Zack Rosenblatt of NJ Advance Media looks at 10 unanswered questions stemming from the indictment of Eagles defensive end Michael Bennett, including whether the Eagles and Seahawks already knew, when the NFL found out and how it impacts his roster status with the Eagles.
Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times reported Friday (on Twitter) that the Seahawks were unaware of the incident before Friday. Rosenblatt wonders whether Seattle may be forced to return the compensation it received by trading Bennett if it was discovered that they were previously aware of the incident. The Houston Police department reportedly attempted to reach out to Bennett and the NFL about the incident late last year, per Rosenblatt.
If the Eagles were to release Bennett, they’d save $5.65MM in cap space, without any dead cap. Rosenblatt points out that veteran leadership in the Eagles defense with players like Malcolm Jenkins could help fight off any off-field distractions that stem from the incident. It’s also possible the Eagles could make a precautionary move to add a defensive end, with Vinny Curry already released and signed with the Buccaneers. Chris Long reportedly signed a new deal to remain with the Eagles in 2018 earlier this week.
Here’s more from around the AFC/NFC East
- By trading for Alex Smith rather than re-signing Kirk Cousins, the Redskins saved $10MM in cap space this year. In a mailbag piece, ESPN’s John Keim points to the team’s lack of spending this offseason as an indication of its desire to extend players currently on the roster. Some of those players who could be extended include Preston Smith, Jamison Crowder, Brandon Scherff and Matthew Ioannidis.
- The Dolphins’ search for quarterback help this offseason did not end with the signing of Brock Osweiler to a one-year deal, sources told Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald. Osweiler will have to earn his role as the backup behind Ryan Tannehill as the team may still look to add a quarterback in the draft and have shown interest in several players expected to go in the first round.
- In a response to a fan question, ESPN’s Mike Reiss said he could see the Patriots moving up in the first round of the upcoming draft to take a long-term option replacing Nate Solder at left tackle — if the right prospect were to slide down the draft board. Reiss also notes that the Patriots had just four picks in last year’s draft, which could keep them from dealing a package of picks once again. At the moment, Tony Garcia seems to be the likeliest candidate to take over at left tackle for New England.
- While being introduced to the Philadelphia media, Mike Wallace said that playing with Carson Wentz was “99 percent” of the reason he signed with the Eagles, per Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Wallace also said he passed up other offers that would’ve netted him more money in signing his one-year deal with the Eagles.
I thought Chris Long accepted a deal?
He may still retire.
He signed it but isn’t not official. After signing it they signed this clown who will steal some of his reps, so he isn’t sure yet what he wants to do.
Sorry Philly….you aren’t getting that 5th Rd Pick back….He’s your prob now. You knew what you were trading for. Should’ve done more research.
Such a problem that Philly beat the Patties & Chris Long played a significant role, but hey, what’s a 5th round pick compared to a SB win?
Please don’t be completely ignorant before trolling. The 5th rounder being discussed has nothing to do with Long nor the Patriots. It’s about Bennett, but keep in hating – it’s a nice sign of respect.
Lmao dcahen that’s so pathetic, your attempt at going at the Pats is off base it’s comical and shows how little you actual know about football and the NFL.
Bennett Dindu nuffin