Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Eagles Start to Clean House Heading into Free Agency

As quickly as Chip Kelly blew-up the Eagles' roster this time last season with numerous trades and free agent signings that added the likes of linebacker Kiko Alonzo and cornerback Byron Maxwell on defense and running back DeMarco Murray on offense, the reinstated regime of General Manager Howie Roseman with Doug Perderson at the helm as head coach has decided to quickly purge the team of these three players heading in the start of the new NFL year on March 10.

The loss of these three players will have much more of an impact on the team's salary cap situation than on the team's performance on the field next season with none of these highly touted additions making much of an impact in their only season in Philadelphia. The Eagles' offseason strategy so far has been to lock-up the players they believe can help this team get back to the playoffs such as tight ends Brent Celek and Zach Ertz and quarterback Sam Bradford by signing them to new contracts. That is all well and good, but there are quite a few holes to fill on both sides of the ball to actually make that plan a reality.

The Eagles also said goodbye to linebacker DeMeco Ryans and wide receiver Riley Cooper and they have also let it be known that they are open to trade offers for the other running back they acquired last year, Ryan Mathews. The one thing we already know for sure is that the Birds will be heading into a second-straight season with quite a few new faces on the roster.

Despite all of these early moves, I cannot help but get the feeling that the fun is just getting started with free agency and the college draft right around the corner.

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