Connor Barwin's time with Eagles coming to a close
Connor Barwin’s days in Philadelphia are more than likely over.
The Philadelphia Eagles take on the Dallas Cowboys in their season finale Sunday. With the final game of the 2016 season closing in, it’s time to start thinking about which players will be taking the field in an Eagles uniform for the last time.
Connor Barwin immediately comes to mind.
In his fourth season with the Eagles, Barwin has become a fan favorite in Philadelphia. Barwin has been nominated for the NFL Man of the Year award two seasons in a row thanks to his efforts in helping the community and interacting with fans.
Unfortunately, Barwin’s production has declined and his price tag is going up, making it fair to wonder if he will return in 2017.
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In his first three seasons with the Eagles, Barwin recorded 177 tackles, 26 sacks and four forced fumbles as an outside linebacker. But with the hiring of Doug Pederson and Jim Schwartz, the Eagles switched to a 4-3 base defense, causing Barwin to make the switch to defensive end. In his one year in a 4-3 front, Barwin has recorded 33 tackles and only four sacks, which is far short of his normal output.
According to Over the Cap, the Eagles have less than $9 million in available cap space, which is close to nothing in today’s NFL. Barwin is scheduled to make $8,350,000 in 2017. By cutting him, the Eagles would save $7.75 million, giving the team some extra money to spend in free agency.
In all likelihood, Barwin will be playing his final game in an Eagles uniform Sunday. Despite his prior success and off-field heroics, Barwin simply doesn’t fit the Eagles’ defensive scheme any longer. Vinny Curry, a natural 4-3 defensive end, signed a long-term extension during the offseason for a reason, and it all seems to equate to the eventual release of Barwin.
