The notion that Mychal Kendricks may not be long for the Philadelphia Eagles roster continues to persist, with a new report suggesting that Kendricks could be a trade piece Eagles head coach Chip Kelly plans to move on or around the 2015 NFL Draft.
HNGN explored the legitimacy of the rumors of the Eagles potentially parting ways with the young 'backer Monday and Tuesday, Mark Eckel of NJ.com reported that that is, in fact, a very real possibility.
"There are some in the Eagles organization who don't see Kendricks as a great fit in Billy Davis' defense and question his instincts. They probably aren't thrilled with the 14 he got on his Wonderlic test coming out of college," writes Eckel.
"He is also in the final year of his contract, which means he can leave next year as a free agent and the Eagles wouldn't get anything in return."
With the addition of Kiko Alonso via the LeSean McCoy trade, the recent extension for veteran stalwart and defensive captain DeMeco Ryans, the return to health of top back-up Najee Goode and the addition of Brad Jones this offseason, Kendricks suddenly seems to be on the outside looking in at the Eagles linebacking corps.
Eckel believes that in lieu of watching Kendricks simply walk away after next season, the Eagles are likely to make Kendricks "one of the pieces moved in a deal for picks" during the 2015 NFL Draft.
Kendricks, just 24, suffered through a hamstring strain last season and reports emerged after the year that Kelly, Davis and the rest of the Eagles brass were frustrated that he was unable to return to the field quicker.
Despite missing four games though, Kendricks still managed to rack up 83 tackles, four sacks and three forced fumbles proving that he's got the skill set to be a consistent playmaker in the NFL -about that there is no question.
What seems to be irking Davis and Kelly though, is Kendricks' instincts and his fit in Davis' base 3-4 scheme.
Kendricks has performed well the past two seasons - in 2013-14 he amassed 106 tackles, four sacks and three interceptions - on the inside in Davis' 3-4, but seems much better suited to an outside linebacker spot in a 4-3 where he can make better use of his athleticism and pursuit skills.
Should the right deal present itself or the right team come calling during the 2015 NFL Draft - the Tennessee Titans and a chance at former Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota suddenly come to mind - there seems a very real chance Kendricks will suit up for a new NFL franchise next season.
