NFL

Eagles faced with 10 free agent decisions

Eagles faced with 10 free agent decisions
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Now that the offseason is underway for the Eagles and their front office reshuffling has subsided, Chip Kelly, in his expanded role will need to decide what to do with the Eagles’ crop of free agents.

There are 10 men the Birds are slated to lose when the free agent period begins unless they reach out and resign them.

Here’s a look at Philly’s expiring contracts (seven unrestricted and three restricted) and what they are likely to do with each.

1. Jeremy Maclin, WR

Maclin took a chance signing a one-year deal before the season after missing 2013 due to injury. He burst onto the scene with renewed energy and drive, leading the Eagles with 1,318 yards and 10 touchdowns. He will be a priority in 2015.

2. Brandon Graham, LB

The former first-round pick saw an expanded role in 2014 and responded well tallying 5.5 sacks. The Birds might be willing to outbid other teams for his services to keep their front seven depth.

3. Nate Allen, S

Allen had a decent 2014, but the secondary was weak and needs a major overhaul. They’ll need a replacement, but if they can find a better safety elsewhere in free agency expect the Eagles to cut ties with Allen.

4. Bradley Fletcher, CB

Eagles fans were demanding Fletcher’s head near the end of the season, and if they can get secondary help in the draft or free agency Fletcher’s days as an Eagle could be numbered.

5. Mark Sanchez, QB

​If he is given the opportunity to start, Sanchez will probably leave. He likely won’t be given the chance to compete for the 2015 starting gig, but he is among the best backups in the league and could return as the No. 2 — but certainly not the No. 1.

6. Casey Matthews, LB

Matthews had 53 combined tackles and 1.5 sacks as a change of pace linebacker filling in for injured Mychal Kendricks and later DeMeco Ryans. His Philly future is questionable as he is easily replacable.

7. Brad Smith, WR

The wideout and special teams contributor had just one catch in 2014. He could return on the cheap but isn’t a priority.

8. Chris Polk, RB, Cedric Thornton, DE, Jeff Maehl, WR

These three are restricted free agents which means the Eagles have a much better chance of keeping these players. Polk and Thornton each had borderline breakout seasons in 2014 and should return to the Eagles at reasonable rates. Maehl is a replacable wideout who will probably be a free agent sooner rather than later.