NFL Notes: Eagles, Giants & Jaguars

Eagles

Joel Corry of CBS Sports takes an extensive look at the Eagles’ decision to spend big on their core players — just over $280 million in guarantees — and how this could impact them moving forward.

• Corry points out that the Eagles’ spending leaves them in a position where they have 21 of their 22 projected starters under contract through the 2017 season with DT Bennie Logan being the only starter in the final year of his contract.
• As of now, Philadelphia has $177.98 million committed to their 2017 salary cap.
• Next year, the Eagles should have around $5 – $7.5 million in available cap space to work with. However, there are moves they can make such as releasing QB Sam Bradford, which would result in $13 million in available cap room.
• The Eagles locked up Lane Johnson to an extension, so he could be replace veteran LT Jason Peters next year. Parting ways with Peters would result in $9.2 million in cap space.
• Other moves the Eagles could consider include moving on from RB Ryan Mathews and possible DE Connor Barwin. These two moves would clear $11.75 million of cap space, according to Corry.
• In total, the Eagles could pick up $33.95 million of cap space by cutting these four players.
• Corry wouldn’t be surprised if the Eagles target a running back in either the first- or second-round of next year’s draft.

Giants

• Dan Graziano of ESPN writes that the Giants “are in love” with their four defensive line starters — Olivier Vernon, Damon Harrison, Jason Pierre-Paul and Johnathan Hankins.
• However, Graziano believes their defensive line depth remains a question for New York. Second-year DE Owa Odighizuwa could be their preferred answer as rotational pass rusher in 2016. 
• Should Odighizuwa struggle, Graziano expects Kerry Wynn, Romeo Okwara or Ishaq Williams to be given the opportunity.

Jaguars

• Jaguars first-round CB Jalen Ramsey said he has no physical limitations from the surgery he underwent to repair the meniscus in his right knee. (Hays Carlyon)
• Ramsey mentioned that he’s more focused on getting mentally prepared for training camp than his knee. (Hays Carlyon)
• Ramsey believed the Jaguars’ defensive scheme fit him perfectly when he was drafted, and he feels even stronger about that now. (Hays Carlyon)