On Friday morning, the Philadelphia Eagles made the first huge move prior to free agency, agreeing to a three-year, $40 million contract with defensive end Brandon Graham, locking up one of the NFL’s top edge rushers before anyone had a chance to throw enormous money at him. What Graham’s signing means for Chris Long and/or Michael Bennett’s future in Philadelphia is unknown at this time, but Bennett played well last season and would be a big loss if released for cap purposes.
With Graham back an in the fold, here’s a look at how his extension affects the Eagles salary cap situation.
The NFL’s projected salary cap is expected to be between $187 million to 191 million. The Eagles projected cap space before bringing Graham back was the $6.03 million the team carried over from the last season according to Over The Cap.
With the Eagles now needing to clear out cap space, here is a list of players that could be released or traded to make further moves in free agency.
LT Jason Peters
2019 cap hit: $13.16 million
If the Eagles decline Peters’ option before March 13, they’d incur a $2.66 million cap penalty while saving $10.5 million. The Eagles will likely welcome him back for one more season but at a number less than the $13.16 million price tag he’s owed.
DT Timmy Jernigan
2019 cap hit: $13 million (team option)
Philadelphia restructured Jernigan’s four-year, $48 million deal he signed last November. Jernigan still received the $3 million he was guaranteed for 2018, but the Eagles could choose to walk away from him this offseason. Not picking up his option could save the Birds almost $14 million.
DE Chris Long
2019 cap hit: $5.6 million
Philadelphia would save $5.3 million if they moved on from Long, who might make the decision for them.
DE Michael Bennett
2019 cap hit: $7 million
He finished with 9.5 sacks, but the Eagles would save $7 million if they moved on. Bennett might get more than that on the open market.
WR Nelson Agholor
2019 cap hit: $9.38 million
Agholor is owed $9,387,500 for next season, in non-guaranteed money. The Eagles can and may consider trading him.
OL Stefen Wisniewski
2019 cap hit: $3.7 million
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.
