Key offseason dates for Eagles
Feb. 16: First day to designate Franchise or Transition Players
The Sam Bradford speculation will receive more clarity during the two-week period when teams are allowed to designate the franchise tag.
If the Eagles don't use the franchise tag or transition tag on Bradford, then they likely won't use it this year. The other pending free agents don't seem like candidates to be paid among the top five players at their positions.
If the Eagles use the tag on Bradford, then it's an offer of around $20 million – and that cap hold hits at the start of free agency. It could buy time for the Eagles to try to reach a long-term deal or trade him, but the cap hold and the risk of a hold-out also must be considered.
Feb. 23 to Feb. 29: NFL Scouting Combine
The combine is one of the most important events on the offseason calendar. It offers the Eagles' best exposure to a wide swath of draft prospects for both on-field testing and face-to-face interaction. The Eagles will leave Indianapolis with a clearer sense of their draft board than when they arrived.
Further, the combine is like an NFL convention. With agents and other team executives on the scene, the combine is a valuable place for teams to help put together an offseason plan.
March 1: Deadline to designate Franchise or Transition Players
The Eagles have until 4 p.m. to designate the franchise tag. If they don't, then their free agents hit the open market one week later. In addition to Bradford, the other unrestricted free agents are quarterback Thad Lewis; wide receiver Seyi Ajirotutu; defensive lineman Cedric Thornton; cornerbacks E.J. Biggers and Nolan Carroll; and safety Walter Thurmond.
March 7 to March 9: Legal tampering period
Before free agency opens, there's a three day periods for teams to negotiate with agents of free agents from other teams. An official deal is not allowed to be reached, but the reason deals are struck right when free agency opens is because of this period. It's not always binding, though – Remember Frank Gore last season?
March 9: Free agency begins
At 4 p.m., players are free to sign with different teams. The Eagles could need a quarterback after this date if they don't retain Bradford. They could also poach other players – pay attention to whether the Eagles add offensive line depth. The NFL's "Top 51" is instituted, so the top 51 contracts on the team must fit within a team's salary cap.
March 20 to March 23: Annual League Meeting
The owners, general managers, and coaches all convene in Boca Raton, Fla. for the annual meeting. In addition to official league business being conducted, this is also a key time for updates on the team during the offseason. Doug Pederson will meet with reporters for one hour on the 23rd.
April 4: Start of the offseason program
Teams with new coaches can begin their offseason programs on April 4, so the Eagles are in this crowd. It's a head start on other teams, and it's the first time Pederson is allowed to talk schemes with his players.
April 28-April 30: NFL Draft
The three-day event in Chicago starts with the first round on April 28. The Eagles draft No. 13, which is their highest selection since 2013. They have two picks on Day 2 (both third-rounders) and six picks on Day 3, including an extra fifth-rounder and seventh-rounder.