Right now, the Eagles and Cowboys have one thing in common — they both were duds in the wild-card round of these NFL playoffs. My word. Philadelphia lost by 23 and allowed a 330-plus yard passer. Dallas lost by 16 at home and Packers quarterback Jordan Love averaged 13 yards per attempt in his postseason debut. Woof.
But which NFC East club is better positioned to bounce back in 2024? Or 2025? Let’s breakdown each team’s current situation to find an answer.
Finances
2024 cap space
Eagles: $28.5M
Cowboys: -$11M
The league average is currently $25.5M. Currently, this is clearly advantage Eagles. But it’s common knowledge now that the cap situation can be rather easily manipulated in the offseason. Some cuts here, a few restructures here, an extension, and a team is cap compliant in the snap of a finger. How many additions to the roster does a team need to make to become serious contenders again? That matters much more. Are foundational pieces already on the roster and most of them signed long-term? Or do paramount second contracts linger?
For example, the Cowboys’ in-the-red figure comes from 49 contracts signed through at least the 2024 season. The Eagles, only 42 contracts.
And yes, Micah Parsons is due for an exorbitant contract extension. He should get it this offseason. This is not a contract on which the Cowboys want to wait. The first year or two could feature low cap hit but then will balloon. And Parsons will deserve every dollar he receives from Jerry Jones.
Technically, the Eagles are in a better financial situation. But it’s slightly more negligible than it appears on paper at the moment.
Advantage: Eagles, marginally
Free Agents
These clubs are about even when it comes to key free agents. The Eagles have Fletcher Cox, Brandon Graham, D’Andre Swift and Zach Cunningham. The Cowboys have Tyron Smith, Stephon Gilmore, Tony Pollard and Dorance Armstrong.
As…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/eagles-or-cowboys-a-look-at-whos-in-a-better-position-to-bounce-back-from-horrible-nfl-playoff-showing/
Author : Chris Trapasso
Publish date : 2024-01-16 15:30:58
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