Alshon Jeffery signing a 1-year, $14 million contract is perfect for the Philadelphia Eagles. They did not succumb to throwing massive amounts of bank notes at a receiver who still has plenty to prove; such as an independency from performance enhancing drugs and injury bugs.
But the 27-year-old wide receiver did win over the franchise faithful by passing up offers from the Indianapolis Colts as well as the Minnesota Vikings who specifically offered him a much larger contract. Jeffery instead chose the Eagles for their offensive upside that included 24-year-old quarterback Carson Wentz.
Torrey Smith’s addition to the Eagles also works in favor of the team’s monetary situation. Barely having $8.5 million prior to the beginning of free agency on Thursday; bringing a 28-year-old wideout who is still self-loathing from a dismal season with the San Francisco 49ers on a 3-year, $15 million contract is not worth taking for granted.
The Chance Warmack signing – 1-year, $1.51 million – is a huge upgrade to the interior of the offensive line as the former-Tennessee Titan is only 25-years-old and will be reunited with his collegiate offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland. It is difficult to grade a guard whose job was to protect a very mobile quarterback in Marcus Mariota, but given current-Eagles guard Allen Barbre will turn 33 this summer, setting the tone for the future seems to be the theme this offseason.
Resigning Stefen Wisniewski to a 3-year deal, $9 million ($15 million with incentives) contract was a terrific move. After the Warmack signing, it appeared that Wisniewski might be shown the door now that the Eagles possess a new 25-year-old guard, but the franchise is looking long-term and have itched the scratch of needing to shore up their offensive line similarly to how they prepared last season, which even then brought shifts in the O-line from issues including injuries and suspensions.
In regards to free agency losses, cornerback Nolan Carroll signed with the Dallas Cowboys and defensive tackle Bennie Logan has visited the Washington Redskins.
The loss of pass rusher Connor Barwin will surely be felt by the city of Philadelphia more so than the defense he played in. Barwin was loved by the community for his irreplaceable role in the community, but had also regressed after switching to a 4-3 formation. Despite talks of a contract restructure, the Eagles bit the bullet and crossed Barwin off the roster list.
There is still plenty left for the Birds to accomplish between now and April 27, and it is expected to be geared toward the defensive side of the ball now that two receivers and two guards have been signed whilst two defensive players have left for greener pastures and a third could be on his way out as well.