Wake-Up Call: ‘The System Will Take Care Of It’

Todd Herremans‘ candid, wide-ranging interview with 97.5 The Fanatic shifted to the topic of LeSean McCoy.

The former Eagles guard was asked if he thought McCoy would be back in Philly this season.

“For how much money?” Herremans replied. “For his contract? Hooof. I hope so for his sake. (Laughs). I don’t know.”

What about a restructure?

“I think they could find something to work out like that. I guess it all just depends on how bad Chip [Kelly] wants him, and if he thinks he’s that instrumental in his offense. If he feels he can get somebody cheaper and just plug him and still get production, then…we’ll see.”

Do you believe Kelly thinks that way: that he can plug-and-play?

“I don’t know,” he said. “I think he values the quarterback position in his offense the most. Quarterback and offensive line. I think other than that, I think that he feels like he can kind of, you know, the system will take care of it.”

Herremans’ theory will be tested in the coming weeks, as decisions loom when it comes to two of the team’s top skill position players — McCoy and Jeremy Maclin. The Eagles opted not to place the franchise tag on Maclin prior to Monday’s deadline, but have interest in locking him up to a long-term deal. McCoy, meanwhile, is scheduled to make a touch over $10 million this year and carries a cap number of close to $12 million. The team has not approached McCoy’s representative about a pay cut yet, but that doesn’t mean they won’t between now and the start of the season.

Would Kelly be comfortable letting either of these players walk?

The DeSean Jackson move needs to be mentioned when exploring this angle, though that situation was unique in that Kelly wasn’t sold on him as a system or culture fit.  He seems to value what Maclin and McCoy bring to the table.

Kelly has committed resources into the skill positions, whether that be drafting Zach Ertz and Jordan Matthews in the second round or acquiring Darren Sproles via trade. Obviously, he wants the best players possible. But will his belief in his offense cause him to be more rigid when it comes to dollars and cents?

Herremans had plenty more interesting things to say, including takes on Nick Foles, a possible Marcus Mariota deal and his time in Philly. Give a listen.

WHAT YOU MISSED

Sheil on what the franchise news both here and around the league means for the Eagles.

“I fell in love with it immediately.” More on new Eagles linebacker Brad Jones. 

The latest Inside Voices has news and notes on Brandon Graham, Mychal Kendricks, Mark Sanchez and more.

Do the Eagles have defensive talent best suited for a 3-4?

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

Jeff McLane reports that Howie Roseman‘s office has been moved from the football operations side to the business side.

Roseman’s old office was two doors down from coach Chip Kelly. He had the same space when Andy Reid was previously head coach. Roseman, whose new title is Executive Vice President of Football Operations, now occupies a former conference room that is near Ari Roitman, Senior Vice President of Business…

Ed Marynowitz, who was recently promoted to vice president of player personnel and is now seen as Kelly’s second-in-command in evaluating players, was given a larger office, although it was unclear he moved into Roseman’s old office.

Devin McCourty talked to Josina Anderson of ESPN about the Patriots’ decision not to place the franchise tag on him.

“I really didn’t know. There was no real information from them on if it was going to be me or (Stephen Gostkowski). So I was kind of going off of what everybody else was going off, with what people were reporting as far as sources and all that. So, I guess it’s more realistic now that (there’s) a chance that I might not be back there. Or there’s still a chance that I will, but I guess (there’s) more of a chance now with the franchise tag going to Steve that I could be playing in a different place. Still, keeping an open mind and trying to enjoy the process.”

COMING UP

We’ll dig deeper into possible free-agent targets for the Eagles.