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Thursday

8:41 a.m.: I woke up extra early (8 a.m…) with a little pep in my step today just to track DeMarco’s reported flight from Dallas to Philly. In fact, I’d be BULLISH on the Eagles offseason if they bring Murray on board. I mean, I’d have to be, since we’re gonna need Murray-Mathews-Sproles to carry the load with Gumby as a quarterback.

Here’s what we know:

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That would make sense– Murray lives in Las Vegas, but was supposedly in Dallas to meet with the Cowboys. After a thorough check of Flight Aware, including all known smaller airports, the only private jet currently WHEELS UP or scheduled between Philly and Dallas is this one, a Textron-owned private jet, which reader Dom points out is actually part of the Wheels Up leasing service, Flight N509UP:

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At first glance, you’d think that the private jet need not come from Philly to pick up Murray, but if we go deeper, Sal Pal, we’ll realize that Spain said Chip cancelled his flight. This plane flew from Florida to Philly last night, perhaps to pick up Chip this morning for his originally scheduled trip (CHIP’S TRIP– it rhymes!). So it would make sense that the same plane would be diverted to Dallas to pick up Murray.

I’m speculating here, and have no idea if this is actually his plane. But it’s our best candidate for now. If this one files a return flight plan to Philly– that’s our flight, that’s Murray’s chariot, awaiting. Keep it here. We’re creepin’ on the down low today.

[Would be my second Love Field-related Cowboys creepin’ in less than a month. Proud of myself.]

Wednesday

10:23 p.m.: Adam Schefter reports that DeMarco Murray is flying to Philadelphia tomorrow. And yep, I’m going to bed how I usually wake up.

4:59 p.m.: Bradford said he’s trying to recruit DeMarco Murray. How deep would it be if Chip traded for him just to get Murray here and then flips him for Mariota? I need some sleep.

4:56 p.m.: Jeff McLane not backing off the Mariota train, implying Eagles didn’t give Bradford a jersey because they don’t want the image to come back to haunt them (and him?):

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I don’t know, man. That would be cold… but, Chip Underwood:

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pic via (@picsmixed)

Just as long as Chip doesn’t kill Sam in a parking garage.

4:34 p.m.: I don’t know, maybe we like Sam Bradford?

4:24 p.m.: DeMarco Murray called Chip Kelly:

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HOT.

4:21 p.m.: Sam Bradford speaking to the media soon. First question: Ohhh, ohhhh, Sam! Sam! Sam! WHY?

4:19 p.m.: The Colts signed Andre Johnson.

4:03 p.m.: Eagles rolling out Bradford in front of media shortly. I HIGHLY doubt Chip was posturing before. If so, that’s cold. It looks like Bradford’s their guy. I would, of course, love to be wrong here.

2:25 p.m.: Both Adam Schefter and Peter Schrager agree that Ryan Mathews being an Eagle does not mean they’re out of the DeMarco Murray sweepstakes.

2:03 p.m.: Ryan Mathews is officially an Eagle according to Adam Schefter. Mathews’ contract is worth $11.5 million over three years, with $5 million of that guaranteed.

1:47 p.m.: Chip just spoke. Full update.

1:15 p.m.: Jeremy Maclin is officially a Chief:

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Photo: Chiefs

 

12:40 p.m.: It also means that any chance the Jets had of taking Bradford off the Eagles’ hands, however slim, is mostly gone.

12:29 p.m.: The Jets, whose quarterback is Geno Smith, traded for Ryan Fitzpatrick, reminding you that no matter how bad you think you have it, it could always be worse.

12:19 p.m.: Is the Marcus Mariota dream over? Jimmy Kempski doesn’t think so.

11:11 a.m.: Adam Schefter reports that, with the money he’s getting, Sam Bradford is “definitely” Chip’s guy. Some people won’t believe that until the draft comes and goes, but it’s what Schefter’s saying. And on the former Eagle front, Jeremy Maclin’s deal with the Chiefs will reportedly be worth $55 million over five years, including $22.5 million in guarantees.

10:37 a.m.: Former NFL trainer Mike RyanBesides the 2 ACL tears, the big concern w/ Sam Bradford’s sprained knee is the potential bone bruises & bone cartilage damage. Sweet.

10:28 a.m.: A friend just emailed me the following:

I have to stick with the premise that Kelly is smart. He’s the type of guy that is searching for a market inefficiency to exploit. Such as “huddling is a disadvantage.”

