Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com recently predicted 30 AFC players who could be released by their teams, and that contained a surprising name — former Eagles and current Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy.
Why McCoy?
McCoy is a very awkward fit in new coordinator Rick Dennison’s one-cut running attack. The Bills could decide to risk letting McCoy go a year too early rather than hold on to him a year too long. If the team designated McCoy a post-June 1 cut, they get $6.25 million in cap room and — more importantly — save $6 million in cash to spend elsewhere. The Bills have a number of high-priced players who may no longer work with the new coaching staff. Tight end Charles Clay is paid like a superstar for role-player production, although his contract makes him difficult to cut. Defensive end Jerry Hughes and defensive tackle Kyle Williams are also questionable fits with new coach Sean McDermott. GM Doug Whaley may be loath to blow this team up because of the dead money involved, but there’s a case to be made to start clearing the decks.
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McCoy is coming off of a season in which he finished with 1,267 yards and 13 touchdowns, one of the best seasons from an NFL running back in 2016.
If he is released, could the Eagles show interest?
McCoy wouldn’t fit in the Eagles’ plan of building around younger players. He is 28 years old and has 1,898 carries in his career. But McCoy is not yet on the downswing of his career.
The Eagles need a running back if they say goodbye to Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles. Even if Sproles is back, the Eagles can’t use him as their feature back. Second-year player Wendell Smallwood doesn’t appear ready to become the top back.
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The Eagles might want a reunion with McCoy.
While plenty of speculation has centered around receiver DeSean Jackson coming back this offseason, McCoy was greeted with a hug by owner Jeffery Lurie when he returned to Philly as a member of the Bills two seasons ago.
Also, unlike Jackson, McCoy is one of the best players in team history, and is the franchise’s all-time leading rusher. Having McCoy finish his career in Philadelphia would appeal to Lurie more than having Jackson back.
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Eliot Shorr-Parks may be reached at eshorrpa@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @EliotShorrParks. Find NJ.com Eagles on Facebook.
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