The Facts: According to a person familiar with the situation who requested anonymity, the Eagles have prioritized getting new contracts done with Ertz, OT Lane Johnson and DE Vinny Curry. As first reported by NJ Advance Media following the team's Week 17 win over the New York Giants, the Eagles have already made a contract offer to Curry. It is expected they will be making offers to Johnson and Ertz soon, in hopes of locking up the trio sooner rather than later.
Diehards Line:
Now that the Eagles are expected to switch back to a 4-3 defense, having Curry becomes crucial, as he is likely the team's best pure pass rusher as a defensive end, ahead of maybe even Pro-Bowl defensive lineman Fletcher Cox. Locking up Johnson and Ertz, for the Eagles, would be a move made to potentially save them money down the line. Although he had issues with penalties, Johnson was the Eagles' best offensive lineman last season, playing both tackle positions. Getting a new deal done with Ertz, who will become a free agent next offseason, makes sense as the tight end could put up big numbers this season with new head coach Doug Pederson. Over the past two seasons, Chiefs TE Travis Kelce has been targeted 187 times, making him the go-to open on his team in the passing game. If Pederson brings a similar offense to the Eagles that the Chiefs ran, Ertz could have a career year right before he hits free agency, and his price tag could skyrocket.