Eagle’s Smart Cap Moves

Philadelphia Eagles General Manager Howie Roseman has demonstrated a knack for fortifying the team’s Super Bowl-caliber roster by strategically adding veteran playmakers. Notably, Roseman secured the services of former three-time All-Pro linebacker Shaq Leonard, triumphing over interest from the Dallas Cowboys. This move complemented the earlier acquisition of veteran safety Kevin Byard from the Tennessee Titans just before the NFL trade deadline.

Byard swiftly made a significant impact on the Eagles’ secondary, tallying 42 total tackles and one interception in his initial five games with Philadelphia. Over the past two seasons, Roseman has consistently bolstered the team’s defense, bringing in veteran defenders such as Robert Quinn, Ndamukong Suh, Byard, and Leonard, among others.

Byard’s contribution extends beyond on-field performance, as ESPN’s Aaron Schatz recognizes the Eagles’ shrewdness in structuring his contract. Schatz considers Byard’s contract among the NFL’s best in terms of value provided to the team. The complexity of Philadelphia’s use of long-term contracts with void years adds a layer of intricacy to their financial strategy.

Schatz points out the Eagles’ adept use of these contract structures, citing examples like Haason Reddick and James Bradberry. However, Schatz reveals that Byard’s contract is unique due to the recent trade to the Eagles. This trade led to the acceleration of most bonuses on Byard’s contract onto Tennessee’s cap, sparing the Eagles a significant financial burden. The Eagles are committed to a modest cap number of $1.7 million for Byard in the current year, with the flexibility to navigate a more substantial cap number next year, mitigated by potential roster moves before a crucial deadline.

The Eagles’ aggressive approach to signing players to long-term contracts, coupled with astute cap management, has consistently positioned them as contenders for impactful players. Despite the intricacies of structuring deals, Roseman’s approach has allowed the team to pursue talents like recently released tight end Zach Ertz, reflecting the ongoing commitment to assembling a roster capable of clinching the coveted Super Bowl victory.