By Art Beitchman
All things being equal, it is preposterous to believe the Eagles would not pay LeSean McCoy the $9.75 million he’s due to make for the 2015 season. But that subject has been fodder for sports talk radio, the internet “blogosphere”, morning, noon, and night.
Let’s not forget Shady is only 26 years old, has played 16 regular season games in back to back seasons. In 2013 led the NFL in rushing with 1,607 yards, dropped off to 1319 in 2014, still in the prime of his career, and very durable.
McCoy could be asked to restructure his contract, but I doubt they would jettison him from the team over money, but who knows? They did it to DeSean Jackson, the Eagles’ best receiver, last March.
Darren Sproles is still under contract as the ultimate change of pace back who gave the Birds production carrying the rock, and as a pass catcher out of the backfield. Sproles singlehandedly won at least two games last season for the Eagles, a keeper to be sure.
Red zone scoring remained a bit of a problem last season, but RB Chris Polk gave the Eagles some power running in goal line situations, scoring four TD’s. No doubt he’ll be back.
Some free agents who might garner some interest by the Birds as backups: Darren McFadden of the Raiders will be on the market, only 27 with some tread still on the tire. The Falcons’ Jacquizz Rodgers also is slated to be available, and he is a player with ability who would bolster the running game in 2015.
