The Philadelphia Eagles aren’t wasting any time filling major needs. ADVERTISING The Philadelphia Eagles aren’t wasting any time filling major needs. Two people familiar with the moves say five-time Pro Bowl running back Frank Gore, cornerback Byron Maxwell and quarterback
The Philadelphia Eagles aren’t wasting any time filling major needs.
Two people familiar with the moves say five-time Pro Bowl running back Frank Gore, cornerback Byron Maxwell and quarterback Mark Sanchez have agreed to contracts with the Eagles. Meanwhile, three people with knowledge of the deal say Pro Bowl wide receiver Jeremy Maclin is leaving the Eagles to rejoin former coach Andy Reid in Kansas City.
The sources spoke on condition of anonymity Sunday because the deals weren’t finalized and can’t be announced until the NFL’s new season begins on Tuesday at 4 p.m. EDT.
Free agents were allowed to start negotiating with teams Saturday.
Gore leaves the San Francisco 49ers as the franchise’s career rushing leader after 10 seasons. His contract is for three years and includes $7.5 million guaranteed over the first two seasons. Gore will help replace LeSean McCoy. The two-time All-Pro will be traded to the Buffalo Bills on Tuesday for linebacker Kiko Alonso.
Maxwell started 17 games for the Seattle Seahawks over the last two seasons and played opposite All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman in a star-studded secondary that includes All-Pro safety Earl Thomas and three-time Pro Bowl safety Kam Chancellor. His deal is for five years and reportedly is worth $54 million with $25 million guaranteed.
Sanchez joined the Eagles last year following five seasons with the New York Jets and started the final eight games after Nick Foles was injured. He’s getting a two-year deal worth 9 million with $5.5 million guaranteed.
Maclin becomes the latest offensive star to depart Philadelphia and the second wideout to leave after his best season. Kelly cut three-time Pro Bowl receiver DeSean Jackson last year.
The Eagles finished 10-6 for the season straight season under coach Chip Kelly, but didn’t make the playoffs after a 1-3 finish. Kelly took control of personnel moves in the offseason and cleared plenty of cap space last week by trading McCoy and releasing longtime starting offensive lineman Todd Herremans, linebacker Trent Cole and cornerback Cary Williams.
Gore, who turns 32 in May, ran for 1,106 yards and four touchdowns while averaging 4.3 yards per carry last season. Gore has 11,073 career yards rushing, 64 TDs and an average of 4.5 yards per carry. He also 342 receptions for 2,883 yards and 11 TDs. The durable Gore hasn’t missed a game since 2010. He fits Kelly’s preference of a straight-ahead runner.
The 27-year-old Maxwell, a sixth-round pick in 2011, didn’t start any games his first two seasons with the Seahawks. He’ll join a secondary that is replacing three of its four starters. Cornerback Bradley Fletcher and safety Nate Allen will be free agents and aren’t returning along with Williams.
Sanchez set a franchise record with a 64.1 completion percentage and threw for 2.418 yards with 14 TDs and 11 interceptions, going 4-4 as a starter.
