The Green Goblin is on the move. Longtime fan-favorite Jalen Mills has reached an agreement today with the New England Patriots on a four-year, $24M contract. Mills was one of the Eagles’ top free agents and looked to possibly be returning before today. New England has had a tremendous first day of free agency, adding Mills to the total of $146 million they have spent today on players like Jonnu Smith and Matthew Judon.

Mills was an Eagle for five seasons and was a crucial part of the secondary both on and off the field. Jalen was drafted in the seventh round as a safety from LSU. He eventually transitioned to corner until moving back to safety this past season. Losing Jalen is a significant blow to both the fanbase and the secondary. He’s best known for his aggressiveness and athleticism but often lacked in pass coverage. The Eagles now have just K’Von Wallace, Rodney McLeod, Rudy Ford, and Marcus Epps back at safety and might be without McLeod while he recovers from his torn ACL.

Philly has yet to sign any free agents and is currently in a major salary cap bind. Any free agents they do sign will likely be on very cheap deals. Although many would want him back in Philadelphia, you can’t blame Jalen for the fantastic payday he got from the Patriots. It’s doubtful that the Eagles would have offered anything close to that contract.

Mandatory Credit: AP Photo/Matt Rourke