 1 would save about &8 million of cap money. Plus Peters is older and coming off a bad knee injury. But did Vaitai really play that well to risk letting Peters go? Sure, the Birds should make depth at offensive line a priority in the draft and free agency. Let's see what Rossman does with the cap before he needs to say farewell to Peters.

3. Listen to offers for Nick Foles-

Agreed. You have to listen. Foles' value will never be higher. But we still don't know how healthy Wentz will be come September. Foles is under contract for another year. Unless the Eagles get a No. 1 or high No. 2 pick in return I would keep Foles, even if a future quarterback controversy ensues.

4. Wait out Nigel Bradham-

Agreed. The linebacker will be a free agent. The Birds won't and shouldn't pay the going rate for Bradham, who had a hell of a year in place of injured Jordan Hicks. If Bradham signs elsewhere, so be it. The eagles need to make middle linebacker a must this off-season anyway. If Bradham doesn't get what he wants on the market, the Eagles can swoop in and sign him for added depth.

5. Trade down in the draft-

Agreed. The Birds have the No. 32 pick in the first round, but zero picks in the second and third rounds. Chances are, unless they target a guy at 32, they will get the same quality later in the second round as at 32, so maybe Philly can trade that first rounder for a second and/or third.

One added suggestion from yours truly- Seek another speedy running back or receiver. -

If Darren Sproles doesn't come back form his injuries, the Eagles could use a shifty, fast back or wide-out who can also return punts and kick-offs. They missed Sproles in the receiving game, with screens and flat passes. They also missed a home run hitter on special teams. Kenyon Barner caught punts for the most part, but we were never that confident in his ability, or especially in his threat of scoring anywhere on the field.