Eagles Impressive Off-Season Moves
The NFL draft is April 25-27 and the Eagles should be able to build on what has already been an notable offseason.
After a 9-7 season that saw the defending Super Bowl champs earn a 16-15 wildcard round playoff win over the Chicago Bears before suffering a season-ending 20-14 heartbreaker at New Orleans, the Eagles have done a lot of retooling.
And much of it has been impressive.
The Eagles Howie Roseman was the major architect of the Super Bowl team, and he appears to have enjoyed a strong off-season that he hopes to fortify with the draft.
These are some of the major moves made by the Eagles since the end of the season.
Acquired RB Jordan Howard from the Chicago Bears for a 2020 late-round draft pick
Howard has rushed for 3,370 yards and 24 TDs. In his three seasons in Chicago. He is not known for his work in the passing game, but could give the Eagles a tough runner in between the tackles. He also has missed just one game in three years.Article continues below
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Signed DE Vinny Curry to a one-year contract
Curry had three sacks and 18 QB hits while playing for the Super Bowl champion Eagles in 2017. He went to Tampa as a free agent and had 2.5 sacks in 12 games. Now he will provide some passing rushing depth off the edge.
Agreed to a reworked contract with S Rodney McLeod through the 2019 season
The Eagles badly missed McLeod when he suffered a season-ending knee injury in the third game of the season. He was one of the unsung players on the Super Bowl championship and if he returns to health, it should be a major improvement for the secondary.
Re-signed DE Brandon Graham to a three-year deal
Graham had 9.5 sacks in the Super Bowl season and his total dropped to four last season, but he was never 100 percent with an ankle injury. He is 31, missed just one game over the past seven seasons and if he returns to 2017 form, it will be a wise move to tie him up.
Extended the contract of C Jason Kelce through 2021
There were some hints in the media about Kelce possibly retiring. During the last two seasons one could argue he has been the best center in the NFL.
Restructured OT Jason Peters contract through 2019
The Eagles now have the future Hall of Famer at least one more year. Peters had his moments last year and appeared in every game, but frequently left games due to injury. Still, a less than 100 percent Peters is probably the Eagles best option.
Agreed to terms with CB Ronald Darby on a one-year deal
Darby suffered a season-ending torn ACL in the ninth game of the year against the Dallas Cowboys. He was the starter for the Eagles in 2017, including all three playoff games. This is a deal that is good for both sides. The Eagles get to see if Darby has bounced back after his injury before entertaining a long-term deal and Darby can reestablish value with a big season
Signed WR DeSean Jackson to a three-year contract through 2021
Despite being 32, Jackson remains one of the best deep threats in the NFL, something the Eagles offense need desperately. Last year in only 12 games he had 41 receptions for 774 yards (18.9 average) and 4 TDs. One of those scores was a 75-yard touchdown reception in a 28-21 win over the Eagles.
Jackson never seemed to develop great chemistry with QB Jameis Winston. Drafted in the second round, Jackson spent his first six seasons with the Eagles. Sensing he can play for a Super Bowl contender, this should revive Jackson’s career.
© SouthJersey.com 2019. All rights reserved. This article or parts thereof may not be reprinted or reproduced by any other party without the express written consent of SouthJersey.com. For more information, please call 856-797-9910.
For more Local Sports features, visit our South Jersey Sports page.
After a 9-7 season that saw the defending Super Bowl champs earn a 16-15 wildcard round playoff win over the Chicago Bears before suffering a season-ending 20-14 heartbreaker at New Orleans, the Eagles have done a lot of retooling.
And much of it has been impressive.
The Eagles Howie Roseman was the major architect of the Super Bowl team, and he appears to have enjoyed a strong off-season that he hopes to fortify with the draft.
These are some of the major moves made by the Eagles since the end of the season.
Acquired RB Jordan Howard from the Chicago Bears for a 2020 late-round draft pick
Howard has rushed for 3,370 yards and 24 TDs. In his three seasons in Chicago. He is not known for his work in the passing game, but could give the Eagles a tough runner in between the tackles. He also has missed just one game in three years.
advertisement
Signed DE Vinny Curry to a one-year contract
Curry had three sacks and 18 QB hits while playing for the Super Bowl champion Eagles in 2017. He went to Tampa as a free agent and had 2.5 sacks in 12 games. Now he will provide some passing rushing depth off the edge.
Agreed to a reworked contract with S Rodney McLeod through the 2019 season
The Eagles badly missed McLeod when he suffered a season-ending knee injury in the third game of the season. He was one of the unsung players on the Super Bowl championship and if he returns to health, it should be a major improvement for the secondary.
Re-signed DE Brandon Graham to a three-year deal
Graham had 9.5 sacks in the Super Bowl season and his total dropped to four last season, but he was never 100 percent with an ankle injury. He is 31, missed just one game over the past seven seasons and if he returns to 2017 form, it will be a wise move to tie him up.
Extended the contract of C Jason Kelce through 2021
There were some hints in the media about Kelce possibly retiring. During the last two seasons one could argue he has been the best center in the NFL.
Restructured OT Jason Peters contract through 2019
The Eagles now have the future Hall of Famer at least one more year. Peters had his moments last year and appeared in every game, but frequently left games due to injury. Still, a less than 100 percent Peters is probably the Eagles best option.
Agreed to terms with CB Ronald Darby on a one-year deal
Darby suffered a season-ending torn ACL in the ninth game of the year against the Dallas Cowboys. He was the starter for the Eagles in 2017, including all three playoff games. This is a deal that is good for both sides. The Eagles get to see if Darby has bounced back after his injury before entertaining a long-term deal and Darby can reestablish value with a big season
Signed WR DeSean Jackson to a three-year contract through 2021
Despite being 32, Jackson remains one of the best deep threats in the NFL, something the Eagles offense need desperately. Last year in only 12 games he had 41 receptions for 774 yards (18.9 average) and 4 TDs. One of those scores was a 75-yard touchdown reception in a 28-21 win over the Eagles.
Jackson never seemed to develop great chemistry with QB Jameis Winston. Drafted in the second round, Jackson spent his first six seasons with the Eagles. Sensing he can play for a Super Bowl contender, this should revive Jackson’s career.
© SouthJersey.com 2019. All rights reserved. This article or parts thereof may not be reprinted or reproduced by any other party without the express written consent of SouthJersey.com. For more information, please call 856-797-9910.
For more Local Sports features, visit our South Jersey Sports page.
Author: Marc Narducci
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