2017 NFL Free Agency: Where the Eagles stand after the first day of signings

The Philadelphia Eagles weren’t as busy on the first day of 2017 NFL free agency as they were in years past, but they were hardly inactive. Here’s a recap of what they Eagles have done so far and what could be coming next.

Signings

Eagles sign WR Alshon Jeffery to a one-year contract worth $14 million

It seems like Jeffery’s market didn’t fully develop the way he wanted so he took a one-year deal with the Eagles. Jeffery gives Carson Wentz a new legitimate No. 1 wide receiver, which is something he sorely lacked last year. Jeffery will have the opportunity to earn a big long-term deal from Philadelphia (or another team) next offseason if he plays well in 2017. If Jeffery turns out to be a free agent bust next season, the Eagles can simply opt to let him walk. This is a very exciting signing for the Eagles. The fact that Jeffery turned down millions of dollars in order to play with Wentz makes it even better.

Eagles sign WR Torrey Smith to a one-year contract worth $5 million (with two team options)

Smith’s contract isn’t the three-year, $15 million deal it was originally reported to be. Instead, the second and third years are team options. So if Smith plays well in 2017, the Eagles will likely opt to keep him around at $5 million in 2018. If not, he could be gone. Note that Philadelphia only gave Smith $500,000 in guaranteed money. That’s really good value for a player who ranks second among active NFL players in career yards per attempt. The Eagles will hope Smith turns out to be a legitimate deep threat for Wentz.

Eagles sign OG Chance Warmack to a one-year contract worth $1.51 million

The Eagles signed the No. 10 overall pick from the 2013 NFL Draft to a cheap prove it deal. The contract is worth $500,000 guaranteed and it reportedly contains up to $1.25 million in incentives based on playing time. Warmack is hoping to revitalize his career in Philadelphia as he’s reunited with his former college and current Eagles offensive line coach: Jeff Stoutland. It seems like Warmack will have an opportunity to compete for the starting job at left guard. If he doesn’t win, he could be a nice backup to have, similar to how the Eagles had Stefen Wisniewski around last year.

Trades

Surprisingly, Roseman hasn’t made a trade yet. That could easily be changing soon with Mychal Kendricks and Jason Kelce rumored to be on the block.

Cuts

The Eagles cut Connor Barwin to save $7.75 million in cap space. Kendricks and/or Kelce could be still be cut. The Inquirer notes Ron Brooks is expected to be cut when healthy, as is the case with Ryan Mathews.

Rumors

As I noted above, Kendricks and Kelce could easily be traded (or cut) soon. Trading Kendricks would save $1.8 million while trading Kelce would save $3.8 million.

The Inquirer reports the Eagles want at least a fifth-round pick for Kendricks but it seems like that’s not going to get done if everyone just knows the Eagles are going to cut him anyway.

One of the news items that got lost in Thursday’s shuffle is that Allen Barbre is expected to return to Philadelphia despite rumors he was given permission to seek a trade. Barbre could come back and retain his spot at starting left guard or end up being relegated to a sixth man role if someone beats him out.

Eagles Free Agents

There haven’t been any rumors of NFL teams interested in the Eagles’ free agents. Bennie Logan’s market has been notably quiet. He hasn’t been linked to anyone. Maybe he could return to Philadelphia if the market doesn’t shape up the way he wanted it to? Something to watch. Full list of Eagles free agents below.

DT Bennie Logan

CB Nolan Carroll

OL Stefen Wisniewski

LB Stephen Tulloch

LB Najee Goode - Eagles re-sign Goode

DE Bryan Braman

RB Kenjon Barner (Restricted) - Eagles will let Barner become a free agent

TE Trey Burton (Restricted) - Eagles used second-round tender on Burton

S Jaylen Watkins (Exclusive rights) - Eagles re-signed Watkins to a minimum, non-guaranteed one-year deal