The Philadelphia Eagles are heading into free agency with some money to spend and as reports come out about a potential DeSean Jackson trade to the Chiefs or Colts, the team could be targeting players like As LaMarr Woodley, DeMarcus Ware and Darren Sproles if they are released, while players like Knowshon Moreno and LeGarrette Blount are possible options as well.
The Eagles are projected to have around $25 million to $30 million in cap space to play with an that comes after the team gave Riley Cooper a five year deal and extensions to both Jason Peters and Jason Kelce. The team also figured it was best to get Jeremy Maclin back quickly and they re-signed him to a one-year deal and now they are mostly set heading into the free agency signing period. The team already ditched Jason Avant and with names like Jairus Byrd, T.J. Ward or Chris Clemons around at safety, that could be an area of focus as well.
Chip Kelly has been mentioned as a reason for bringing in Byrd and Blount, as they both went to Oregon, while the Jackson trade rumors came up last week and reportedly are just "speculative" at this point. According to Pro Football Talk, Kelly was cited again, as he doesn't like "small" receivers or players that have a "me-first" attitude and that fits right in with Jackson. The Eagles could also get rid of Jackson and his contract on the cap, as they have a ton of money invested in WRs and a team like the Chiefs or Colts has been mentioned as destinations, as they both need upgrades at wide receiver. Jackson was excellent last season with 82 catches and 1,332 yards and nine touchdowns and that could make him a target for teams looking to trade.
According to ESPN.com, the team could be looking at both LaMarr Woodley and DeMarcus Ware as potential targets this offseason if they are released by their teams and the Steelers appear to be ready to do that. ESPN.com is reporting that Woodley is on his way to being released by the Steelers and this comes as he is ready to make $8 million for this season and he is in the middle of a six-year, $61.5 million deal and the move likely would be made to give the Steelers come financial flexibility, as they need to sign Jason Worilds.
The report says that Woodley will be released on Tuesday and that means he can be designated a post June 1 cut and he can be a free agent on Tuesday at the deadline. The 29 year old should have some suitors and it comes after he was one of the best rushers while starting from 2008 to 2011, but he has slipped off in recent years and had just five sacks last season. Ware is likely to get cut by the Cowboys due to his money and his age and the Eagles could swoop in on both names.
The Eagles are coming into the offseason looking top upgrade on defense in the front line and the backfield and adding names like Ware or Woodley would open up the pass rush. The team needs help on the backside as well after ranking dead last in the league in passing yards allowed per game.
