NFL Free Agency 2014: Analysis of the Eagles' Day One Activities

The Eagles wrapped up Day 1 of 2014 free agency with just a few moves. Here's a recap and analysis of everything that took place. Additionally, we'll take a look at some of the big signings made elsewhere around the league.

Eagles In-House Moves

The Eagles re-signed veteran punter Donnie Jones to a 3-year deal worth up to $5.5 million with only $1 million guaranteed. Jones had a great season last year and stands to be the best Eagles punter they've had recently. The deal was a no-brainer. Jones was a great find in free agency last year. [STORY]

Veteran safety Patrick Chung was cut after only one year as a member of the Eagles. His release saved the Eagles around $2.25 million in cap space. Given Chung's performance last year, this was a move everyone saw coming. Chung made too many mistakes: missed tackles, tackling his own players, blown coverages, etc. The Eagles needed to add a safety last year but the market wasn't very good. Chung was a move that ultimately flopped. [STORY]

A New Face for the Eagles in 2014

Malcolm Jenkins is officially the newest member of the Philadelphia Eagles. It's easy to say in hindsight, but I really thought he was one of the key names the Eagles were targeting in free agency all along. His fits with the Eagles makes a lot of sense. He has the versatility to line up in a number of different spots: both safeties positions, nickel and dime sets, etc. Not only is he versatile, but he has that kind of athleticism the Eagles desire in their players. Check out his spider graph from Mockdraftable.

Another aspect that made Jenkins attractive to the Eagles is his leadership and locker room presence. Jenkins wore the "C" on his jersey in New Orleans for a reason. While I often maintain that on the field performance matters most, off the field intangibles are not insignificant. Jeff McLane tweeted the following about Jenkins: "Keep hearing nothing but good things about Malcolm Jenkins the person. Locker room leader. Go-to guy for media, once winning Good Guy Award."

Welcome to Philly, Malcolm. [STORY]

Safety Dance!

Look at all the safeties who changed teams:

Jairus Byrd = From the the Bills, signed with the Saints at 6-year, $54M

T.J. Ward = From the Browns, signed with the Broncos at 4-year, $23M

Donte Whitner = From the Niners, signed with the Browns at 4-year, $28M

Antoine Bethea = From the Colts, signed with the 49ers at 4-year, $26M

Mike Mitchell = From the Panthers, signed with the Steelers at 5-year, $25M

Malcolm Jenkins = From the Saints, signed with the Eagles at 3-year, $16.25M

Miscellaneous

Jairus Byrd to the Saints. They paid a lot of money to get him. [STORY] How's that going to make Jimmy Graham feel?

The Cowboys released longtime pass rusher DeMarcus Ware in a cost-cutting move. The Eagles might have interest, according to some. [STORY]

Former Eagles QB Kevin Kolb was released by the Bills. Nothing official yet but it sounds like he might be done in the NFL for good.

Cornerbacks jumping around: Alterraun Verner to the Buccaneers, Darrelle Revis probably on his way out (maybe to New England?), Aqib Talib to the Broncos. No buzz for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie yet.

The 49ers traded for Jonathan Martin and Blaine Gabbert. Sure, why not?

The New York Giants have made some solid free agent moves. The Redskins signed Andre Roberts. The Cowboys... released a future Hall of Fame player.

The WR market is quiet. That might not have been the case if Riley Cooper and Jeremy Maclin made it to free agency.

And that's about it for now. Here's to looking ahead to Day 2 of 2014 NFL free agency.