It’s becoming clear that the Eagles in 2023 will look very different from last month’s Super Bowl team.
The Eagles have nearly 20 free agents as the new league year officially begins March 15 at 4 p.m.Negotiations can start on Monday at 12:01pm
This could also include a new mega deal for quarterback Jaylen Hurts.
That would be a tough decision for the Eagles with the longest tenures, including defensive linemen Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham. It can also lead to some tough decisions for key players like defensive back James Bradbury and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson.
Some of these moves began days before the legal tampering period began on Monday.
So let’s take a look at all the moves, rumors, and implications as the 2023 season officially begins.
Eagles lose first offensive lineman, but Kels stays
Longtime center Jason Kelce probably started a chain reaction on the offensive line when he posted on social media that he would be returning for a 13th season. Since then, the chances of right guard Isaac Cemaro returning have decreased significantly.
After guard Chris Lindstrom signed a five-year contract worth $105 million with the Falcons, Semaro seemed to have given up on returning.
But the Eagles lost another offensive lineman when Andre Dillard reportedly signed a three-year, $29 million contract with the Tennessee Titans. Dillard was the Eagles’ first-round pick in 2019, but lost to Jordan Mailata as a starting pitcher for the 2021 season.
Dillard has proven to be a useful backup at both left tackle and left guard, but will likely get a chance to start with the Titans on his starter salary. The Eagles weren’t going to pay for backup blocked by left guards Mairata and Landon Dickerson.
Start safe (not that) also leave
Marcus Epps is joining the exodus of defensive starters as he reportedly signs a two-year contract worth $12 million with the Raiders.
Epps became a full-time starter for the first time in his career last season, playing 99% of his defensive snaps. This could be a sign that the Eagles will try harder to keep Chauncey Gardner-Johnson. The Eagles now have Reid his Blankenship, Kvon Wallace, on his 2023 contract.
Gardner-Johnson tied for the NFL leader in interceptions last season with six, despite missing five games. However, it will cost the Eagles a lot to keep him. A good measure is reportedly Jesse Bates’ four-year deal worth his $64 million with the Falcons.
Eagles top D tackle signs with 49ers
The Eagles’ major losses in free agency began soon after, as defensive tackle Javon Hargrave reportedly signed a four-year contract worth $84 million.
Hargrave had a career-high 11 sacks last season, making him one of the top defensive tackles in free agency. Hargrave clearly surpassed his previous three-year, $39 million contract that the Eagles signed him to in 2020. Fletcher He Cox is also a free agent and he could leave too.
Hargrave’s departure means the only defensive tackles under contract for 2023 are young players Jordan Davis, Milton Williams and Marlon Tuiprotu.
Eagles lose important LB to start free agency
It didn’t take long for the Chicago Bears to sign linebacker TJ Edwards, reportedly agreeing to a three-year deal worth $19.5 million. It’s not official, but it could be a big loss for the Eagles.
Edwards had 159 tackles last season, the second-most in team history. Another of the Eagles’ starting linebackers, Kyzyl White, is free his agent. The Eagles have Naco Bedeen, his third-round pick in 2022, poised to replace one of them. But if White leaves too, they may have to seek free agency.
Bradbury: Eagles want chance to match offer
Cornerback James Bradbury, one of the Eagles’ top free agents, told NFL reporter Josina Anderson that the Eagles want the opportunity to respond to offers Bradbury gets in free agency.
“I would love to play for the Eagles,” Bradbury told Anderson. Everyone said try to give them a chance at a match.”
Don’t get the Eagles wrong. intention Match any offer. They probably have prices in mind that won’t go up. After all, if the Eagles really wanted to keep Bradbury, they couldn’t have made him free agency in the first place. The same goes for .
Brandon Graham decides to stay
Graham had the potential to be a hugely popular free agent even as he approaches his 35th birthday next month. This player has a career-high 11 sacks despite only playing 43% of the snap.
Graham is still sign a one year contract ESPN first reported returns of up to $6 million. The Eagles later confirmed Graham’s return.
Graham could have landed at least a two-year deal had he decided to test free agency, and he probably needed more money.
The Cleveland Browns, who have former Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz playing the same role in Cleveland, were reportedly interested. And the Arizona Cardinals could have been led by former Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon.
However, Graham told ESPN that he instructed his agent to sign a contract with the Eagles before free agency began.
Graham added:
Graham is fourth in Eagles history with 70 sacks, six ahead of Clyde Simmons.
Will Darius Slay continue?
ESPN reported Friday that the Eagles have given Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Sorey and agent Drew Rosenhouse permission to seek a trade.
It makes sense from a financial point of view. Slay, at her 32, is entering the final year of her contract, and he’s calculating $26 million for his cap in 2023 salary.
The Eagles may restructure Sorey’s contract. Now that the season is over, you definitely feel like you can play at the elite level this season and beyond.
Slay, who had three interceptions last season, recently posted on the Montgomery&Co podcast that he welcomed a contract extension with the Eagles.
“I want an extension with the Eagles. I love them,” Slay said on the podcast. That’s everyone. That’s what we all do when we have a year left on our contract. ”
The Eagles want to find a solution to keep Slay, according to ESPN’s report.
But aside from a drastic pay cut, it seems hard to imagine. Trading Slay would save the Eagles $16.8 million in caps if they designate the trade after June 1 (although the salary cap will be $12 million in 2024).
The Eagles traded Slay in 2020 to give the Detroit Lions third- and fifth-round picks. It’s hard to imagine the Eagles getting paid off that much right now.
Eagles restructuring kicker
The first restructuring began on Friday with kicker Jake Elliott, who restructured his contract and saved $2.5 million on his salary cap. The Eagles did this by converting 2023 salaries into contract bonuses.
The Eagles could save significantly more money by doing the same as right tackle Lane Johnson, who works out $24 million against the salary cap. Restructuring Johnson would save the Eagles another $10 million to $12 million in caps.
Please contact Martin Frank at mfrank@delawareonline.com. Follow us on Twitter @Mfranknfl.
