• Loading stock data...
Friday, February 14, 2025

Howie Roseman’s Salary-Cap Magic Turned Eagles Into a Juggernaut

The Eagles have made their second Super Bowl appearance in three years and have the NFL’s second-best regular-season record in that span behind the Chiefs.

Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Howie Roseman got his revenge in 2018. The Eagles GM—who was effectively demoted in 2015 in favor of head coach Chip Kelly—hoisted the Lombardi Trophy two years after Kelly was fired by Philadelphia.

But as the Eagles prepare for their third Super Bowl appearance in the last eight years (including their second in the last three), Roseman’s resurgence is not simply a reclamation story. He has built a juggernaut in Philadelphia, one that has the NFL’s second-best regular-season record over the last three years, behind only the Chiefs, and that should remain competitive for years to come.

Roseman is a salary cap magician who used every possible loophole to ensure sustained success for the Eagles. His favorite trick was the use of void years—which stretch a player’s cap hit past the seasons included in his contract—to ensure additional cap space in the short term.

Void years can be found in the contracts of many of the team’s stars, including MVP candidate Saquon Barkley, who was signed this offseason. Barkley inked a three-year, $37.75 million deal with void years from 2027 to 2030, which leaves a potential $19.3 million cap hit for the Eagles in 2027 if he doesn’t re-sign. However, his cap hit this season was just $3.8 million, which allowed them to sign other major free agents, including Defensive Player of the Year nominee Zack Baun.

Roseman also restructured several contracts with veteran players, including cornerback Darius Slay two offseasons ago. The Eagles nearly released the six-time Pro Bowler, but instead gave him a $6 million raise in guaranteed money and added void years to his deal.

Philadelphia has also hit on its draft picks in recent years, including Jalen Carter (No. 9 in 2023), Quinyon Mitchell (No. 22 in 2024), and Cooper DeJean (a second-round pick—40th overall—in 2024). The latter two are nominated for this season’s Defensive Rookie of the Year award. Hitting on draft picks gives teams competent players on rookie-scale deals, and allows for flexibility down the line when some stars age out (i.e., Mitchell and DeJean taking over for 34-year-old Slay).

Future Regret?

The risk of stretching out contracts and adding void years is limiting future flexibility. The Eagles were just 19th in the league in cap allocation this year, but already have the largest number every season from 2027 to 2030, per Spotrac.

While this could come back to bite Philadelphia down the line, many of the players it has locked up for multiple years are in their prime. This means their competitive window will likely last beyond this recent three-year stretch. Roseman also has proved he can be shrewd with his roster moves, which may need to include moving on from some stars in the coming years to make space. Lastly, the NFL salary cap has increased by between 7.7% and 14% in each of the last four years. Future years are expected to have additional space.

Ultimately, a Super Bowl win this season may be worth any future pain for the Eagles front office, and give them some leeway against potential criticism from one of the country’s most infamous fan bases.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

What Has to Happen Next for Flag Football to Become an NCAA..

Flag football is one step closer to being a full-fledged college sport.

Kelsey Plum Introduced in L.A., Throws Jab at Las Vegas Aces

She won two championships with the Las Vegas Aces.

Caitlin Clark Effect: Lasting Impact on Women’s College Hoops Viewership?

Women’s March Madness starts March 16 with Selection Sunday.
hanson_smiling
exclusive

Scott Hanson in Talks With NBC As NFL Network Negotiations Stall

The NFL RedZone host hosted NBC’s Olympics ‘Gold Zone’ coverage last summer.

Featured Today

Jan 9, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) checks Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) during the third period at PPG Paints Arena

‘Important’ 4 Nations Face-Off Can Be NHL’s All-Star Antidote

“The stars have been lobbying the league for an event like this.”
Brady and Mahomes
February 8, 2025

Chiefs Fatigue Is Real. It’s Nowhere Near Patriots Hate Yet

People who have covered both teams say the difference is stark.
Nov 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) celebrates with running back Saquon Barkley (26) after the Eagles defeat the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium.
February 7, 2025

How the Eagles Reinvented Championship Roster Construction

Philadelphia is one of the most innovative franchises in the NFL.
February 3, 2025

‘Ultimate Throwback’: The Unimpeachable Cool of Hartford Whalers Gear

Nostalgia and street cred have driven a consistent frenzy for merch.

Red Sox Return to Big Spending With $120M Alex Bregman Deal

The contract with the former Astros star revives a prior franchise mentality.
Mark Williams
February 11, 2025

Failed Deadline Deal Leaves Hornets, Lakers in Unprecedented Territory

The trade would have sent center Mark Williams to Los Angeles.
Nov 26, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Alex Rodriguez watches as the Minnesota Timberwolves lose to the Houston Rockets in overtime at Target Center.
February 11, 2025

Glen Taylor Has ‘Limited’ Legal Options to Keep Timberwolves

One litigator says it’s usually “very hard to vacate an arbitration award.”
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Feb 10, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Dante Exum (0) shoots over Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center.
February 11, 2025

Mavericks Eject Fans Over ‘Fire Nico’ Jeers, Skip Postgame Press Conference

The team booted multiple fans from Monday night’s game.
February 10, 2025

Arbitrators Find for A-Rod, Marc Lore in Timberwolves Ownership Battle

Rodriguez is set to become an NBA owner after a yearslong saga.
February 10, 2025

Eagles Laid Super Bowl Blueprint, but the Bill Is Coming Soon

Zack Baun and Josh Sweat will be free agents this offseason.
February 10, 2025

Lakers, Luka Dončić Seize Super Bowl Spotlight With Star’s Monday Debut

The Lakers face the Jazz on Monday night.