So, he thinks everyone else overvalues the draft… which is not an unreasonable conclusion – it’s a crapshoot. He also thinks that the bottom 2/3 of NFL rosters are largely interchangeable. Also, not unreasonable. (Barnwell- or someone- mentioned this in a throwaway line about the over-Oregonization of the Eagles after the McCoy trade).

So, Chip is praying upon everyone else’s belief that “you build through the draft” even though nobody hits more than they miss.

I completely agree, on the draft thing. Chip has said that he thinks footballsmen put too much stock in the draft, so trying to find value through trades and free agency makes sense– at least these guys have some record of contributing in the NFL. But here’s the problem: It’s a moneyball philosophy that, instead of using unsung advanced statistics (think Brad Pitt talking OBP in Moneyball), is built around rehabbing injured players. Science is amazing, and Chip obviously believes the Eagles can get these guys on the cheap, but at a certain point you’re letting going of truly impactful players and taking on a ton of risk in injury-prone ones. It’s dangerous. Finding market inefficiencies is all about taking calculated risks. I’m not so sure Chip ran the numbers on this one.

10:16 a.m.:

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Sure!

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9:54 a.m.: Breer says New Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford has just began running again and will throw, presumably for the first time since last summer, at OTAs. Sheil Kapadia notes that the Eagles’ three biggest acquisitions this month – Alonso, Bradford and Mathews – played in a combined eight games last season.

8:49 a.m.: Jeff McLane: Ryan Matthews has had only 1 season out of 5 in which he didn’t miss game bc of injury. Has dealt w/ broken clavicle/MCL sprain among others. Shaking my damn head.

8:46 a.m.: Former Congressional candidate Garry Cobb is having a rough morning:

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Just stick with it, Garry.

8:37 a.m.: Lots of shitty updates already this morning:

Mike Garafolo reports that the Eagles are expected to sign Ryan Mathews. He’s 27 and rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2013, but an MCL injury and ankle sprain sidelined him for most of last season.

Official: The Eagles signed Walter Thurmond to a one-year deal. Thurmond, of course, went to Oregon:

Thurmond, 27, has collared 84 tackles, one interception, 16 passes defensed, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery in his five seasons in the NFL. He was a valuable member of the Super Bowl XLVIII Champion Seahawks in 2013.

A collegiate standout at Oregon, Thurmond played in 41 games, recording 254 tackles, 12 interceptions and five touchdowns, while also serving as the team’s kickoff and punt returner. He hails from West Covina, CA.

He played in only two games last season due to a torn pectoral.

Voila_Capture 2015-03-11_08-41-45_AMVoila_Capture 2015-03-11_08-42-15_AMOfficial: The Birds also announced the two-year deal with Mark Sanchez.

I hate Chip Kelly right now. Signing this many injured players is the riskiest version of moneyball I’ve ever seen.

Tuesday

9:37 p.m.: Oh Josh Huff no:

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9:09 p.m.: Shill:

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9:08 p.m.: I love this:

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9:06 p.m.: Rappppppppppapppppppooorrrrpppppooooooorting the Eagles are in on DeMarco Murray: The prospect of DeMarco Murray leaving the #Cowboys is very real. At this point, they almost expect it. #Raiders in hard, #Eagles, Jags, too.

8:19 p.m.: According to Peter King, there’s a very simple reason this trade happened: Chip Kelly really wanted Sam Bradford.

7:51 p.m.: Is that… a light at the end of this tunnel? Bill Polian: “Keep an eye on Philadelphia, there is another shoe to drop. There is another shoe to drop.” And Marc Sessler of NFL.com: “Feels like the Foles/Bradford trade is part of a three-team swap. We just don’t know the third team yet.”

7:46 p.m.: Jeff Fisher, patronizing us:

“Sam was a leader on our team in the locker room and on the field. He was a great teammate who was dealt some adversity but handled it all with grace and dignity. He represented himself as well as the organization in a first-class manner. I wish him nothing but the best throughout his career.”

7:15 p.m.: Official: Eagles have agreed to terms with Byron Maxwell. Awesome.

7:04 p.m.: Cary Williams is a Seahawk. So there’s a secondary he can ruin.

6:59 p.m.: Questioning life.

