Once upon a time there was ‘The Core Four’: Jason Kelce, Fletcher Cox, Lane Johnson, and Brandon Graham. Jason and Fletch retired during the most recent offseason, so there were two. The Philadelphia Eagles found redemption in Super Bowl LIX, avenging a loss vs. the Kansas City Chiefs team that had beaten them two years prior.
That’s when we began discussing four other Eagles, the high-priority free agents: Zack Baun, Milton Williams, Josh Sweat, and Mekhi Becton. Those were the guys we felt were most worthy of extensions.
There was a problem though. We felt that salary cap thing would prevent the Birds from hanging on to everyone, and after two recent announcements, we’re more certain of that now.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler believes the Eagles will part ways with two defensive contributors.
We didn’t see this coming, but we have no problem with the decision. Philadelphia announced on Tuesday, March 4 that they are rewarding Saquon Barkley with a two-year contract extension that keeps him in the nest through the 2028-29 season.
One day later, Zack Baun was awarded an extension too. It’s a three-year deal that keeps him in the fold through the 2027-28 season. We’ll see what that means for Mekhi Becton, but by most accounts, many believe the writing is on the wall for Williams and Sweat.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler agrees:
Both are among the top highly-touted impending free agents. That should land them huge paydays, but those paydays figure to be offered by other teams.
Philly gets what they hoped for though. Baun stays home. Barkley is happy and, in all likelihood, an Eagle for life. Philly sends a clear message to the rest of the league and future free agents.
This has already been a destination of choice for great players seeking a home. Seeing the front office do right by Saquon Barkley only reaffirms that, and you can best believe everyone has taken notice.