There are two approaches to taking over new responsibilities at work. You can either build on what your predecessor has done, making tweaks and adding your own flavor but generally keeping the infrastructure intact. Or you can say “screw the other guy,” tear everything down and start over
New Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman is definitely going for the latter approach.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Eagles are finalizing an agreement to send running back DeMarco Murray to the Tennessee Titans, another step in the dismantling of former coach/GM Chip Kelly’s roster.
Tennessee finalizing deal for Eagles RB DeMarco Murray, league sources tell ESPN. Trade expected to be complete for new league year Weds
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 8, 2016
The Eagles fired Kelly on December 29, restoring Roseman’s powers as top decision-maker on football personnel. Since then, Roseman has done his best to undo Kelly’s handiwork, trading Kelly acquisitions Byron Maxwell, Kiko Alonso and now Murray.
Either Roseman vehemently disagreed with just about everything Kelly did last offseason or he’s trying to get rid of anything that reminds him of the old coach’s tenure.
So to summarize: #Eagles have dealt three 2015 offseason additions today: DeMarco Murray to Titans; Byron Maxwell/Kiko Alonso to Dolphins.
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) March 8, 2016
Eagles are basically dumping all their ex's stuff in the front yard.
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) March 8, 2016
Though the Eagles, who hired former Chiefs offensive coordinator Doug Pederson to succeed Kelly, seem intent on eliminating all signs of the Kelly era, they did re-sign quarterback Sam Bradford last month, ensuring they’ll open the season with a Kelly-era signal-caller.
Meanwhile, Murray heads to Tennessee to be the lead back for a team that features a budding star at quarterback and potentially a stud rookie offensive lineman in possible No. 1 overall pick Laremy Tunsil. After a great two-year stretch running behind the Cowboys’ dominant offensive line, Murray struggled mightily in Philadelphia last year, accruing only 702 yards rushing on 3.6 yards per carry.
For the running back, this trade presents a fresh start. For the team giving him up, it represents distance from a disappointing bygone era.