6:56 p.m.: SO MANY CONDITIONS. Breer: Condition to Foles/Bradford deal … If Bradford doesn’t start 8 games, Eagles get a 4th round pick back. If he’s reinjured, they get a 3. It doesn’t matter what they’ll get back, because if Bradford is a bust, vouchers for NFL draft picks will be all that remains where the Linc once stood. Our sports, they hate us.

6:51 p.m.: Rapppppperpppporter reppporororoororororts that the second round pick in 2016 goes back to the Eagles if Bradford isn’t their starter. WHAT IS HAPPENING RIGHT NOW? WHY IS THIS?

6:50 p.m.: I’m vomiting those sandwiches:

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6:49 p.m. Don’t like this. There has to be another shoe to drop… right? Please?

6:47 p.m.: Trade official: Eagles acquire QB Sam Bradford, ’15 5th round draft pick from St. Louis in exchange for QB Nick Foles, ’15 4th round, ’16 2nd round picks. EW!

6:39 p.m.: I wonder what Howie Roseman is doing right now?

6:37 p.m.: Here’s McCoy on the NFL Network talking about his conversations with Frank Gore.

6:29 p.m.: I just ate a second pulled BBQ chicken sandwich out of pure nerves:

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6:28 p.m.: And here come the media grumbles:

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6:16 p.m.: Schefter says trade is official but draft picks aren’t disclosed.

WHY NOT?

6:15 p.m.: Andrew Brand is reporting that the Bradford trade includes picks in both 2015 and 2016. WHAT ROUND?!?!?!

6:11 p.m.: Wow– Chip went all Andy Bloom here:

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6:10 WIP:

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Anyone else getting the sense that McCoy really did talk Gore out of Philly? Gore is officially a Colt.

5:59 p.m.: Maclin deal with the Chiefs is still not done, though he’s reportedly on his way to KC. We heard some rumblings the other day that there was miscommunication between the Eagles and Maclin which led to Maclin agreeing to a deal with the Chiefs. We couldn’t confirm it, so take it with a grain of salt.

5:42 p.m.: Eliot Shorr-Parks wrote last month that some teams at the top of the draft have interest in Bradford.

5:38 p.m. Jason Myrtetus spoke with Jim Thomas, who’s reporting that the trade doesn’t include a swap of first round draft picks, and Thomas said that’s what he’s hearing. But he’s the only one reporting that.

5:34 p.m.: LeSean’s being a real jerk about this whole thing, though you wouldn’t expect him not to.

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5:29 p.m.: Malcolm Jenkins is doing some work here.

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5:25 p.m.: Ouch, guys. Not cool.

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5:21 p.m.: Now Jim Thomas (who covers the Rams) says the deal does not involve a swap of first rounders, while Albert Breer is backing off of it too.

5:19 p.m.: The Eagles and DeMarco Murray reportedly have mutual interest in each other.

4:59 p.m.: It’s officially official.

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4:56 p.m.: Ouch:

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4:55 p.m. Rams reporter Jim Thomas says it involves an exchange of picks in 2015 and conditional picks in 2016. WHICH ROUND?

4:39 p.m. Multiple reports that Jake Locker is retiring. The Titans, who pick second, might need another quarterback.

4:34 p.m.: Everyone on First Take hates the Eagles:

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4:27 p.m. EXCLUSIVE: CHIP KELLY RIGHT NOW:

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4:25 p.m.:

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4:22 p.m.: My mistake. Breer reports they swapped picks– doesn’t say which round.

4:20 p.m.: BREER REPORTS THEY SWAPPED FIRST ROUND PICKS AND GOT A CONDITIONAL SECOND ROUND PICK! They would now have the number 10 pick in the draft.

4:19 p.m.: Hinkied:

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4:16 p.m.: This can’t be real. Bradford has a $16.9 million cap hit this season. Gotta be another shoe to drop.

4:14 p.m.: Albert Breer reports it’s a second round pick coming the Eagles’ way.

4:12 p.m.:

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4:10 p.m.: From Jan:

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pic via (@Benedetti346)

 

4:06 p.m.: Idle thought: Chip Kelly has parted ways with the starting quarterback, running back and (top two) wide receivers from one of the best offenses in the league over the last 12 months. This is unprecedented.

4:04 p.m.: Picks are involved. It sounds like they’re coming to the Eagles. Do they flip them along with Bradford to trade up in draft?

