Andy Reid is likely riding this sleigh for another season, so the bulk of roster roulette will again fall to the (not-so) jolly, old coach. But team president Joe Banner and general manager Howie Roseman are making lists, deciding who's naughty and nice, and some familiar faces are bound to receive the equivalent of a stocking full of a coal.
So here's the rundown on the major decisions facing Reid and the Eagles' merry little elves:
Defense
Cornerback: Reid started to grease the skids for Asante Samuel's departure when he mentioned Thursday how Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie - expected to fill in for the injured Samuel on Saturday - is more comfortable playing outside than in the slot. That is obviously true, but Reid is hardly ever so forthcoming. Samuel and his hefty contract will be dealt elsewhere - although the Eagles won't get anything near what they would have had they traded him during training camp - and Rodgers-Cromartie will start opposite Nnamdi Asomugha next season. Schematically, if the Eagles are intent on not blitzing as much, it makes more sense to have the two press corners.
Linebacker: The Eagles finally have to expend a first-round draft pick on a linebacker, right? They have to see that Jamar Chaney, Brian Rolle, and Casey Matthews - serviceable, at best - aren't the answer if Jim Washburn's wide-nine defensive line scheme is to return, right? Reid keeps talking about how young his linebacker cast is, so there is doubt that he would add another novice, especially one drafted high enough to start. But maybe there will be a subtle acknowledgment of past mistakes, as there once was at wide receiver, and a linebacker will be chosen early in the draft. Whether they pick the right one is another matter.
