The Eagles will have roughly $16 million to $18 million in salary-cap space once they account for rookie charges and other deductions, a league source said. That would put them around the middle of the pack compared with rest of the league, according to the source. Still, it should be enough for some significant signings.
It's enough to send the sports-talk world reeling with possibilities. Nnamdi Asomugha! Albert Haynesworth! Reggie Bush!
But don't expect a fantasy football-style parade of big names strolling through the NovaCare Complex. For one thing, the new labor deal will slow the growth of the salary cap, making big, superstar contracts tougher to manage.
More important, multiple people within the Eagles have stressed that while they intend to make bold moves, the team still believes in building primarily through the draft, and then adding a few key free agency strikes to supplement their homegrown talent.
The Eagles will certainly add players - they know they have a hole to fill at cornerback, among other needs - and the team has shown a willingness to make bold acquisitions. But they will attempt do so while leaving room to re-sign current players and not relying too heavily on new faces.
It's a quieter and more subtle approach, but one that the team has long followed - as have many of the most successful teams in the NFL, including both of last year's Super Bowl participants.
