Fantasy Index

Around the NFL

Eagles keeping the gang together

The Eagles were a surprise division-winner in Chip Kelly's first season as head coach, and it looks like they're determined to keep that momentum going in 2014. Left tackle, center, wideout(s) -- they're bringing everyone back in an effort to build on last season's success.

A one-year deal for Jeremy Maclin, coming off a torn ACL, is the latest signing. That came on the heels of multi-year commitments to Riley Cooper (5 years, $25 million), Jason Peters (5, 51) and Jason Kelce (6, 37.5). Receiver and offensive line assurances to go with one of the league's best running backs and a top-performing quarterback; it all looks good for the Eagles.

Philly keeping its offense together makes sense. A year ago it ranked 2nd in yards and 4th in points; it had the league's top-ranked rushing offense and was No. 8 in passing. Now it just needs to fix its defense: 29th in yards allowed, 17th in points and last against the pass.

A rumor going around yesterday might help there. The Dolphins, apparently, are shopping Dion Jordan, who the team traded up to select No. 3 overall just last draft. Jordan played for Chip Kelly at Oregon, and Philadelphia needs defensive help, so it's not unreasonable to connect the dots.

The Dolphins deny they're shopping Jordan (the Jason LaCanfora report also had them shopping other big names including Mike Wallace and Cameron Wake), but what are they going to say? These stories usually have some truth, and Miami has a new GM looking to correct some Jeff Ireland mistakes.

Back to the Eagles. On offense, they look ready to have another big season. On defense, they just need to get better, and they could take control of what looks like a messed-up NFC East these days.

--Andy Richardson

Fantasy Index