The Philadelphia Eagles have some looming decisions to make in the next few weeks that could determine the success of the free agency period and their future going forward. Unlike the Browns and Jets, who’ll be swimming in salary cap space, the Eagles will have to get creative in order to free up some cash for free agency and the draft.
According to Over The Cap, the Birds were projected to be $15,375,726 million over the salary cap heading into the 2019 offseason. Salary cap relief is coming and according to figures released by the NFLPA, the Eagles will carry over $6.1 million of salary cap space into the 2019 offseason, now bringing their salary cap number down to $9,275,726 million over the limit.
The Eagles could also see themselves sitting with $9-$11 million to spend once they move on from Nick Foles, which will save the Eagles $18.8 million, and more pocket space could be available if the Birds decide to make a few more moves.
Here are six possible cap casualties:
Jason Peters
Peters status and how the Eagles view him going forward will tell a lot about the offseason synopsis. The Eagles can save $8 million if they release the future Hall of Famer who will be entering the final year of his deal. Peters is beloved by the organization and would probably have to retire for the Eagles to part ways with him.
The Eagles still have Halapoulivaati Vaitai at LT as well as a developing Jordan Mailata
Nelson Agholor
Agholor is owed $9,387,500 for next season, in non-guaranteed money. The Eagles can and may consider parting ways with Agholor, at no cost.
Michael Bennett
If the Eagles moved on Bennett (33 in November), that would be a savings of $7 million.
Chris Long
If the Birds move on from Chris Long (33), or if Long retires, that would be a savings of $5.3 million.
Stefen Wisniewski
If the Birds move on from Wisniewski, it would bring a saving of $3 million. Wisniewski made huge strides in the 2017 season. After Isaac Seumalo was benched, Wisniewski took advantage.
Timmy Jernigan
Jernigan can be a very disruptive presence on the interior of the Eagles’ defensive line, but after earning a four year, $48 million deal, a herniated disk set the defensive tackle back and cost him important portions of the 2018 season. The remainder of Jernigan’s contract is no longer guaranteed after offseason surgery.
