Now that they’re all on the same page — even if they’re not all “football guys” — the Eagles seem to have a coherent plan of attack.
According to Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com, the Eagles have “prioritized getting new contracts done” with a trio of young players: Offensive tackle Lane Johnson, tight end Zach Ertz and defensive end Vinny Curry.
They’ve already made a contract offer to Curry, and the other two are viewed as central to their plans under new coach Doug Pederson and once-again-in-charge Howie Roseman, with the reported hope that deals can be done “sooner rather than later.”
Keeping Curry will be significant with the switch to a 4-3 defense under new coordinator Jim Schwartz, while the other two also fill clear long-term needs.
Curry was probably miscast in Chip Kelly’s 3-4, and this should give him a chance to improve on his sack totals.
With Jason Peters aging and having a hard time staying on the field, Johnson’s ability to play left tackle gives them a solid foundation piece if they let Peters walk. And considering the production of Travis Kelce in Kansas City, it figures that Ertz’s numbers should go up as well.
Curry’s set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, while Johnson and Ertz are entering the final years of their rookie deals.