4:03 p.m.: Ian Rapppppppoppppppppppport reports that the trade has been in the works for weeks. Eliot Shorr-Parks says Rams were interested when Eagles were shopping Foles at Senior Bowl.

4:02 p.m.: Jeff McLane reports it’s done.

3:59 p.m.: HOLY BALLS:

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2:33 p.m.: CHIP KELLY HATES BLACK PEOPLE!

http://youtu.be/2MKVWdw8gIE

from Eliot Shorr-Parks

1:06 p.m.:

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YEAH BUT HE’S A RACIST!

And, ggggross:

https://twitter.com/Banditmax/status/575339417746956288
12:46 p.m.: Adam Caplan reports the Trent Cole deal is not done.

12:23 p.m.: Schefter is reporting that Gore will sign with Indy for three years, $12 million. Fuck that guy. Rappppppppppp reppppppports that the Colts will also sign Trent Cole.

11:30 a.m.: NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein reported that someone close to Andre Johnson told him Johnson called Gore to convince him to join him in Indianapolis. What a jerk.

11:19 a.m.: Wow, please add Frank Gore to your shit lists:

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10:16 a.m.: Well, maybe not:

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Eliot Shorr-Parks put together a list of other free agent running backs available and, well, it leaves a lot to be desired. Rappppoppport says DeMarco Murray is reportedly interested in the Cardinals, Jaguars and Bucs.

9:32 a.m. Rapppppppopppport:

NFL Media reported that the Philadelphia Eagles were closing in on a deal for Frank Gore on Sunday. Other outlets were more aggressive, saying Gore to Philly was all but done.

Gore has other ideas. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport broke the news Monday that Gore has “pulled out” of the pending deal with the Eagles.

Anyone else feel like this is all a smokescreen to make it seem like that deal wasn’t reached prior to the time it was allowed? Am I just crazy?

9:21 a.m.: Aaron Wilson reports that Cary Williams will get three-year, $18 million deal with the Seahawks. Good luck with that, guys. Good luck with that. Nice swap for the Birds.

Monday

7:00 p.m.: Well … this is interesting: According to Ian Rapoport, Frank Gore is reconsidering signing with the Eagles, and he mentions the Colts as another possible suitor.

4:27 p.m.: Eagles confirm the Brandon Graham signing.

4:05 p.m.: Ian Rappppppoppppportttt reports the Eagles are re-signing Brandon Graham for four years, $26 million..

4:03 p.m.: Geoff Mosher may have some egg on his face:

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3:59 p.m.: Tim McManus reports that two sources suggest Brandon Graham is returning to the Eagles for four years, $6.5 million per season. .

3:42 p.m.: Schefter reporting that the Patriots will not pick up the $20 million on Darrelle Revis and that he will become a free agent tomorrow. HOT DAMN. Charles Robinson reports that the Pats and Revis will continue talking.

12:18 p.m.: Peter King on Byron Maxwell:

The Eagles did what you should never do with a decent player on a championship team: vastly overpay him. Cornerback Byron Maxwell agreed to a six-year, $63 million deal (a $10.5 million average). I get it, and free agency is good for the players, so good for Maxwell. But in paying Maxwell—the 45th-rated cornerback in the league last season by Pro Football Focus—so much, the team and fans will expect him to be a shutdown corner, which he most decidedly is not. He’s a physical, tall, competitive corner, but not a great one. The Eagles will end up being disappointed, the same way Dallas was disappointed in Brandon Carr. I recall the words of the late Giants GM George Young: No player ever plays better because you pay him more money. Unfortunately, Philadelphia will be an unforgiving market if/when Maxwell gets beat a few times.

Fun.

11:41 a.m.: Great Tweet from ZWR:

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11:37 a.m.: Derek Gunn, host of Gunn-On-One, reports that Brandon Graham is leaning towards the Dolphins and Titans but might be made an offer by the Giants.

11:34 a.m.: Schefter reports that the league is looking into a number of reported “agreements” reached before free agency officially begins and will deal with violations accordingly. Gotta love a league that acknowledges “tampering” and then declares it OK only to then punish teams who take advantage of it. Roger Goodell, ladies and gentlemen.

10 a.m.: Adam Schefter and Jeff McLane are reporting that Jeremy Maclin will get $11 million per year from the Chiefs– that’s more than Randall Cobb at $10 million per.