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Cedric Thornton is set to be an restricted free agent this offseason

(Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports)

Depending on who you ask, the Eagles offseason is either starting a week later then expected, or a few weeks early.

Either way, the harsh reality is that it's now time for the Eagles to turn their attention to the off-season, and figuring out a way to improve this team.

That process starts with deciding who to bring back amongst the free agents on the team, and who to bring back.

Here is a list of who on the Eagles is set to hit the free agency market:

Jeremy Maclin:

Outlook: The decision on whether or not the Eagles bring back Maclin is going to be the biggest decision the team makes this offseason. When healthy, Maclin is arguably the best wide receiver on the team, and should just be entering his prime. His health is a major question, however, as he is recovering from a torn ACL. There is also a question as to how Maclin fits into the team, with how successful Riley Cooper was this season playing in Maclin's spot.

Outcome: Leaves. It only takes one team to decide Maclin is worth big money, and it's hard to see the Eagles matching that, even if they will try to bring back the wideout.

Riley Cooper:

Outlook: It was a roller-coaster ride of a season for Cooper, who went from public enemy No. 1 to having fans yell "Coooooppp" after he caught a touchdown in the playoffs. Cooper finished the season with 47 catches, close to 900 yards and eight touchdowns -- all career highs for the wideout. Cooper is key in the run game as well, as he is an excellent down the field blocker.

Outcome: Re-signs. Cooper wants to return to Philadelphia, is comfortable with the offense, and knows he can continue to produce with the Eagles.

Michael Vick:

Outlook: The Eagles might not have much of a decision to make on Vick, as the quarterback does not plan on coming back if he isn't the starter. If he changes his mind, however, the Eagles would be wise to bring him back.

Outcome: Leaves. Vick is stubborn when it comes to his confidence, which in many ways is a good thing. It will cause him to go into a situation where he has a chance to start.

Cedric Thornton: (Restricted free agency)

Outlook: Thornton was arguably the best player on the Eagles defensive line this season, and impressed coaches throughout the season. At just 25-years old, Thornton's future is bright.

Outcome: Re-signs. There is a better chance of Chip Kelly leaving then Thornton playing for another team next season.

Decision: Re-sign

Donnie Jones:

Outlook: Jones was one of the best free agent signings the team had last offseason. He was consistently great throughout the season, and showed he still has plenty of leg left despite being 33.

Outcome: Re-sign. This one is a no-brainer for the Eagles.

Clifton Geathers:

Outlook: Geathers was a solid role player for the Eagles this season, playing mostly against the run. His snaps were limited, but his size (6-8, 340 lbs) fits into the Eagles plan on defense of building around big bodies.

Outcome: Re-signs. Geathers will come back, but it won't be on a deal that guarantees him a spot on the roster.

Phillip Hunt: (Restricted free agency)

Outlook: Hunt was battling for a roster spot when the season began, and would probably not be in Philadelphia if he didn't tear his ACL during training camp. Hunt has shown promise at times as a pass rusher, but he doesn't fit into the team's 3-4 scheme.

Outcome: Leaves. Hunt has some potential, but he will have to try to make good on it with another team.

Nate Allen:

Outlook: Allen was pleasant surprise this season, as he improved both in coverage and became a much better tackler. He is still not the player the Eagles hoped he would be when they used a second round pick on him, but he is the best safety on the roster. Given all of the uncertainty surrounding the position, the Eagles would be wise to bring back Allen.

Outcome: Re-signs. The Eagles will have enough problems addressing the other safety position without having to worry about finding two new starters.

Kurt Coleman:

Outlook: Coleman played his way onto the roster with his hustle and special teams play. Coleman continued to impress during the season, and actually started to play towards the end of the year. Whether or not Coleman is back depends on if the Eagles draft a safety late in the draft, who they feel has more upside than the veteran safety.

Outcome: Leaves. Coleman is a great team player, but he won't be able to hang on for another year.

Colt Anderson:

Outlook: Anderson was a free agent last season as well, signing a one-year deal to return to the Eagles. He had another strong season for the Eagles, once again showing he is one of the best special teams players in the league. Kelly is big on special teams, and given the hand it played in the team's loss to the Saints, fixing the unit will be a focus this offseason.

Outcome: Re-signs. Moving on from Anderson causes more problems for a special team unit that is going to have enough trouble improving next season as it is.

Follow Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks