Rather than allow guard Matt Tobin to hit the open market next week, the Eagles have given him a one-year tender.
The Eagles didn't announce the level of the tender, but it's very likely it's the lowest level that would put Tobin on a non-guaranteed $1.671 million contract for 2016. The only other restricted free agent for the Eagles is backup center David Molk. If he's not tendered, he'll become an unrestricted free agent.
Basically, tendering the restricted free agent doesn't guarantee Tobin will be on the roster next year, but it allows the Eagles to retain his rights and have the choice. Another team can offer Tobin a contract, but the Eagles will have a chance to match. If the Eagles choose to not match, they won't receive any compensation.
There's also a chance the Eagles could rescind the tender to Tobin before he signs. That's what they did with Chris Polk last offseason, in a move that made Polk an unrestricted free agent.
Tobin, 25, has been with the Eagles for the last three seasons after going undrafted in 2013. He started 13 games last year for the Birds, but was one of the weaker links on the offensive line.