The Linc - Chip Kelly is Calling the Shots

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Kelly Leaves Door Open For DeSean Trade - Sheil Kapadia, Birds 24/7
The truth is the Eagles really don't have to rush a decision. The draft is not until May 8. The feeling here is that the team gauged the market this week, but didn't field any attractive offers. Part of the problem is other teams want to know why the Eagles seem willing to part with one of the best vertical threats in the NFL. And so far, there is no clear-cut answer.

Kelly, like it or not, making these calls - Jeff McLane, Inquirer
Kelly's second offseason can aptly be titled, "The Offseason Football and Business Collided" for the former college coach. As much as he claims that he doesn't do contracts, Kelly can't be running the show in Philadelphia - as many league insiders say he's now doing - unless he gets his hands dirty deciding upon the worth of his players.

Mathis wants new contract; Eagles decline - Jeff McLane, Inquirer
The team views Mathis as a very good guard in their system and would be more than willing to pay him his $5.15 million base salary. But some teams have been lukewarm about him because of his age and because he's not considered a traditional mauler or a scheme fit, two NFL general managers said.

Kelly Meets the Media - Tommy Lawlor, Iggles Blitz
Should the Eagles give Mathis more money? That’s tough to say. You want to reward your best players, but you also have to be careful about setting a precedent with giving guys raises, especially when the player is older.

Eagles to players: if you ask for more money, we’ll try to trade you - Andrew Kulp, The700Level
Apparently, the Eagles would be happy just to add picks. As of now, they only have six heading into perhaps the deepest draft in a decade. But is trading star players from a team that lost by two points in the first round of the playoffs last season really the right way to go about building for the future?Probably not, but then would the Eagles even be looking to move either Jackson or Mathis had they just kept quiet about wanting more money?

Kelly Optimistic About Improvement On 'D' - Alex Smith, PE.com
"I think our pass rush got better as our players got better, just like I think our defense got better at the end of the year than it was at the beginning of the year," Kelly said. "So I think our players will continue to improve. We’re excited about where we are as a defense going into year two, in terms of those guys having a wealth of knowledge and understanding what we’re doing. But can we improve our pass rush? Yeah."

The NFL wants its players to be more respectful, more efficient - Ryan Van Bibber, SB Nation NFL
The league will not actually introduce any new rules to cut down on the taunting. Instead, it will press referees to enforce taunting, unsportsmanlike conduct and related penalties that are already on the books. So what constitutes the kind behavior the NFL is trying to eradicate?

How will DeSean Jackson age? — FootballPerspective.com
Probably just the same as any WR.