PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia Eagles have begun locking up young players such as Lane Johnson and Zach Ertz with long-term contracts.
There are a few players who are eligible to become free agents next month. Here’s a weeklong look at them, and what the Eagles should do about them.
Vinny Curry, defensive end. The timing was fortuitous for the Eagles and Curry. Chip Kelly was fired before Curry hit free agency, allowing the Eagles a chance to convince Curry to remain in Philadelphia.
During Kelly’s three seasons, Curry was basically a man without a position. He played defensive end in the Eagles’ 3-4 scheme, but that is not his natural position. And he wasn’t quite able to make the transition to outside linebacker that Brandon Graham and Trent Cole made.
Curry played on 35 percent of the Eagles’ defensive plays, generally as a pass rusher in obvious passing situations. He finished the season with 3.5 sacks, down from his career-high nine sacks in 2014.
Had he hit free agency last year, off that nine-sack season, Curry might have drawn a lot of interest. He still might. He is a gifted pass rusher.
But Curry is naturally an end in a 4-3 defense. With the Eagles switching back to that formation, they are going to need someone who can play every down there. Graham may add some weight and make the transition back to end, but Curry’s value will be just as legitimate.
Alternatives: Cedric Thornton, who is also due to become a free agent, is the best of the Eagles’ returning defensive ends. Fletcher Cox is expected to move inside to defensive tackle, where he was quite effective as a rookie.
The transition to a 4-3 has put several players into a state of flux. Starting outside linebackers Graham and Connor Barwin could both move to defensive end. In that case, Curry will be a bigger, more physical option.
Taylor Hart and Brandon Bair both saw playing time as 3-4 ends. They could be back, or the new coaching staff could decide to move on from them.
Bottom line: Curry is too good to let walk away. While he may have been inclined to leave after three seasons in a 3-4, the chance to stay with his friends and teammates as they return to a 4-3 is likely to be too good to pass up.
Doug Pederson hasn’t used Andy Reid’s old phrase about “throwing fastballs” at offensive lines with fresh pass rushers, but Curry brings some pretty good heat. He’s well worth adding to the list of guys getting long-term deals.
