It all started with the Philadelphia Eagles when they re-signed offensive tackle Lane Johnson last week. Then a few days ago, the team went on to sign defensive end Fletcher Cox to an extension. Then Tuesday, the Eagles showed they weren’t playing by resigning defensive end Vinny Curry.
That’s three core players the team has re-signed without allowing them to venture onto the free-agent market. NFL Media’s Albert Breer reported it to be a 5-year, $47.25 million deal with $23 million guaranteed. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport added that Curry would get $10 million of it right away.
Curry’s dip in production of late is not in any way indicative of the talent he still possesses. The problem is that he’s a natural 4-3 defensive end forced to play in Chip Kelly’s 3-4 scheme the last couple of years. The pass rusher struggled with his outside linebacker responsibilities so he ended up being a situational pass rusher this year.
Of course, Kelly is now gone and Doug Pederson is the new head coach, taking the team in a new direction. And that direction includes the 4-3 defense, something Curry’s skill-set is a better fit for. Time to watch out for the Eagles in 2016 as they are starting to re-sign their core players these days.
And from the looks of things, Pederson plans to put these guys in situations that fit them. There will be no more talented players becoming slaves to a system that doesn’t help them succeed. There are some very talented players on the Eagles roster too so the NFC East should be on the lookout.