There was a growing concern amongst the Philadelphia Eagles fanbase after the season that defensive mainstay and notorious quarterback-hunter Trent Cole could have played his final game for the team.
The stud defensive end-turned-3-4 outside linebacker is slated to count $11.625 million against the cap next season and has reached an age (32) and level of production - he finished last season with 52 tackles and 6.5 sacks, the third-lowest sack total of his 10-year career - wherein that figure is simply no longer acceptable.
The question then became whether the team would cut Cole outright, incurring a $3.2 million dead money penalty, or ask the Philly fan-favorite to restructure his deal so that he could finish his career at the only NFL destination he's ever called home.
The latest report, from Geoff Mosher of CSN Philly, indicates the Eagles and Cole will "meet within the next week to discuss a contract restructure that will keep Cole in house."
A 4-3 defensive end for the majority of his NFL career, Cole has done an admirable making the oftentimes difficult switch to outside linebacker in defensive coordinator Bill Davis' two-gap 3-4, but a contract more in line with his current level of play will benefit both parties and ensure that he finishes his career as an Eagle.
Mosher also reports that the Eagles' secondary, already expected to look different next season, could potentially see a position switch for a player still under contract.
"Nolan Carroll, who played well in the dime linebacker role last year, would move to safety if the team approaches him about it. He just wants more opportunities to play."
Carroll played a mostly hybrid, Dime package pseudo-linebacker role last season after joining the Eagles in free agency. The 6-foot-1, 205-pounder seemingly has the size and skill set to make the move - the willingness to transition is also crucial - but it remains to be seen if the organization feels the same.
Carroll finished last season - his first year with the Eagles after four with the Miami Dolphins - with 31 tackles and four passes defensed.
