Connor Barwin personifies the Eagles' offseason tilt of balance from defense to offense. The new Rams defensive end's release and the clearing of nearly $9 million from the salary cap led indirectly to the signing of two free- agent receivers, most notably Alshon Jeffery.
Few expected Barwin to return. Scheme, salary, and age were the reasons often cited for what would be his eventual departure. But after the Eagles invested an unprecedented amount in the defensive line last offseason, and after Carson Wentz's rookie year - one that showed great promise, but was shortchanged by a dubious supporting cast - it was apparent to many that the team's symmetry would shift.