Early Birds: Pending free agents not named Sam Bradford
With non-stop Sam Bradford speculation in Philadelphia, it's easy to forget the Eagles have other pending free agents. The others don't measure up to Bradford in either financial or positional value, so it's understandable that Bradford is in the spotlight.
But the Eagles have decisions to make at spots other than quarterback. They've already done so with Vinny Curry and Najee Goode, keeping both players off the market before free agency opens on March 9. That leaves the Eagles with seven unrestricted free agents (including Bradford) and two restricted free agents. After the combine this week, teams will have a better idea of their offseason plans. But here are the free agents not named Bradford:
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
Walter Thurmond, S
After converting from cornerback to safety, Thurmond boosted his stock last season by starting all 16 games and thriving in his new role. He could finally be in line for the multi-year deal that eluded him the past two seasons. At 29, Thurmond knows this could be his final chance for a big pay day.
"I'm not a young spring chicken anymore," Thurmond said at the end of the season. "This contract could potentially be my last depending how long it is. It's going to come down to what's best for me, the fit, the coaches here, who's going to be here."
Thurmond could have appeal as both a cornerback and a safety, but look for him to find the best deal. The Eagles would be wise to try to bring him back, especially considering the rotating faces at the position. Thurmond and Malcolm Jenkins gave the Eagles a formidable safety combination. But given the Eagles' spending at other positions and the need to ink Jenkins to a new deal in the next year, Thurmond could price out the Eagles.
Cedric Thornton, DL
Thornton has spent his entire career in Philadelphia and progressed from undrafted free agent to practice squad to reserve to starter. He's also scheme-versatile, able to play in both the 3-4 and the 4-3. But the Eagles' transition to a 4-3 will likely leave Fletcher Cox and Bennie Logan as the starting defensive tackles, meaning Thornton might need to leave Philadelphia for a starting job. He sounded realistic at the end of the season when discussing his future.
"I don't feel like that's a question that needs to be answered right now," Thornton said when asked whether he wants to be back. "Do I like the Philadelphia organization? Yeah. I love it."
The Eagles need depth on the defensive line. If Thornton cannot find a sure starting job elsewhere, it would make sense for the Eagles to bring him back to be in a rotation on the defensive line. My guess is he finds a starting job in a different city.
Nolan Carroll, CB
Carroll is an interesting case this offseason. He has started parts of three seasons in the NFL, impressed in 11 games with the Eagles in 2015, and has the size and versatility to help a defensive backfield. But he's also coming off a season-ending injury, which hurts his value on the free agent market. The Eagles need depth at cornerback, and Carroll has also shown he can contribute on special teams. Eric Rowe is ready to step in as a full-time starter, so the Eagles likely don't have a starting job to offer Carroll and they have other young depth at cornerback. Carroll, 29, enjoyed his two years in Philadelphia. A return is possible, but it would likely need to be on a team-friendly deal after the injury and given the depth chart.
E.J. Biggers, DB
The previous defensive staff was fond of Biggers, 28, for his versatility to play cornerback, slot, safety, and special teams. A seven-year veteran who has played for three NFL teams, Biggers will provide depth somewhere next season. With a new coaching staff in Philadelphia, though, it's too soon to know whether it would be here.
Seyi Ajirotutu, WR
Ajirotutu, 28, has carved a role in the NFL as valuable special teams player. Special teams coordinator Dave Fipp returns to the Eagles, but this could be a matter of roster math and what the Eagles want to do with the depth positions on the roster. Chip Kelly liked devoting spots to veteran special teams players. In other places, those spots go to young, developing players who can help on special teams.
Thad Lewis, QB
Lewis was the Eagles' third quarterback last season, but he did not attempt a pass. He has a long history with Pat Shurmur, who is no longer with the Eagles. He doesn't have a background with the Eagles' new coaching staff.
The Eagles have two quarterbacks under contract: Mark Sanchez and McLeod Bethel-Thompson. Neither one might be on the opening day roster. This is the position that could be in the most flux during the next two months. The Eagles will likely bring four quarterbacks to camp, but Lewis might need to look elsewhere.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: OL Matt Tobin, OL David Molk