The Philadelphia Eagles are in a transition phase, bringing in a new head coach and new staff. With changes to the staff means changes to the roster. As free agency and the NFL Draft approaches, the Eagles are figuring out how to improve the team for the future. Reports are now saying that the future in Philadelphia does not include the teams's two star cornerbacks, Nnadmi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.
The Eagles tried to restructure Asomugha's contract for 2013 in order for him to stay on the team. His original deal was $15 million and team attempted to lower the deal to $4 million guaranteed. It was either accept lower money or be released. Asomugha has yet to comment on the new contract. The Eagles believe Asomugha has not lived up to the massive contract he was originally signed for. Asomugha played well in Oakland, but has yet to perform to his original potential in Philadelphia.
Rodgers-Cromartie is set to become a free agent on March 12. The team elected not to use their franchise tag on him. They could have kept him at about $10 million, but are rumored to release him to the free agent market and save the cap space. At 27, Rodgers-Cromartie can still perform well, but as a main player on an Eagles defense that under achieved in 2012, the team most move forward without him.
The Eagles have proved they are not afraid to cut veteran players if they think they can still win without them. Early this month, they cut defensive tackles Cullen Jenkins and Mike Patterson. The team is now stockpiling salary cap space. With the reworking of Michael Vicks' contract and the cutting of large veteran contracts, they have about $44 million to use once free agency begins.
The NFL Draft is stocked with defensive talent. Alabama's Dee Millner impressed at the scouting combine and the Eagles are rumored to be very interested in the cornerback. Philadelphia is looking at the possibility of four new starters in their secondary at the start of the 2013 season. it is a tall order considering that is where the Eagles struggled most in 2012.
