Maclin, Graham Among Top-20 NFL Free Agents
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --- Two of ESPN.com's top-20 NFL free agents are on the Philadelphia Eagles. Or should I say, were, on the Philadelphia Eagles.
The first, is wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, who comes in at No. 13 on the list. Maclin is coming off of a career year, in which he caught 85 balls for 1,318 yards and 10 touchdowns.
"He's a good player but not great," ESPN scout Matt Williamson wrote of Maclin. "He's not a pure speed guy, but he's fast. He's not a 'possession guy,' but he can move the chains. But the way free agency works is that he's ultimately a No. 2 wideout who'll probably have a chance to be paid like a No. 1."
While Maclin will certainly command a hefty price, the Eagles can't afford to lose their most talented receiver---a position they lack depth in.
The second Eagle on the list is defensive end Brandon Graham, No. 18.
Graham played in just 482 snaps, but still recorded 5.5 sacks and four forced fumbles, earning himself an "elite" rating from Pro Football Focus. While Graham is staring to adapt to Billy Davis' 3-4 defensive scheme, some feel he would better fit as a 4-3 down lineman.
"Take a team with a 4-3 [scheme], put his hand in the dirt, bring him off the edge on passing downs at a minimum and he'll get to the quarterback," Williamson wrote of Graham. "He's got a skill everyone wants and everyone will pay for."
The situation for veteran Eagles linebackers Trent Cole, 32, and DeMeco Ryans, 30, are also uncertain. While both are under contract, neither Cole---an aging player set to make $10 million---or Ryans---who is coming off of a serious Achilles injury---is certain to be back next season, which will likely effect how the franchise pursues, or doesn't pursue, Graham.
Prior to NFL teams making any cuts, the Eagles currently have just over $19 million in cap space, 16th most in the NFL. The Jaguars lead the NFL with over $61 million, while the Saints are dead last with -$28 million.
The Colts, who fell short in the AFC Championship game this winter, are the best team with the most cap space---about $33 million. Couple that with Andrew Luck, the game's most talented young quarterback, and Indianapolis should be excited about their football franchise.
The 2015 NFL season and free-agency officially begins on March 10 at 4:00pm E.T.
Full top-20 NFL free agent list and salary cap chart here.
