The Eagles are discussing a contract extension with defensive tackle Beau Allen, reports Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer. That could be a sign the Eagles are preparing to lose fellow defensive tackle Bennie Logan in free agency, McLane suggests.
[RELATED: Logan Among PFR’s Top 50 Free Agents]
Of the two linemen, Logan has easily has the more established NFL track record. Since the Eagles chose him in the third round of the 2013 draft, Logan has picked up 51 starts in 59 appearances. Logan has started in each of his appearances dating back to his second year, and he’s coming off a 24-tackle, 2.5-sack, two-forced fumble season over 13 games. The 27-year-old ranked a lowly 84th in performance among Pro Football Focus’ 127 qualified interior D-linemen last season, but it didn’t help that he dealt with a groin injury. Now healthy, Logan figures to encounter a robust market in free agency, where the NFC East rival Redskins could be among the teams that pursue him.
The Eagles aren’t in imminent danger of losing Allen, who’s signed through next season, but he has impressed de facto general manager Howie Roseman during his three-year career.
“We’re excited about Beau, both in his ability to be powerful in the run game but also his athleticism to work edges,” Roseman said Wednesday. “He has pass-rush moves. With an increased opportunity, we think he’ll be an even better player to our team.”
Allen, 25, hasn’t missed a game in three years and finished with personal bests in tackles (29) and starts (three) in 2016. PFF ranked him as the league’s 57th-best interior D-lineman, 27 spots higher than Logan. Moreover, Allen saw significant action in multiple phases, as he amassed 412 defensive snaps and another 142 on special teams.
Smart move, better to let Logan walk instead of overpaying when they have so many needs and so little Salary Cap space. They already have a fortune locked up across the d-line, lock up Allen cheaply and let Logan cash in elsewhere.
I totally agree, I really like Bennie Logan but truth is we can’t afford him and everything else we need. Allen did shine in sveral games last year and his ceiling I think is higher than most believe it is.