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Stay or go? Eagles have notable free-agent decisions at hand

PHILADELPHIA -- Nick Foles is the headliner, but he's not the only notable player from the Philadelphia Eagles with a chance to hit NFL free agency this offseason.

With the start of the league year (March 13, 4 p.m. ET) fast approaching, here's a look at some key in-house decisions the Eagles have in front of them, along with a prediction on whether each player will stay or go.

Notable free agents

QB Nick Foles: The Eagles have until March 5 to place the franchise tag on him in an effort to facilitate a trade. If they can't find a trade partner, they will let him walk and settle for a compensatory pick (potentially a third-rounder) in 2020.

Prediction: Go.

DE Brandon Graham: The Super Bowl LII hero was limited by an ankle injury for the better part of the 2018 season. The fact he's 30 years old and coming off a down season will affect his demand some, but he has fuel left in the tank, plays a highly valued position and can fit into any locker room. Extension talks have been quiet since last offseason. The Eagles will likely let his market settle to see if he fits in their budget. One source close to Graham put his odds of staying in Philly at 50/50. But the allure of a bigger payday might be too much to pass up.

Prediction: Go.

WR Golden Tate: A cryptic tweet about the lack of extension talks between him and the Eagles suggests Tate isn't feeling a desired sense of urgency. He could very well end up elsewhere, as Philly already has a slot receiver, Nelson Agholor, under contract.

Prediction: Go.

LB Jordan Hicks: Hicks has shown he can be an impact player when healthy, but has been bit by the injury bug plenty over his four-year career. That will suppress his market some. If the price is right, it's not hard to envision the linebacker-needy Eagles bringing Hicks back.

Prediction: Stay.

CB Ronald Darby: He tore his ACL in November but should draw interest given his age (25), speed (4.38-second 40-yard dash time coming out of Florida State) and ability. With young DBs such as Sidney Jones, Jalen Mills, Avonte Maddox, Cre'Von LeBlanc and Rasul Douglas in house, Darby's best opportunity will probably be elsewhere.

Prediction: Go.

WR Mike Wallace: The Eagles will pursue a speed receiver this offseason. Will Wallace be in the mix? He was activated late in the season after breaking his leg in Week 2 but never returned to game action. Wallace, 32, won't cost much. And he's familiar with coach Doug Pederson's system. The best bet might be to bring him to camp and see what he's got.

Prediction: Stay.

RB Darren Sproles: He was supposed to retire after last season but didn't want to go out on injured reserve, so the 35-year-old came back in 2018 and provided a spark to the offense down the stretch. He is highly respected in the organization and beyond. The Eagles might keep the door open for him, but he needs to decide whether he's playing another season first.

Prediction: Go.

RB Jay Ajayi: Like several other Eagles, Ajayi hits free agency coming off injury. He has been on the mend from a fracture in his back and a torn ACL since October. The Eagles know his medical history as well as anyone, and will have to assess whether bringing him back on a prove-it deal is worth the risk.

Prediction: Go.

Other free agents: DT Haloti Ngata (Go), G Chance Warmack (Go), S Chris Maragos (Go), S Corey Graham (Go), TE Richard Rodgers (Stay), LB LaRoy Reynolds (Go), WR Jordan Matthews (Go), LB D.J. Alexander (Stay).

Team needs

The Eagles will be looking for help at outside receiver, running back, linebacker and along the defensive front in free agency and the draft. Offensive line depth is always a priority.

Salary-cap situation

The Eagles are $22 million over the cap for 2019, last in the league, according to ESPN's Roster Management. Foles will provide significant relief in this regard once he is off the books, helping to put Philly back in the black. The Eagles can free up money by declining to pick up DT Tim Jernigan's $11 million salary before the start of the league year. But they won't be flush with money, which will factor into their decision-making when evaluating how to proceed in free agency.