Eagles offer Chris Polk lowest possible restricted free agent tender, per report

The Eagles have made a small move on offense prior to free agency. The team gave running back Chris Polk the lowest available tender for a restricted free agent, according to Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com. The one-year deal is worth roughly $1.6 million.

The tender doesn't necessarily lock up Polk for the upcoming season, which indicates how the team feels about him. Since he was offered the lowest tender, a team can sign Polk to an offer sheet and if the money is more than the Eagles are willing to pay, the new squad can take on the running back without giving Philadelphia anything in return. The Eagles acquired running back Mike Bell from the Saints in similar fashion during the 2010 offseason.

Polk has been with the Eagles for three seasons. He initially signed as an undrafted free agent in 2012 and was used solely on special teams. In the last two seasons, Chip Kelly has expanded Polk's role as a goal-line back and kick returner.

Polk has had issues staying on the field due to injuries. He has played just 36 games in three seasons, but has been effective when in the lineup. He has run for 270 rushing yards (4.7 YPC) and seven rushing touchdowns. He has also caught six passes for 77 yards (12.8 YPC) and returned a kick for a touchdown last season.

The Eagles currently have Darren Sproles, Matthew Tucker, and Kenjon Barner under contract at running back. With LeSean McCoy gone, Philadelphia is expected to address the position in either free agency and/or the 2015 NFL Draft.