By Tucker Bagley, Sports Talk Philly staff writer 
Happy New Year!
At 4 p.m., the NFL will officially turn their calendar to 2017 with the opening of free agency. As always, the Eagles are projected to be big players in the market. Despite limited cap flexibility, the Birds have been reported to be in talks with a lot of big-name free agents, which would mean some subtractions will have to be made before they can take on any high-priced contracts.
With that in mind, here's a preview of what could go down during the next 24 hours.
Veterans on the Move
The Eagles could gain a lot of cap space by moving a few veterans by this afternoon. Connor Barwin has been the subject of trade rumors for a few weeks now, but Philadelphia could save almost $8 million if they were to release the former Pro Bowler. Barwin's age and ineffectiveness in Jim Schwartz's system doesn't make him worth his price tag. Even though Barwin told reporters he was open to restructuring his deal in order to remain in Philadelphia, it seems the Eagles haven't made any moves on that front.
In addition to Barwin, Mychal Kendricks is another guy who could moved by the end of the day. The linebacker struggled early in the season as he recovered from some nagging injuries and never found his way into the good graces of Schwartz. Even as Kendricks' play improved, he failed to gain the trust of the coaching staff.
Financially, it doesn't make much sense to cut Kendricks now as the Eagles would be on the hook for the majority of his salary this season. However, if he's released after June 1, the team will clear $5 million. Even for a trade, Kendricks shouldn't be moved just for the sake of being moved.
Another Big Splash?
Despite being burned numerous times in the cornerback market, it seems like the Eagles are back at it again. After NJ.com reported the team was interested in Houston Texans cornerback A.J. Bouye, Ed Werder doubled down on the rumors, stating the Birds were the favorite to land the 25-year-old corner.
Bouye is coming off a breakout performance in 2016 when he was Pro Football Focus's darling, ranking as the League's best corner through the first seven weeks. Bouye's traditional stats won't impress anyone, he had just one interception and 16 passes defended, but he allowed just 54 percent of the passes thrown his way to be completed while holding passers to a 73.1 rating.
Bouye is expected to get almost $13 million per year on the open market. Roseman would have to get creative in order to afford that kind of contract. At that price, Bouye needs to perform at a Pro Bowl level.
Will Bennie Logan Be Retained?
The only in-house free agent for the Eagles is Logan, who is coming off his best year as a pro. The former third-round pick set career highs in sacks and forced fumbles. However, with the Eagles reportedly in talks with Beau Allen about a contract extension and former Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Domata Peko, it seems like Logan is no longer in the team's future plans.
Neither Allen nor Peko are close to the player Logan is, so the Eagles would find themselves with another need on their already talent-depleted roster.
Which Wide Receiver?
One thing does seem certain: the Eagles will end up with a new wide receiver soon. The team has been connected to just about every wide receiver available, including Alshon Jeffery, DeSean Jackson, Kenny Britt, Brandin Cooks, Pierre Garcon and Kenny Stills. However, the last two both signed new deals yesterday with the 49ers and Dolphins, respectively.
If those rumors are true, that leaves Jeffery and Cooks as the two remaining targets, and either one could be the top wide receiver the Eagles are still in search of, even with Britt in the fold. The price for Jeffery is expected to be high, so the Birds may be priced out of his bidding. However, the Saints asking price for Cooks has been all over the place recently and it seems like they are growing more and more desperate to deal the 23-year-old speedster.
The Eagles will remain interested in both receivers, however they are not as desperate for a pass catcher as they were just 12 hours ago.
