NFL Free Agency 2014: Recapping A Busy Day Three for the Eagles

The Eagles wrapped up Day 3 of 2014 free agency with one trade and one new signing. For now, here's a recap and analysis of everything that took place on Day 3. Additionally, we'll take a look at some of the big signings made elsewhere around the league.

New Eagles Faces: Trade And A Signing

RB Darren Sproles - The Eagles traded a 5th round pick to the Saints in order to land pass-catching running back Darren Sproles. Yet another new weapon for Chip Kelly's offense. Sproles will be able to line up in a number of different spots on the offense and create mismatches. Kelly himself seems pretty thrilled with the deal. He called Sproles an "unbelievable offensive weapon."

CB Nolan Caroll - The Eagles added a new cornerback to the secondary. Carroll has the kind of size and length the Eagles like in their corners. I've maintained that the Eagles weren't going to spend big on CB in the free agency and it looks like that turned out to be the case. At the same time, Carroll will likely have the chance to earn playing time if he shows he deserves it. Cary Williams and Bradley Fletcher are returning as starters from last year but will need to play well in order to keep their starting jobs. Carroll provides much needed depth on the outside. He also came at a great price: 2 years at $3.65 million with only $750,000 guaranteed. Not bad at all.

Check out this short All-22 video on Carroll courtesy of @ahufinger7.

Eagles Draft Picks

Due to the Sproles trade, the Eagles only have six draft picks. Given the depth of this class and the Eagles' affinity for draft picks, I imagine they will acquire more this offseason. More on that topic later. For now, here are their picks:

Round 1 - 22
Round 2 - 54
Round 3 - 86
Round 4 - TBD
Round 5 - TBD
Round 7 - TBD

Eagles Press Conference

Both of the special teams players who the Eagles signed on Day 2 of free agency were present at a press conference on Thursday afternoon. Chris Maragos explained that a big draw to the Eagles was their sports science program. Bryan Braman explained his special teams mentality: "kill, maim, and destroy." Both players came off as well-spoken and likeable, but I think Eagles fans will especially gravitate towards Braman's brash, blue collar style.

Around the League

As free agency rolls on, things are starting to slow down a little bit. That said there were still some noteworthy items.

First, the Eagles did not sign safety Chris Clemons despite a report saying otherwise. It turns out that report confused Clemons for the Eagles' signing of Nolan Carroll. Clemons is still a free agent.

Willie Young signed with the Bears. The Eagles were rumored to have interest.

The Dallas Cowboys are losing all of their players. Jason Hatcher, who played very well for them last year, signed with Washington. But sure, they're not in cap hell or anything. They're fine with seeing talented players leave!

Speaking of Washington, former Eagles DE Clifton Geathers signed with them. Mike Kaye covers that and more in his Former Eagles News review.

Former Giants DE Justin Tuck signed with the Raiders.

The Carolina Panthers released Steve Smith. He's a free agent. How does he feel about the possibility of going against his long-time team next year? "[There's] going to be blood and guts everywhere."

And that's about it for now. Here's to looking ahead to Day 4 of 2014 NFL free agency.