Skip to content
Eagles
Link copied to clipboard

Early Birds: Jason Worilds' free agency, a former Chip Kelly QB, and Tom Gamble's return to 49ers

1) The Eagles never had the opportunity to pursue Steelers outside linebacker Jason Worilds on the open market last season because the Steelers used their transition tag to keep him. After recording 7.5 sacks and one interception in his first season as a full-time starter, Worilds might hit the market next month for the first time.

"Jason is an unrestricted free agent," Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert said at the combine. "He understands that if he doesn't get tagged, which we could still do that he will explore the market and see what is out there. We will stay in communication. Maybe he comes back. Maybe he moves on. But he's been a good player for us and we would love to have him back if it all fits."

The Steelers would need to pay Worilds nearly $12 million if they use the transition tag on him again this season because league rules require a 20 percent increase for a player tagged two years in a row. That could help Worilds hit the market, and the Eagles could have interest.

Eagles linebacker Brandon Graham is a due to be unrestricted free agent, and he could generate interest as a 4-3 pass rusher – more than the Eagles might be willing to pay. The Eagles could restructure Trent Cole's $11.6 million cap number and hope that Marcus Smith develops into the role Graham played this season, but that plan could leave them with a downgrade at right outside linebacker.

So don't be surprised if the Eagles express interest around Worilds should he become available – they were believed to be interested in him last season before the tag.

2) Marcus Mariota is not the only former Chip Kelly-quarterback at the combine. Another one is Southeastern Louisiana's Bryan Bennett, a 6-foot-3, 211-pound quarterback who started his college career at Oregon under Kelly before transferring when Mariota won the starting job.

Had Bennett won the job and remained in the high-powered Oregon offense, he'd likely be a more decorated prospect than he is this year – although his stock could be on the rise among the passers in the draft.

"That is one thing, when the question comes up you could think about it and wonder, but I don't want to spend too much thinking about what could have happened, and really focus more on what I can do with my opportunity now," Bennett said.

Bennett spoke to Kelly at the Senior Bowl and said he maintains a "good relationship" with the Eagles coach. He believes he benefited from being exposed to Kelly and the Oregon offense. He won't be drafted anywhere near Mariota, but he was good enough for Kelly to once have interest in him.

"For me, I think what separated me is I got to go through the experience and be close with who a lot of people might say is the No. 1 or 2 quarterback in this draft," Bennett said of competing with Mariota. "I  think that going through the experience of not winning the battle and having to live with that chip on my shoulder of wanting to be great and the best essentially.

"I know I'm going to keep working towards that goal. I've been through that situation in college where I've come in around people I've known and been put in a place where it's a whole new place, new culture, new people and been able to still succeed and help build a team, become a leader of that team. I think my leadership there, my want-to and trustworthiness is what I'll bring to the table."

3) After Tom Gamble's abrupt departure in Philadelphia, the Eagles' former personnel executive reunited with the 49ers. 49ers general manager Trent Baalke never wanted Gamble to leave in the first place, and was glad to welcome Gamble back.

"Good things happen at different times, right?" Baalke said. "And at that time, Tommy needed to get back. He had a situation going on with his family that he needed to get back for that I felt was very important to give him that opportunity and it's just a blessing to have him back."

When Gamble returned to Philadelphia in 2013, part of the motivation was to move back to the area to be near his father, Harry, who passed away last year.

Gamble was believed to be a trusted confidant of Kelly's, although he reported to Howie Roseman on the Eagles' chain of command. His exit in December was the beginning of a front-office shakeup that left Kelly with full control of football decisions. Gamble quickly found work again with his former employer.

"I think everybody knows how I feel about Tom Gamble," Baalke said. "So, it's been a huge benefit to have Tommy back. He's a heck-of-a scout, heck-of-a football guy and great to have back in the building."