Here's a thought that should probe troubling to Eagles fans.
If Chip Kelly can't reel in Frank Gore, what makes you believe he's going to be able to swing a deal for Marcus Mariota.
In case you haven't heard, there might be a reversal of fortune when it comes to the 49ers running back who was to come here and fill the gaping void left by the departure of LeSean McCoy.
Initial reports indicated Gore, a perennial 1,000-yard workhouse who has not missed a game in ages, would sign with the Birds. But last night, in the flurry of rumors, social media and gossip that marks the approaching official start of free agent signings this afternoon, it was beginning to look like Gore was having a change of heart. He now might be snubbing the Birds in favor of joining Andrew Luck and the Colts, who also could use help at the running back position.
None of this will mean anything until 4 o'clock this afternoon, when the free agent signings can become official.
One thing is clear. Chip Kelly isn't used to taking no for an answer. He usually gets what he wants. He wanted a little more while being wooed by Jeff Lurie, Joe Banner and the Eagles a couple of years ago, initially rejecting their pursuit in favor of staying at Oregon. Kelly wanted more. And he got it.
He did not like DeSean Jackson's act. Jackson is no longer an Eagle, being unceremoniously cut without so much as a low draft pick in return. Jackson landed just down I-95 with the Redskins.
Kelly did not like the power-sharing in the Eagles organization, in particular the role of Howie Roseman, espcially after Roseman jettisoned Kelly's guy Tom Gamble. It certainly appears Lurie sided with his coach, demoting his longtime ally Roseman, and giving Kelly complete control over the roster and personnel decisions.
That came after the Eagles, who once sat at 9-3, imploded and failed to make the playoffs.
It's clear Kelly wants change. And he's getting it.
He stunned most observers by sending McCoy, who happens to be the Eagles all-time rusher, to the Bills for linebacker Kiko Alonso. Jeremy Maclin was not given the franchise tag. He apparently wanted more than Kelly thought he was worth, and was allowed to go to Kansas City, where he will be reunited with Andy Reid.
It does appear Kelly has reeled in cornerback Byron Maxwell to fill one of the two opening in the Birds defensive backfield. He still needs another corner and a safety as well.
And it was thought Gore would share the running load with Chris Polk. Now apparently Gore is having second thoughts.
The Eagles did announce yesterday that they had re-signed linebacker Brandon Graham.
Of course, that word did not come from Kelly.
He does not like to talk to the press, or seemingly anyone else.
But the time is coming when Kelly will have to explain this odd series of offseason moves.
He certainly is getting things his way.
Whether that will mean a better team or not remains to be seen.
Comments