Eagles ILB Mychal Kendricks Could Be Available For Trade?

Andrew Kulp of CSN Philly writes that even though Eagles HC Chip Kelly has said that he plans on having Kiko Alonso, DeMeco Ryans and Mychal Kendricks on their roster next season, he would be “mildly surprised” if Kendricks weren’t traded before the draft.

There has already been a great deal of speculation regarding Kendricks’ future in Philadelphia since the Eagles sent RB LeSean McCoy in return for Alonso.

Recent reports have said that the Eagles have yet to approach Kendricks, who is in the final year of his rookie contract, regarding a contract extension. To make things more confusing, Philly signed Ryans to a one-year extension through 2016.

Beyond that, Kulp points out that the Eagles have shown interest in inside linebacker prospects such as Mississippi State’s Benardrick McKinney, Clemson’s Stephone Anthony, and Miami’s Denzel Perryman.

Kulp admits that it’s hard to guess what Kelly’s plans are, and there’s always a chance that the two sides could reach an agreement on a contract extension before the start of the season.

However, it’s at least worth wondering if they could make Kendricks available for trade in the coming weeks.

Kendricks, 24, has one year remaining on his four-year, $4.29 million rookie contract, which includes a base salary of $896,060 for the 2015.

According to OverTheCap.com, trading Kendricks would free up $996,060 in available cap space while creating $418,081 in dead money.

In 2014, Kendricks appeared in 12 games and recorded 83 tackles, four sacks, three forced fumbles, and three pass defenses. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 6 inside linebacker out of 60 qualifying players.