NFL Free Agency 2015: Philadelphia Eagles primer

NFL Free Agency is one of the most fun times of the offseason, and it's almost here. The Eagles are coming off a 10-6 season where they failed to make the playoffs. Chip Kelly gained full control over player personnel early in the offseason and promoted Ed Marynowitz to vice president of player personnel in order to serve as his right hand man. It's now up to them to fill those needs and add talent to the roster by signing players who are available out on the unrestricted free agent market.

This comprehensive 2015 NFL free agency primer has you covered with everything you need to know regarding this year's process.

Time and Dates

March 7 (noon ET) through March 10 - Three day window of negotiating, unofficial start of free agency: Clubs are permitted to contact, and enter into contract negotiations with, the certified agents of players who will become Unrestricted Free Agents upon the expiration of their 2014 Player Contracts at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 10. However, a contract cannot be executed with a new club until 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 10.

March 10 (4:00 PM ET) - Official start of free agency: The 2015 League Year and Free Agency period begin at 4:00 p.m., New York time. The first day of the 2015 League Year will end at 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 10. clubs will receive a Personnel Notice that will include all transactions submitted to the league office during the period between 4:00 p.m., New York time, and 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 10.

Where can I keep track of all the rumors?

Right here at Bleeding Green Nation, of course. Click here for the official 2015 NFL free agency Eagles rumors tracker. Bookmark that link and check back often.

Here's our social media info.

BGN Facebook Page:

BGN Twitter: Follow @BleedingGreen

Me: Brandon Lee Gowton Follow @BrandonGowton

How much cap space do the Eagles have?

Including the LeSean McCoy trade, which isn't official until Tuesday, the Eagles have somewhere over $50 million in cap room. That figure is good for about fourth most in the NFL.

Who are the Eagles' own free agents?

A total of 10 players are scheduled to hit the market.

S Nate Allen

CB Bradley Fletcher

LB Brandon Graham

WR Jeremy Maclin

LB Casey Matthews

QB Mark Sanchez

WR Brad Smith

RB Chris Polk (RFA)

DE Cedric Thornton (RFA)

WR Jeff Maehl (ERFA)

Who should the Eagles re-sign?

Here's a list of which players should stay or go.

Which Eagles players could be cut in order to save cap space (cap casualty)?

The Eagles have already started this process by removing players such as James Casey, Trent Cole, Cary Williams, and LeSean McCoy (trade) from the roster. There could be at one or two more cuts coming, however.

What are the Eagles' biggest positions of need?

A BGN poll shows that 79% of Eagles fans think cornerback is the biggest need. Considering Philadelphia will need two new starters on the outside, that's an accurate assessment. Elsewhere, 11% say quarterback while 6% say safety. This poll was done before the LeSean McCoy trade so running back is an obvious concern as well. The Eagles could also be in the market for a new offensive lineman with Todd Herremans having been released. The same could be said for outside linebacker if/when Brandon Graham leaves in free agency.

Which notable free agents are there at the Eagles' positions of need?

Check out this list from Rotoworld. It includes every position. Here's a sampling of what's available at the Eagles biggest need.

Cornerback:

1. Byron Maxwell
2. Brandon Flowers
3. Tramon Williams
4. Antonio Cromartie
5. Buster Skrine
6. Kareem Jackson
7. Davon House
8. Perrish Cox
9. Jimmy Wilson
10. Patrick Robinson

Who do Eagles fans want in free agency?

Byron Maxwell, Devin McCourty and Jeremy Maclin (re-sign) are among the most popular names. More names here.

How does the NFL draft factor into free agency plans?

Good question. Rumors indicate that the Eagles could be targeting a trade up for Marcus Mariota. If that's true, the Eagles will have to give up picks and/or players. The Eagles could look to load up on free agents in order to mitigate that potential loss.

Are the Marcus Mariota articles ever going to stop?

Never.

Anything else?

Don't you worry - Bleeding Green Nation will have full coverage of this year's free agency period. Stay tuned to the site for every rumor, report, update, signing, trade, etc. The news will happen fast, so check back often. It should be a pretty crazy off-season for the Eagles. Let's spend it together.