Eagles Intell on the Eve of Free Agency

The Eagles have made a strong effort to re-sign safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, according to ESPN, hardly a surprise but one that also needs some context.

The first question surrounds the franchise tag, a tool the Eagles dislike to use in general but could have been a valuable placeholder from a strategy standpoint if the organization really did want to keep Gardner-Johnson at all costs and was concerned about what the actual market might provide.

In the case of Gardner-Johnson, the franchise number would have been $14.46 million, something too significant for Philadelphia, which has a lot of moving parts, to say the least, when it comes to free agency.

That sparked what some saw as a goodbye to Philly video Gardner-Johnson posted on social media. The Eagles, though, are still hoping to get the playmaker back.

A former NFL GM who spoke with SI Eagles Today said the same thing as ESPN with the added nuance.

“The Eagles are trying to keep him but they are pretty disciplined. Look at (Marcus) Williams last year They wanted him badly and got out when the price got too high and he’s a better player (in the organization's eyes),” the former executive said.

Complicating matters further is Gardner-Johnson is the age (25) NFL teams want to pay and had a career season after coming over from New Orleans in a late-August trade, tying for the NFL lead in interceptions despite missing five games with a lacerated kidney.

“Plays get you paid,” the executive said.

“Philly really liked Williams better (last year) and still stuck to the plan so I don’t think that changes here. It seems like they are going to let the market decide and if that’s the case, they will probably lose him.”

The same holds true for defensive tackle Javon Hargrave.

“The three-tech market is exploding," the ex-GM said and he's at the top. "I wouldn’t be surprised if he hits $20 million. It’s rare that interior pass rushers like that even get to free agency.”

The biggest surprise as far as big money goes could be Mike linebacker T.J. Edwards, another player the Eagles value and want to keep but could be priced out of the market.

“When it comes to Edwards there are teams who value the position more and I think Howie (Roseman) will have a number there he’s not going past and others will beat it," the executive assessed.

Finally, there are starting outside cornerbacks James Bradberry and Darius Slay, the latter of whose agent, Drew Rosenhaus, was granted permission to seek a trade.

“Those two aren’t related," the former GM assessed. "Slay is on his last year and wants an extension and his cap number is too high, so let Drew go shop and see what the market is. That’s a calculated gamble with the thought Slay’s age (32) keeps the number down.

“I expect him back [in Philadelphia]. Bradnerry is getting paid and I think the draft is the plan there (to replace him).”

-John McMullen contributes Eagles coverage for SI.com's Eagles Today and is the NFL Insider for JAKIB Media. You can listen to John, alongside legendary sports-talk host Jody McDonald every morning from 8-10 on ‘Birds 365,” streaming live on YouTube. John is also the host of his own show "Football 24/7 and a daily contributor to ESPN South Jersey. You can reach him at jmcmullen44@gmail.com or on Twitter @JFMcMullen