February 02, 2016
Last week, PhillyVoice reported that Vinny Curry was the Eagles' top immediate free agent priority. Today the Birds locked up Curry on a five-year deal, which was first reported by Albert Breer of NFL.com.
Eagles DE Vinny Curry has agreed to a five-year deal worth $47.25 million. $23 million guaranteed.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) February 2, 2016
The Eagles confirmed that Curry did indeed agree to terms that will keep him in Philly through 2020. Before the money was reported, Curry sort of broke the news himself, via Twitter and Instagram:
#FlyEaglesFly 5 More Years.... God Is Great https://t.co/TLQGf77qcj
— Vinny Curry (@MrGetFlee99) February 2, 2016
In four seasons, while not playing anywhere near as much as he should have, Curry has 16.5 career sacks. His best season was 2014, when he racked up nine sacks and four forced fumbles.
Curry is arguably the Eagles' best pass rusher, and he should be a tremendous fit in Jim Schwartz's attacking 4-3 scheme. Curry has the versatility to play DE, and move inside to DT on obvious passing downs.
The Eagles now have three players -- Curry, Brandon Graham, and Connor Barwin -- who are all making "starter money" at DE. Earlier today, we listed Barwin as a potential trade chip.
Barwin has been a really good player for the Eagles over the last three years, and a positive influence in the locker room. However, he is an imperfect fit in the Eagles' 4-3 defense. Schwartz mentioned Barwin as a defensive lineman in his scheme, although he also has the athleticism and size to be a quality SAM linebacker as well.
However, Barwin's true fit in the NFL is the role he has played with the Eagles since 2013 -- as a "Jack" linebacker in a 3-4. It will be interesting to see if other teams come calling to check on Barwin's availability. If the Eagles traded Barwin, they would save $6,150,000 on the cap in 2016.
The Eagles have now locked up Zach Ertz, Brent Celek, Lane Johnson, and Curry to contract extensions. Who's next?
Follow Jimmy on Twitter: @JimmyKempski
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