Want to Ban Banner… Try Reading Reid First…

Many Philly loyalists are up in arms over the lack of moves during this tumultous and pivotal offseason. Our beloved Eagles are coming off a pitiful showing against the hated, archrival Cowgirls and have, seemingly, done very little to improve their chances at redemption. The fact of the matter, it might be the best non moves that we make that determine whether we can make significant runs at the NFC crown, not just this season, but after the collective bargaining situation has been settled.

Before we get into why we can’t blame Joe Banner or Andy Reid for these unfortunate circumstances surrounding the Eagles, seemingly, thrifty lack of spending on top tier talent this offseason, we have to understand the way they do business. Andy, Joe, and Jeffrey have always structured contracts a certain way. They give a certain percentage of the player’s bonus money up front while back loading the cap hits till the later years in the contract. Doing business this way allows for cap flexibility and budget flexibility on the top tier draft talent and other free agents. For example, if either Jevon Kearse or Brian Westbrook’s contracts weren’t structured this way, there is little chance the Eagles would have re-signed or signed them, respectfully. This has its positives for the organization and negatives as well. We have experienced both. Terrell Owens, Corey Simon, Lito Sheppard, Sheldon Brown, Brian Dawkins, Brian Westbrook, Shawn Andrews, Jeremiah Trotter, as well as many others have represented both sides of the coin. We have seen the darkest side of the T.O drama and the brightest sides of Brian Westbrook’s back loaded contract extension.

This offseason is as unique as Freddie Mitchell’s frohawk. Just look at that beautiful flow fro corn row action.

Anyway, agents are advising their clients to not accept deals without front loaded contracts due to the impending lockout in 2011. This is a direct policy no-no for the Eagles. From the outset, you could forget the Julius Pepper’s and Aaron Kampman’s of the world and for good reason. The Eagles don’t want to pay any guy 20MM in the first season and, potentially, have them bust without any production from the second season of their contract. But, then again, where would all the Albert Haynesworth’s of the world be ? See below for Julius Pepper’s contract structure with the Bears.

Julius Peppers’ Cap Hit Under New Contract

2010 — $20m
2011 — $11.5m
2012 — $9m
2013 — $13m
2014 — $14m
2015 — $16.5m

First 3 years are guaranteed- 40.5MM for 3 yrs

These are tactics that Andy Reid brought to Philadelphia long before Joe Banner arrived. It seems that Banner has implemented a strict payroll budget set by Jeffrey Lurie, as has been indicative of his operating style of the cap. It’s neither of these guys fault that they are manuevering with extreme caution around these dangerous times. If Peppers flops and the NFL has a lockout, the Bears are stuck with an aging Peppers that they have committed major resources to without a possibility of him rebounding on the second season. $40.5m for a potential flop and in a highly likely lockout situation? The Eagles do not want to be in that position. They’d rather make simple moves ( see Darryl Tapp and Mike Bell ) that will keep them in contention. It’s a plan they have had set forth from the outset. This formula has put them in a position to win for many seasons and will continue to do so after the dust has settled. Stay patient Philadelphia. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a step. We have taken many steps, we need to take a few more.