Coming and Going – Updated
Posted: March 14th, 2018 | Author: Tommy Lawlor | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | Comments Off on Coming and Going – UpdatedTuesday was a wild day for the Eagles.
Former Lions’ DT Haloti Ngata intends to sign a one-year deal with Eagles, per @mortreport and me.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2018
Just as I predicted, the Eagles weren’t going to add any big names. Oops.
One of the benefits to winning the Super Bowl is that some veterans value the chance to join a title contender. Ngata is coming to Philly to be the Eagles #3 DT. Think about that statement for a second. Ngata as your #3. Crazy.
At the same time, you have to be careful about fixating on names at this time of the year. Ngata is 34 and coming off a biceps injury that limited him to just five games in 2017. This isn’t the same guy who dominated the line of scrimmage in his prime. Still, he could thrive as a rotational player for the Eagles.
LB Corey Nelson is signing a 1-year deal with the #Eagles, source confirms. He’s 6-1, 226, 25 years old. Suffered a season-ending torn biceps in Oct. Started in 5 of 16 games in 2016.
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) March 13, 2018
The Broncos, I'm told, matched the money Corey Nelson will recieve in Philly. But Nelson wanted a larger role. At the start of last season, Vance Joseph said he considered Nelson a starter, much like Bradley Roby as the third corner.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) March 13, 2018
Initially I thought Nelson was coming to Philly to be the new Najee Goode. That second tweet makes me think he might be a bigger part of the defense. The Eagles might see him as a potential “starter”…in the base defense. They mostly play with just two LBs on the field, but Nelson could be the third guy when they play a true 4-3.
It is also possible that the Eagles are either going to cut or trade Mychal Kendricks and see Nelson as a younger, cheaper player at WLB. My guess is that they keep Kendricks and go with a trio of Jordan Hicks, Kendricks and Nelson. All three of them can run and cover.
Nelson signed a one-year deal because he wants to come and play and have a shot at getting a bigger deal a year from now. He’s going to be a hungry, motivated player.
Now the down side of free agency.
For Trey Burton, it’s 4 years, $32M, source said. Big payday. https://t.co/WHxPJcZZ3k
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2018
The Eagles loved Burton, but couldn’t compete with money like that. They already have a lot of money in an athletic, pass-catching TE. You can’t spend big on two of them. Burton was a bit upset that the Eagles didn’t try harder to keep him, but I just don’t see how they could have made that work. They loved him as a player, but he outgrew his role here and needed to leave. I’m happy he’s getting good money and going to a good situation.
Reported 4/32 deal for Burton should get the Eagles a 4th round comp pick, if it doesn't get canceled out by another signing.
— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) March 13, 2018
Great news. That would be a pick in 2019, in case you are confused at all.
Thanks for the good times Philly!! pic.twitter.com/rNKyTwWEeM
— Beau Allen (@Beau_Allen) March 13, 2018
NOOOO!!!
I’m looking into the rumors that Carson Wentz forced the Eagles to move on from Beau because he was jealous of his long, flowing Thor-like hair, chiseled frame and overall sexiness. I can’t confirm anything right now, but I’m pretty sure that’s 100 percent true. Or more.
Beau Allen was a 7th round pick who developed into a good player. I think he was also a key guy for locker room chemistry. He always seemed to be having fun and seemed to connect with all kinds of teammates. I’m definitely going to miss him. I’ll be pulling for him as long as he stays out of Dallas. Let’s hope someone gives Beau good money. There was a report the Bucs were interested. That bizarre locker room could use a person like him. And that DL could use a player like him as well.
Finally…
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) March 13, 2018
This one hurt.
I’ve been following Brent since he was a player at the University of Cincinnati. I was happy when the Eagles took him and have enjoyed watching him for the past decade plus. A pro’s pro. A true Eagle, through and through.
Can't say enough about @BrentCelek as a teammate and friend. Unbelievably humble and hardworking guy – an absolute grinder and a true brother. Happy we got that ring together Celsie!! pic.twitter.com/m1i7SJkW3y
— Beau Allen (@Beau_Allen) March 13, 2018
A true leader on & off the field. Brent Celek is one of the greatest teammates I’ve ever played with. Selfless, talented, respected, hard-working, caring, and a true CHAMPION. Unbelievable teammate and happy to call you a great friend. Much love my brotha! pic.twitter.com/fesEQ0y0f6
— Carson Wentz (@cj_wentz) March 13, 2018
During his 11 years with the #Eagles Brent Celek missed one game. One.
In 2012, he got a concussion and wasn't able to play the next game on Thursday.
— Dave Zangaro (@DZangaroNBCS) March 13, 2018
Here is one of my favorite memories of Celek.
There's no Miracle at the Meadowlands in 2010 without Brent Celek's 65 yard TD pic.twitter.com/j5XN6zFwf7
— Jeff McDev (@JeffMcDev) March 13, 2018
I need to write a long piece on Celek when things slow down. He had a memorable 11 years with the Eagles. He saw just about everything you could imagine. At a time when it seems like so much is wrong with the league, Celek is the kind of guy who you could enjoy watching on the field and also feel good about off it.
He will be missed.
*****
The Eagles cut Celek to save $4M in cap room.
Eagles are expected to restructure Brandon Brooks contract. Will save close to another $5M in cap space. #Eagles #FlyEaglesFly
— Brandon Sommermann (@PSN_BSommermann) March 13, 2018
Source: the Eagles have created $7.5M in cap space for 2018 by restructuring OT Lane Johnson's deal. His new cap hit is now $4.98M, down from $12.48M, with Johnson also collecting a $4.192M signing bonus.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 13, 2018
The Eagles are now under the cap. They are under by more than a few bucks. That space could be spent adding Nelson and Ngata. The Eagles could also still be looking to add a WR or TE in free agency. And there is still the possibility of them keeping Patrick Robinson.
By getting under the cap, the Eagles can hold onto Vinny Curry and continue to try and deal him. Or…
$5M of Vinny Curry’s 2018 base salary becomes guaranteed Friday, so all options still on table until then.
But there’s optimism from the Curry camp right now that he’ll remain with the team. He’s in wait-and-see mode.
— Geoff Mosher (@GeoffMosherNFL) March 13, 2018
Who knows. There are a lot of moving pieces for the Eagles (and other teams to deal with). We’ll get a better sense of things when free agency officially starts on Wednesday at 4pm.
*****
UPDATES
First, some actual news.
Source: in advance of his trade to the Eagles, DE Michael Bennett has agreed to a restructured contract. He receives a $1.725M signing bonus, with $4M in 2018 available via incentives. His cap number for 2018 rises (for now) to $7.375 from $5.65M.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 14, 2018
Interesting. Not sure exactly what to make of this, but it does tell us they don’t see Bennett as just a solid guy. They’re paying him good money. They must think he can be a difference-maker in 2018.
And now this.
Let me explain my tweet, I guess the word "expected" means more to people than I thought. I should have used "approached". Eagles nation is powerful, you give them an inch, they take a mile. Sorry for the confusion, hope this clears it up. Nothing is close. #Eagles #FlyEaglesFly https://t.co/b6LFRC0m3H
— Brandon Sommermann (@PSN_BSommermann) March 14, 2018
I am an idiot for trusting this idiot. I had a long, crazy day at the day job and didn’t do any digging on his Brandon Brooks tweet. I’m shocked that this guy doesn’t understand what the word expected means and somehow blames that on Eagles Nation. I guess dealing with literate people was a bit much for him.
My apologies for any confusion that my trusting this idiot caused.
_