By Anthony Bullick

It’s no secret that the Eagles are up against it as far as the cap is concerned: they are the only team projected to be over the cap.

Before anyone panics, let’s just remember that a) we have Howie Roseman, b) the core of the team is locked in on long term contracts, and c) we have Howie freaking Roseman.

Howie has a history of cracking cap moves (remember how he dumped Demarco Murray’s awful contract, handed to the running back by Chip Kelly, on the Titans?). Eagles fans can rest assured he will find a way to get the team under the cap without shedding too much talent.

Here are the moves I believe will happen. Note: I actually don’t think Foles will go anywhere. Yes, we could save circa $5m against the cap, and yes we have Nate STUDfeld on the roster. But Nick has stated multiple times he is happy here, and the Eagles have proven they value the back-up QB spot (hey, it worked out pretty well last season!). Also, I’m not sure a QB-needy team will pay the price the Eagles will be looking for.

Anyway, let’s move on. Agree or disagree with the below? Someone you think should be on the list? Get in touch @britisheagles and @anthony_bullick:

Brent Celek

Brent was one of the players I was happiest for when the Eagles won the Super Bowl. He’s been an incredibly valuable player for the team since they drafted him in the 5th round of the 2007 draft.

In recent times he has shone at ‘doing the dirty stuff’ and his blocking has been instrumental in many plays (check out his block for the Blount touchdown run in the Super Bowl).

At 33 he will count $5m against the cap and the Eagles will save $4m in cap room by releasing him. There’s been rumblings he could even look to retire.

How about one more year on a reduced contract to try and get another ring? Please?

UPDATECelek was cut by the Eagles.

Torrey Smith

A common question throughout the season: can Smith catch the deep ball? And then he seemed to build some sort of rapport with Foles and then the flea ficker happened. Oh and he caught five catches for 49 yards in the Super Bowl.

But I don’t think that’s enough to save his spot on the roster.

The Eagles will save $5m against the cap, with no dead money. I don’t even see a scenario where he is offered a reduced contract. The Eagles wide receivers room is crowded and hopes are high for Mack Hollins in 2018.

UPDATE: Smith was traded to the Panthers. (but the trade takes place after the new league year starts, which means Smith’s salary still counts against the salary cap until then – Eagles will have to make moves elsewhere).

Vinny Curry

Curry could be a sneaky candidate for a release if the contract isn’t restructured.

He only signed a new contract two years ago (a five-year deal worth $46.25m and $8m fully guaranteed), and at the time a few eyebrows were raised. Feelings are mixed on the defensive end.

And with Brandon Graham likely set for a pay day and extension, will the Eagles want that much money dedicated to the defensive line?

The Eagles will save $5m against the cap if he is released before 1 June. With Derek Barnett, last year’s 1st round pick waiting in the wings, could the Eagles front office decide the time is right to elevate him to starter. If so, what does that mean for Curry?

I hope the contract is restructured, rather than the player being outright released, as his play improved significantly as the season wore on.

UPDATE: Curry cut by the Eagles.

Ones to keep an eye on

Mychal Kendricks – seems to spend his entire career on the trade block. Had a good 2017 season. Eagles may have to make a decision between Kendricks and Nigel Bradham, who is scheduled to be a free agent.

Jason Peters – big V, Halapoulivaati Vaitai, had a slow start but progressed well as the season went on, and was hardly mentioned in the playoffs – a good sign for an offensive lineman.

Donnie Jones – counts $1.625m against the cap this year. Could the Eagles move on from the 37-year-old in favour of a younger player such as practice squad member Cameron Johnston? UPDATE: Donnie Jones retired on 27 February.