Eagles Still Ridding Themselves of Kelly

In case you didn’t know, the Philadelphia Eagles fired former head coach Chip Kelly before before the 2015-2016 season officially ended. Now, the Eagles are ridding themselves of many of Kelly’s acquisitions before the start of free agency. Many people still believe, even some within the Eagles organization, that Kelly could still be a legitimate coach at this level, pointing to his success in college. After agreeing to become the 49ers new head coach less than two weeks after the Eagles fired him, he will get his next opportunity to prove he can. However, Philadelphia is not only showing that they are moving on from their former head coach, but his decision-making as a general manager as well. In fact, it can be argued that Chip Kelly the general manager is who got Chip Kelly the coach fired (SB Nation). His expertise as a coach was never really the issue but when Philadelphia gave Kelly the added power in January 2015, it proved disastrous for the organization. It doesn’t usually bode well for organizations that give coaches power as the general manager in any sport. Thankfully, San Francisco only hired Kelly to be their head coach and are not replacing general manager Trent Baalke (yet).

Free agency is upon us and the Eagles are looking for a clean slate for their new head coach, Doug Pederson. On Monday, the Eagles made a pair of blockbuster trades sending out some of their high-priced players that were brought in by Chip Kelly just a season ago. The first of which, sent CB Byron Maxwell and LB Kiko Alonso, to the Miami Dolphins for undisclosed draft picks. Rumors are that the teams will swap first round picks but nothing is official yet. Later in the evening, the Eagles agreed to send disgruntled RB DeMarco Murray to the Tennessee Titans, also for draft picks. Both Maxwell and Murray were acquisitions of Kelly’s during free agency last season. The trade with the Dolphins brought on mixed reviews from fans of both sides. Many believe that Maxwell is a good cornerback, but not a great one, as his $63 million contract might indicate. Philly fans are likely happy to see him go but not so happy about Alonso going with him. Alonso was acquired in a trade for LeSean McCoy in March 2015. He’s battled injuries for the past couple of seasons but is still on his rookie contract. As a rookie in 2013, he recorded 159 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 2 sacks (NFL). Reports surfaced regarding issues with Maxwell’s shoulder during his physical but it looks the Dolphins medical staff have cleared him and the trade will go through.

DeMarco Murray has been upset since the moment he arrived in Philadelphia. Most of his issues stemmed from his time with Chip Kelly but even after Kelly’s departure, it was clear that Murray wanted to be traded. On Monday, he got his wish after it was announced he would be traded to Tennessee. In 2014, Murray was the leading rusher in the NFL as a member of the Cowboys. His touches and production deteriorated, however, in his first year with the Eagles. Part of it is because he shared time with fellow running backs, Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles. Still, Murray only averaged a meager 3.6 yards per carry last season, equal to the Titans top rusher, Antonio Andrews (Bleacher Report). Tennessee may not be Murray’s first choice but a change of scenery will be nice for the 28 year old. Like with Miami, it’s unclear what kind of draft pick compensation the Eagles will receive from Tennessee yet (No, it will not be the 1st overall pick).

Now that Kelly is out and Pederson is in, the Eagles are focused on the future. They have already found their replacement for Byron Maxwell with Leodis McKelvin. McKelvin spent the first eight years of his career in Buffalo but he has signed a two-year deal with the Eagles for roughly $6 million (Bleacher Report). McKelvin played for Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz when Schwartz was in Buffalo. The Eagles believe that McKelvin can still play at a high level and is, obviously, a cheaper option than Maxwell. More importantly, he’s not a Chip Kelly guy. Basically, anyone should be nervous if they were brought in or drafted by Chip Kelly. Even quarterback Sam Bradford, who inked a two-year deal worth $35 million with $22 million of it guaranteed just last week, could be next. Philadelphia could look to trade Bradford after signing free agent Chase Daniel on Wednesday if they think Daniel could be their starter.

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