We’ve already come to phrases with the probability that Nakobe Dean’s time with the Philadelphia Eagles could also be ending. We’ve already heard the drumbeat getting louder. Despite a record-setting salary cap number, there are just too many nice gamers to pay and not enough cash to go around.
Philadelphia has its conundrum, balancing present-day wants with ideas of saving a few cash for the long run. It will quickly be time to pay all of that younger expertise on protection, and relaxation assured. Guys are going to money in when their quantity comes up.
Advertisement
Then, there’s the Jeff McLane angle. When he makes statements like ‘Nakobe Dean is as good as gone,’ it is normally rooted in additional than informal hypothesis. He understands the cap math. He understands the depth chart. He understands the way in which the entrance workplace prioritizes sure positions.
One can by no means inform, however the indicators appear to level towards Dean’s exit. That’s disappointing, but additionally manageable. On the floor, it is comprehensible. Philadelphia has invested in youth. They have choices ready within the wings: Jihaad Campbell, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., and Smael Mondon. Plus, the linebacker place hasn’t historically been one the place the Eagles overspend to retain expertise.
What is not as simple to abdomen is the place Nakobe Dean would possibly land if he had been allowed to hunt different alternatives. According to Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News, there’s a scenario the place Dean could wind up with the Dallas Cowboys. Yes… — the Dallas Cowboys. Keep one thing in thoughts. Former Eagles defensive backs coach Christian Parker is now Dallas’s defensive coordinator.
Let that settle in for a second.
Advertisement
That’s doubtlessly nightmare gasoline. We’d be discussing greater than easy roster turnover. We’re speaking about a division rival doubtlessly including a motivated, scheme-versatile linebacker who is aware of the Eagles’ system, tradition, and personnel in and out.
Admittedly, that is not a idea we had considered. Losing Dean is one factor. Watching him go well with up twice a yr for a division rival is one thing else solely.
Rivalry video games within the NFC East are already emotional coin flips. Adding a motivated former starter who is aware of your terminology, your personnel, and your tendencies? That’s how small benefits swing tight video games. Imagine Dean lining up twice a yr towards Philadelphia, wanting to show the Eagles miscalculated.
From Dallas’s perspective, it is sensible. They’ve had up-and-down play at linebacker, and Dean’s instincts, management background, and SEC pedigree match the tradition they have a tendency to admire defensively.
Advertisement
If he is wholesome, he is a tone-setter. If he is motivated, he is harmful. This is the type of transfer that does not really feel catastrophic in March however feels brutal in November. This is the kind of roster transfer that stops feeling like a routine determination and turns into a potential nightmare.
This article initially appeared on Eagles Wire: Nakobe Dean could join Christian Parker’s defense with the Cowboys