Philadelphia Eagles: 5 offseason expectations from Howie Roseman

Saying goodbye is never easy

The Philadelphia Eagles have 19 players eligible for free agency this offseason and not much cap room. Assuming Foles won’t be back, his departure clears roughly $18 million off the books and puts the Eagles at their 2019 limit. So clearly Roseman has his work cut out for him, and he appears ready having already restructured Rodney McCleod’s deal, which reportedly frees up about $7.5 million.

Additionally, Carson Wentz is eligible for an extension, and it will be interesting to see what – if anything – Roseman does this offseason regarding his franchise quarterback. It might behoove the Eagles to delay the inevitable one more year, though either way, Wentz’s eventual cap hit must be taken into consideration. No one needs to tell the Eagles general manager this; he’s likely been preparing for it since the team traded up in the 2016 NFL draft to acquire the North Dakota State product. Even so, this offseason – more so than any in recent Eagles history – will require Roseman’s creative salary cap touch.

With that said, expect many notable Eagles to land elsewhere in 2019. Brandon Graham, whose strip-sack of Tom Brady in Super Bowl LII helped propel the Eagles to victory, has likely played his last game with the team. During his final media availability at the conclusion of the season, Graham seemed to indicate he’d be willing to take a pay cut and stay with the team, though he will test the free agent waters. If those waters prove too fruitful, the Eagles won’t be able to retain him.

Expect Graham to leave.

Likewise, we’ve probably seen the last of Golden Tate and cornerback Ronald Darby, while it’ll be interesting to see what the team does with oft-injured linebacker Jordan Hicks and the recovering Jay Ajayi. Defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan will either have his contract restructured or receive the pink slip.