PHILADELPHIA -- The Eagles began the post-Super Bowl part of the offseason by getting rid of cornerback Leodis McKelvin, erasing the mistake made by personnel boss Howie Roseman and defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.
That was pretty easy.
There are tougher decisions facing Roseman and his personnel staff before the start of free agency on March 9, and the NFL Draft on April 27.
Here are five of them.
1. Jason Peters: The Eagles have reportedly asked their Pro Bowl left tackle to take a pay cut from the $10.2 million he is scheduled to earn in 2017. According to one of Peters' teammates and friends, "He ain't going to do it.'' And truthfully, he shouldn't. If the Eagles can afford to pay a career backup quarterback to be Carson Wentz's mentor $7 million, Peters is certainly worth $10.2. A quick glance of the highest paid tackles in the league shows Peters' average salary of $10.3 million ranks 10th in the league (Washington's Trent Williams is first at $13.2). So here's the decision: If Peters sticks to his guns and tells the Eagles what they can do with their pay cut, do the Eagles release him and save the money? If they do they're telling you they don't plan to win in 2017. Because while Lane Johnson may be able to switch to left tackle, they don't have Johnson's replacement at right tackle. And for those who don't think there will be a market for Peters, look for Seattle, Carolina and Denver just to name a few teams to be on the phone with his agent immediately.
Eagles 7-round mock draft
2. Jason Kelce: This one is interesting, too. Because if they do part ways with Peters, they almost have to keep their veteran center, or the line protecting Wentz will be too much in flux. However, if they keep Peters, they could save some money, and cap space, by letting Kelce go and handing the center job to 2016 third-round pick Isaac Seumalo.
3. Connor Barwin: Fans, and even some writers, think this is an easy decision. Just cut Barwin and save around $7 million. OK, and who exactly is replacing him? Vinny Curry would obviously get the first shot, but then who takes over at Curry's spot? Don't you dare say Marcus Smith. Barwin appears open to some sort of paycut/restructure, but sources have said there has been no contact from the organization in that regard. If Barwin is released, look for a bunch of 3-4 teams to get involved.
Free agents to avoid
4. Jordan Matthews: This isn't about getting cut, because the Eagles can't get rid of Wentz's best weapon. But they might want to decide if they want to extend his contract. Rose man's mantra has been to extend players with one year left on their deal and that's where Matthews stands. The decision here is how much is he worth. He's not really a No. 1 wide receiver, but he is the Eagles' No. 1 wide receiver.
5. Trey Burton: I might be in the minority here, and that's fine, but I think Burton could be a really good player as the No. 2 tight end, and Doug Pederson likes to use two tight end sets. Burton is also a restricted free agent. It will be easy to keep him by just applying a second-round tender on him. But the Eagles might want to do more than that and sign him to a long-term deal.
Carson Wentz at Super BowlMark Eckel may be reached at mjeck04@verizon.net. Follow him on Twitter @MarkEckel08. Find NJ.com Eagles on Facebook.
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