How the Philadelphia Eagles can create more than $30M in cap space
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- With the NFL salary cap increasing, the Philadelphia Eagles gained more cap space to use in NFL free agency, which starts on March 13.
The Eagles currently have $27.4 million in cap space, per Over The Cap, but there are multiple ways general manager Howie Roseman can open up even more cap space for 2024.
RELATED: 5 free agent targets for Philadelphia Eagles with ties to defensive coordinator Vic Fangio
Here are five ways the Eagles can open up more than $30 million in cap space for the 2024 season:
Cutting Kevin Byard
At the time, the move to acquire Kevin Byard from the Tennessee Titans ahead of the NFL trade deadline made sense. The Eagles needed safety help after dealing with injuries and youth at the position, but the move didn't work out as planned.
Byard, who will be 31 by the time the 2024 season starts, looked a step slower in the 10 games he played with the Eagles as the team's pass defense got picked apart. He had 75 combined tackles, three pass deflections and one interception in those 10 games.
Byard grew up in West Philly and idolized Eagles legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins as a young football player, but it's unlikely he'll return to play for his hometown team in the 2024 season.
By cutting Byard with a post-June 1 designation, the Eagles would open $14 million in cap space for 2024, per Over The Cap.
Cap space opened: $14 million
Extending Haason Reddick
Haason Reddick is entering the final year of a three-year, $45 million contract with the Eagles for the 2024 season, which has been talked about plenty since the disastrous end to the 2023 season.
In early February, NFL Network reported the Eagles gave permission for Reddick to seek a trade, but the Camden native later said he "never asked for a trade."
RELATED: Several teams express interest in trading for Philadelphia Eagles edge rusher Haason Reddick: report
"Never asked for a trade. However, I do understand it's a business," Reddick posted X. "Preparing for whatever is next!"
Before the 2023 season, Reddick told CBS Sports he was "hopeful" to get a new contract with the Eagles and wanted to "represent my city for the rest of my career."
If the Eagles and Reddick can agree on a contract extension, it would save the Eagles $11.8 million, per Over The Cap.
Since the Eagles signed Reddick, he's been one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. He's recorded 27 sacks, 49 quarterback hits and two trips to the Pro Bowl in the past two years, along with Second-Team All-Pro honors in 2022.
Cap space opened: $25.8 million
Extending Landon Dickerson
Like Reddick, Eagles left guard Landon Dickerson is also entering the final year of his contract with the Eagles.
After the Birds drafted Dickerson in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft, he signed a four-year, $8.6 million contract with the team. He'll have a $2.7 million cap hit for the 2024 season.
But if the Eagles extend Dickerson, it will save the Birds $3 million against the cap, per Over The Cap.
Dickerson has earned two trips to the Pro Bowl over the past two seasons.
Cap space opened: $28.8 million
Extending or restructuring Josh Sweat
Reddick might not be the only member of the Eagles defensive line to get a contract extension.
Defensive end Josh Sweat is also due for a new contract extension, making things tough for the Birds.
Sweat, 26, is coming off a down season compared to his 2022 season where he had a career-high 11 sacks. He had 6.5 sacks in the 2023 season and didn't record one in the final seven regular season games.
RELATED: Philadelphia Eagles 2024 offseason: pending free agents, NFL draft, more
But, by extending or restructuring Sweat, the Eagles would save $2.5 million against the cap, according to Over The Cap.
Per Spotrac, Sweat could earn a three-year, $64 million contract.
Cap space opened: $31.3 million
DeVonta Smith extension
DeVonta Smith will be with the Eagles through the 2025 season after the team picks up the fifth-year option on his contract, but he could get locked up for a long time if Philly extends him.
By extending Smith, the Eagles would save $1.8 million against the cap for 2024, per Over The Cap.
Playing alongside star wideout A.J. Brown, Smith has been a key piece to Philly's offense over the past three seasons. He had 81 catches, 1,066 yards and seven touchdowns for the Birds in the 2023.
Cap space opened: $33.1 million
