New regime changes usually mean that a team will make a few changes to the roster to reflect the new philosophy of the head coach. This is especially the case when that new philosophy brings defensive scheme changes.
Former Eagles coach Chip Kelly preferred bigger bodied wide receivers over smaller, elusive target options. He also traded running back LeSean McCoy in favor of one-cut running backs that had a north-south style of running, paired with athletic offensive lineman.
New head coach Doug Pederson will almost certainly retain most of these traits on the roster, but he definitely will add his own mark on the brand of football he presents on the field.
Keeping these changes in mind, there are some things that Kelly did that Pederson will certainly not do. Minute differences in philosophy can and will result in the values of different players changing, which can then result in salary adjustments.
Take into account the amount of money the Eagles will be paying Zach Ertz, Fletcher Cox, and Lane Johnson going forward, and it can easily be assumed that there are a number of current Eagles that will get their salaries axed from next year’s cap. Here is a list of current Eagles we may not see in green again. The list is not as obvious as it seems. (All cap information provided by Overthecap.com)
- Darren Sproles, RB
Cap Number – $4.5 million
The days of seeing Sproles come out the Eagles tunnel could be over. His $4.5 million cap hit could be too rich to pay a third string running back. Pederson will more than likely use DeMarco Murray as his featured running back, and Ryan Matthews as his third down and back up option, which leaves limited play time for Sproles in the offense. His talents are clear, and he is showing no signs of slowing down, but having someone like Sproles on the team could be a hindrance on the cap. If he is released before June 1, the Eagles will save $3.5 million and lose $1 million in dead money, but it is definitely an option Roseman may consider with Fletcher Cox’s enormous pay day in the works.
- Riley Cooper, WR
Cap Number – $5.3 million
It was heavily assumed before the 2015 season began that Cooper would cut after the year was through. If released before June 1, Cooper will not cause almost as much cap harm as he would cap relief. Saving $2.9 million in cap space is hardly worth the $2.4 million in dead money he would then create. However, waiting until after June 1st would allow the Eagles to save $4.5 million in cap space, and lose only $800k in dead money, which is a much better compromise. Keep in mind that the Eagles are already thin at the receiver spot, and keeping Cooper could be an option if they don’t have better (or cheaper) options in free agency. Did I mention that Riley Cooper is the highest paid wide receiver on the team?
- Connor Barwin, DE
Cap Number – $7.35 million
Barwin will more than likely become a full time defensive end in Jim Schwartz’s defense this year, and now that Vinny Curry has been paid like a starter, that makes three premium defensive ends on the Eagles roster. In short, if someone has become expendable, it could be Barwin, although it would not necessarily be a smart move to let him go. Financially, releasing Barwin at any point during this season would not make much sense. Like with Riley Cooper, the Eagles would gain about half the amount of Barwin’s cap hit in actual freed money, while the other half becomes dead. Doing that would not make much strategic sense either because Barwin is much to valuable to release in exchange for $3.15-3.75 million in cap space. Keeping his talents would be of greater value to the team. Keep in mind that Curry will have to lose weight to get down to his optimal conditioning for a 4-3 defensive end. Until he can do that, having Barwin will only be positive.
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