The Philadelphia Eagles have already provided the answer to the biggest question surrounding the team this offseason, coming to terms with quarterback Sam Bradford on a new contract.
Bradford was set to be an unrestricted free agent, and with the former Ram now committed to Philadelphia for the upcoming season, it caps what has been a busy winter for Howie Roseman, who has made it a priority to extend the deals of many of the team's young players.
As such, the Birds only have a handful of unrestricted free agents remaining with the new league year fast approaching.
Several key members of last year's team are due to hit the open market. Are any of them likely to return? The Eagles have roughly $18 million in salary cap room to work with, but it may not be enough to bring everyone back. Let's a take a look each player's situation and evaluate their odds of a return.
S Walter Thurmond
In Chip Kelly's first (and only) year of full control, Thurmond was one of the few transactions made that didn't blow up in Kelly's face.
In fact, Thurmond was arguably Chip's best move, coming from off of the NFL's scrap heap to successfully make a transition from cornerback to safety, and even flourished in the role.
Thurmond was one of the defense's top playmakers in 2015, finishing with three interceptions, two forced fumbles, and two sacks. He was an excellent compliment to Malcolm Jenkins, filling a hole that the Eagles had been struggling to adequately plug for years.
Thurmond has been open and honest about his desire to find a big payday. At age 28, this may be his only opportunity to land a significant contract, and he's understandably going to want to test free agency and see what he can command.
I don't think a return for Thurmond is very likely.
If the Eagles spend big money on a safety in free agency, it will be for a guy with a more stable resume than Thurmond. For as effective as Thurmond was in 2015, the reality is that he only has one good season to his credit in an otherwise injury-plagued career.
CB Nolan Carroll
Carroll was having a fine season before suffering a broken ankle, and was arguably the Eagles' best defensive back.
Carroll ran with the opportunity to start a season ago, and if not for the injury he might be in a position to be one of the top free agent corners on the market.
There's been some mutual interest between the Eagles and the former Miami Dolphin about a return, but it seems as though he too will get the chance to see what kind of interest he can attract around the league.
Wherever Carroll goes, I think it's very possible he could find himself on a one-year 'prove-it' type of deal.
He may very well be back in Philadelphia on such a deal, but a lot depends on just how confident the team feels about second-year corner Eric Rowe.
Rowe had his ups and downs as a rookie, but seemed to improve during his final starts of the season. He may be a more natural safety than a corner, and it's possible that new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz may want to shift Rowe back to the middle of the defense, which would greatly increase the odds of a Carroll return.
DE Cedric Thornton
The writing on the wall for Thornton is pretty clear.
With the Eagles changing back to a 4-3 scheme, and planning to build a defensive line that features Fletcher Cox and Bennie Logan at the tackle spots with Vinny Curry and some combination of Brandon Graham and Connor Barwin at the defensive ends, it would seem that Thornton is very much the odd man out.
Thornton is good enough to start in this league, and can play in any defensive scheme. It'd be ideal if the Eagles found a way for him to return and mix in the tackle rotation with Cox and Logan, but some team is going to pay Thornton to start.
CB E.J. Biggers
Biggers is a journeyman reserve that filled the role of a fourth corner decently enough last season, but there's no reason to bring him back for another tour of duty.
JaCorey Sheppard should be ready to go for training camp, and the Birds could find another veteran of Biggers' quality easily enough.
WR Seyi Ajirotutu
Ajirotutu was brought in specifically to be a special teams ace, but offers next to nothing as a wide receiver.
Special teams coach Dave Fipp was retained, and Fipp may want to have Ajirotutu around, but ultimately the Eagles may be better served finding a young player with some better upside as a wide out that can still contribute as a special teamer.
QB Thad Lewis
Lewis won't be back in Philadelphia.
The former Bill had a roster spot simply because Chip Kelly couldn't find a better option for the third-string quarterback last season. This roster spot will likely go to a developmental quarterback.
Denny Basens is a contributing writer for Eagledelphia. Follow him on Twitter @DennyBasens.
