Here are the seven 2007 players who won't be back.

–          CB William James (Signed by Buffalo) – The former New York Giant never really embraced the nickel role after losing a non-battle with Sheldon Brown for the 2nd corner spot.  Struggled and was eventually passed by youngster Joselio Hanson.

 

–          DE Jevon Kearse (Signed by the Tennessee) – Had his best year as an Eagle in 2004 finishing with 8 sacks, but never produced double-digit sacks for the Birds.  His sack numbers have dwindled every year since his rookie year high (14.5) mostly due to a  bothersome knee, but some have questioned his desire.  Surprisingly his current tenuous career status (recent DUI arrest, bad knee, and age) has not stopped him from taking shots at the Eagles through the media in Tennessee.

 

–          KR/RB Reno Mahe (Unsigned as of 7/4/2008) – The former utility player and a favorite of Andy Reid working off a 1-year contract was not re-signed after the ’07 season.  Every year it seems that Mahe will not make the roster, but he shows up like a bad penny.  The quality punt “catcher” filled the role after the Eagles week one fiasco, but more game-breaking skills in the return game are needed.  His ’07 numbers were 31 punt returns for 249 yards (8.0 ypr) with a long of 32 yards.

 

–          DT LaJuan Ramsey (Released after OTAs and signed with San Francisco) – Former 6th round pick in 2006 finishes his Eagles’ career with six tackles and zero sacks.  The former USC Trojan will best be remembered for a very late hit penalty versus the Dallas Cowboys in a ‘07 game.

 

–          DT Ian Scott (Signed by Carolina) – Was supposed to be in the defensive line rotation after coming over from the Bears, but injured his knee in training camp and spent the year on injured reserve.

 

–          LB Takeo Spikes (Unsigned as of 7/4/2008) – Former 2-time Pro Bowl player never really seemed recovered enough from past injuries to make the impact plays needed by the Eagles linebacker unit.  Produced 86 tackles, but only 1 sack and no fumble recoveries or interceptions.

 

–          FB Thomas Tapeh (Signed by Minnesota) – Former 5th round pick in 2004 never really excelled as a true fullback.  Was more of a ‘tweener and a hip injury in ’04 slowed him.  Will be remembered for being called on to catch a swing pass on a crucial 4th and goal versus the Saints in a ’06 playoff game.

 

 

 

Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and an award winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)