Eagles GM Howie Roseman's Worst Move Yet Was Not Giving Malcolm Jenkins a Contract Extension

With the official start of free agency nearly upon us, teams around the NFL are once again forced to make those tough but necessary decisions to clear the way for a productive start to the 2020 league year. Right on cue, the Philadelphia Eagles have become the latest team to cut ties with a veteran talent in order to clear the way for some new blood.

Safety Malcolm Jenkins, who has spent the last six seasons with Philly, had his 2020 team option declined by the Eagles and will become a free agent.

Eagles fans are likely perplexed by this. Jenkins made it clear he wanted an extension with the team, though also mentioned he wouldn't play under the salary his team option would've paid him. He's been the heart and soul of Philly's secondary ever since coming over from the Saints, so general manager Howie Roseman's decision to stand pat here while investing even more money on the defensive line with deals for Hassan Ridgeway and Javon Hargrave?

With how much the Eagles secondary has struggled due to injuries and inexperienced play, a constant like Jenkins remaining there for the foreseeable future would have been an easy and smart move for Roseman to make.

Jenkins, who turned 32 in December, played much of his best football with the Eagles after starting his career as a first-round pick with the Saints. He made three Pro Bowls with the team, and was a key defensive cog in their Super Bowl LII championship team.

The veteran will have his fair share of suitors, as he's just one season removed from his most recent Pro Bowl nod. 2019 was the sixth season in a row in which he started all 16 games, racking up 81 combined tackles and a career-high four forced fumbles.

The move will save Philly just over $4.7 million against the salary cap, so was it really worth it?