‘Best Player, Best Teammate’

INDIANAPOLIS — Eagles executive vice president Howie Roseman and head coach Nick Sirianni took to the podium at 1:30 and 1:45, respectively, Tuesday to address a scrum of reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine.

With the offseason in full swing, the Eagles will effectively turn their attention toward free agency and the NFL Draft, but not before addressing several pertinent topics.

ITB IMAGES: Eagles Head Coach Nick Sirianni offered insight into the the team’s offseason

* Roseman offered some clarity regarding beleaguered veteran CB James Bradberry, who struggled mightily for much of the season, saying, “Yes, he’s under contract. He’s part of our plans.” As the Eagles seemingly move forward with Bradberry, the logical alteration to mask his long-speed deficiency would be to kick him inside at nickel. Roseman, however, believes Bradberry is better suited for the outside. While it’s difficult to foresee the 30-year-old returning as a starter, perhaps Bradberry could provide value as a matchup-based player.

*Neither Roseman nor Sirianni revealed much in terms of contract negotiations between the club and star defender Haason Reddick. Roseman offered that he wasn’t ruling out a return, while Sirianni was effusive in his praise for the veteran pass-rusher before adding, “We’ll see how that plays out and hopefully he’s an Eagle.” This one could be tough to navigate, as Roseman notably mentioned the balance of weighing options with the future in mind.

*The running back landscape could drastically alter with D’Andre Swift, a dual-purpose back coming off his best season, primed to hit the free-agent market. Sirianni pointed to his storied success at the position regardless of name, while also acknowledging that Swift “had a great season.” He also said, “We’ll see how it plays out there.” Reading between the lines, one could surmise that Sirianni wouldn’t flinch if he lost Swift.

*Sirianni often referenced his core values when asked about team chemistry, saying, “Connect and accountability are the two cornerstones of our program. Everything starts with connecting and accountability. It’s almost a double down and triple down on those core values.” Sirianni also noted that the team was a year removed from historic feats. I never got the impression that Sirianni showed any trepidation leading the Eagles back to prominence despite the late-season slide.

*Wide receiver A.J. Brown was also a topic of conversation Tuesday. Sirianni, unwavering as always in support of his star wide receiver, gushed about Brown’s leadership and on-field impact, saying, “A.J. not only is he one of the best players I’ve been around, he’s also one of the best teammates.” Sirianni, an observer of Terrell Owens and a Mike Quick fan, later called Brown the “best receiver that’s ever been in Philadelphia.” No surprise, as Brown is universally respected and revered in the locker room and by the organization.

– Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com.