A Storybook Season

For the first time since 1960, the Philadelphia Eagles are champions.  The Eagles earned their first Super Bowl win in defeating the perennial AFC Champions in the New England Patriots to finally bring a Lombardi Trophy to Philadelphia.

That alone makes long suffering Eagles fans smile.

The Eagles put together a Super Bowl run that will live in NFL lore.  After losing starting quarterback and MVP candidate Carson Wentz in the final month of the season, backup Nick Foles led the team to three upset wins in the playoffs to bring home the championship.

The Eagles featured a tenacious front seven defensively and an offense led by attacking head coach Doug Pederson.  Philadelphia now finds themselves in a similar situation to the Patriots last offseason, as they are a champion who is not at risk of being picked over in free agency.

The Eagles are over the NFL salary cap for 2018.  But the rise in the cap will benefit the Eagles in that they can quickly get under the cap number with a handful of moves.  The team received contributions from key veterans in 2017, but those players are typically not re-signed in these sorts of situations.  

Running back LeGarrette Blount is once again an NFL free agent and is expected to be able to test the market as he is now 31 years of age.  Any significant offer would end his tenure in Philadelphia.  Players like cornerback Patrick Robinson and tight end Trey Burton are also the types of players who will move on with larger offers from other teams.

The reality in Philadelphia is that as long as the team can maintain their core of offensive and defensive line players, the team should remain as an NFL contender.  This offseason those positions are not under threat from other teams.

The Eagles will get back quarterback Carson Wentz next season and will have the benefit of backup Nick Foles under contract.  The team will look to make sure their backfield stays strong and versatile.  And with the construction of their front seven, the defensive backfield will be expected to benefit from the pressure they create.  The Eagles are in a good place.  

After waiting as long as they did to win a Super Bowl, being in a good place should keep Eagles fans smiling.

Offensive Ranking: 7th

Defensive Ranking: 4th

Key Free Agents:  

Trey Burton - TE - The athletic tight end caught 23 passes this past season while also catching 37 passes in 2016.  

LeGarrette Blount - RB - Started 11 games and rushed for an average of 4.4 yards per carry.  Works as the power back in a backfield tandem.

Nigel Bradham - LB - Has started 31 games for the Eagles over the past two seasons.  The six year veteran recorded 88 tackles in 2017 and hits free agency at 28 years old.

Darren Sproles - RB - An injury ended Sproles' season 2017, as his role was filled by rookie Corey Clement.  Would like to return to the NFL in 2018, but it will depend on his progress coming back from his torn ACL and broken arm.

Patrick Robinson - CB - Enjoyed the best season of his career as a veteran who signed a one year deal in 2017.  Intercepted four passes while defending 18 in total.  Has played with four teams over the past four seasons.

Potential Cuts/Restructures:  

Torrey Smith - WR - Caught 36 passes for 430 yards and two touchdowns last season.  Has not caught more than 50 passes in a season since 2013.  Cap savings: $5M

Chris Maragos - FS - A special teams ace who tore his MCL midway through the 2017 season.  At 31 years old, could be released for a cheaper and healthier option.  Cap savings: $1.5