![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,<svg height="433" width="780" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" version="1.1"/>)
The Philadelphia Eagles benefited from a strange loophole that saves the franchise around $4.25 million in salary-cap relief. Veteran receiver Marquise Goodwin reverted back to the San Francisco 49ers, per the NFL transactions wire, in a move that should put the Eagles right under the $182.5 million threshold.
The Eagles will also receive a seventh-round draft pick from the 49ers as terms dictated by last year’s original trade. Goodwin opted out of the 2020 campaign due to COVID-10 concerns and never played a down in Philly. The 30-year-old speed threat is expected to be released by the 49ers, so the odd twist of fate was procedural. Goodwin last played in 2019 when he hauled in 12 balls for 186 yards and a touchdown. He has been decimated by injuries throughout his career.
Goodwin’s exit only hastens the franchise’s commitment to developing their young wide receivers. The Eagles will enter the 2021 season with a pass-catching group consisting of Jalen Reagor, Travis Fulgham, Greg Ward. J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, John Hightower, Quez Watkins, and Deontay Burnett. The new seventh-rounder also ups their total draft picks to 11 in April’s draft as rumors continue to spread of them taking a receiver in the first round with the sixth overall pick.
Follow the Heavy on Eagles Facebook page for the latest breaking news, rumors and content!
Zach Ertz Given Permission to Seek Trade
It was just a formality at this point but now it’s official. The Eagles have granted Zach Ertz permission to seek a trade, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, and he could be off the roster in a matter of days. Teams being linked to the three-time Pro Bowl tight end include the Indianapolis Colts, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks, Buffalo Bills.
Another interesting piece of new information — first pointed out by NFL Network — reported that Ertz isn’t necessarily seeking out a new contract as part of a sign-and-trade. He’s willing to play out the final year of his current deal, at $8.25 million, and figure an extension out later. Interesting.
Backup QBs Going Fast in Free Agency
The Eagles’ plan to add an experienced backup quarterback has taken a severe hit in recent days. First, Ryan Fitzpatrick came off the market when he signed a $10 million deal with the Washington Football Team.
Then, Tyrod Taylor (Houston Texans), Jacoby Brissett (Miami Dolphins), and Andy Dalton (Chicago Bears) all found new homes while Jameis Winston re-upped with the New Orleans Saints. So the choices to hold Jalen Hurts’ clipboard are slim right now. The biggest name still out there is Alex Smith who helped Washington win the NFC East in 2020.
Other guys to keep tabs on include Mitchell Trubisky, Colt McCoy, Chase Daniel, A.J. McCarron. Not great. There’s always the possbility that Philly brings back Nate Sudfeld on a cheap one-year deal considering the owner’s affection for the 27-year-old quarterback.
“He was our backup in the Super Bowl because we had so much confidence in Nate,” Jeffrey Lurie said in January. “We talked about [how] we are going to advance far here, we hope, and who is going to be there if Nick [Foles] gets injured, and we had a lot of confidence in Nate.”
READ ALSO:
- Doug Pederson Reveals ‘Final Say’ on QB Change
- Carson Wentz Responds to Criticism
- Eagles Talk Benching Carson Wentz for Jalen Hurts
- Eagles Admit to Having Sloppy Practices
- Eagles Respond to Bombshell Blow It Up Report