Eagles' free agency plan, even at running back, is all about Carson Wentz

It's not a surprise that everything the Eagles have done, and will do, during free agency is all about quarterback Carson Wentz.

The Eagles are committed to Wentz as their long-term quarterback. To that end, Wentz is eligible for an extension this year or next, and some of the top salaries for franchise quarterbacks exceed $30 million per year on average.

That is almost one-sixth of an entire team's salary cap.

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That's why Eagles executive vice president for football operations Howie Roseman told a group of reporters Monday night near Phoenix that he has had to take Wentz's pending new deal into account during free agency.

Roseman wouldn't go into specifics about whether the Eagles will extend Wentz this year or next, but "obviously, having Carson here long term is our goal, and we’ll work toward that," he said.

Then he added: "Once you see the kind of impact he can have on the field, the kind of player that he is, the work ethic that he has, you start planning about how you’re going build a team around a highly-paid player at that position.

"So that’s something we’ve been talking about the last two years, and obviously, we’re getting to a point where that’s going to become a reality.

"So some of the decisions that we have to make are going to be influenced by that. We’re trying to plan by getting more young players into our system."

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That explains why in free agency, the Eagles have mostly signed veterans on short-term contracts, as opposed to three years ago.

In 2016, the Eagles signed right guard Brandon Brooks and safety Rodney McLeod to five-year deals as well as linebacker Nigel Bradham to a two-year deal that was since extended to five.

It also means that the Eagles had to let players leave in free agency, such as backup quarterback Nick Foles, in order to get compensatory picks in the 2020 draft.

The Eagles are expected to get an extra third-round pick for Foles, who signed with Jacksonville; and an extra fourth-round pick for wide receiver Golden Tate, who signed with the Giants.

They also lost middle linebacker Jordan Hicks in free agency, and that could lead to an extra fourth-round pick as well.

But those compensatory picks would be negated if the Eagles were to sign a high-priced free agent of their own. And doing that would decrease the amount of money the Eagles would have under the salary cap to pay Wentz.

So the best way to build around a franchise quarterback who's highly paid is by drafting well and hoping those players develop quickly.

"We have to get the opportunity to get more young players in our system," Roseman said. "And (the compensatory picks) are the opportunity to do that."

To do that, Roseman had to get creative since the new league year began March 13. He traded for wide receiver DeSean Jackson, re-signed veterans Brandon Graham and Ronald Darby, and restructured Jason Peters' contract.

He also added free agents Malik Jackson (he was released, so he doesn't count against the compensatory pick formula) and Vinny Curry on the defensive line, and third safety Andrew Sendejo.

But the Eagles haven't done anything at running back. As of now, the running backs on the roster are Wendell Smallwood, Corey Clement and Josh Adams. 

Roseman expressed confidence in the three, but also said it's not too late to add a running back in free agency. It just won't be a marquee back like Le'Veon Bell, Mark Ingram or Tevin Coleman, who have all signed.

In addition, Roseman said he won't be forced into taking a running back early in the draft.

Roseman mentioned the 2017 season, when the Eagles signed LeGarrette Blount as a free agent in May, then traded for Jay Ajayi at the deadline in late October. That team won the Super Bowl.

"I just go back to our history over the last couple of years, and we’ve been fortunate to win a lot of games with the running backs we have on this roster," he said. "We have opportunities to acquire backs, not only before the draft, but after the draft process."

Contact Martin Frank at mfrank@delawareonline.com. Follow on Twitter @Mfranknfl.