• March 28, 2024

Eagles Could Become The Best Team In The NFL After Lockout Ends

We’re halfway through June. There has been no official deal made to put football back in business, but it’s impossible to ignore the optimism due to these ‘secret’ talks everyone knows about.

There have been reports that a new CBA deal is 80% to 85% complete. It’s quite possible that free agency could begin right after Independence Day.

Once players can be contacted for contract negotiations, how will the Philadelphia Eagles address their roster? At one point or another, a member of the front office has stated that they have an aggressive game plan and are prepared for every possible scenario.

Does that necessarily mean Nnamdi Asomugha, Albert Haynesworth and Plaxico Burress will be donning midnight green by training camp?? That remains to be scene.

As complex as a collective bargaining agreement can be, there are two main elements that will impact the free agency period the most.

1. Salary Cap: Thanks to the NFL owners voting against the now expired CBA, there hasn’t been a salary cap since the 2009 season. I find it hard to believe the next agreement will be without one. According to www.eaglescap.com , if the projected 2011 cap is $140 million, the Eagles will have over $42 million in cap space. That doesn’t include possible player cuts either.

2. Restricted free agency: The current lockout has been in effect for over 90 days, but the player movement that people have grown accustomed to hasn’t occurred in over two years. This is due to the final year of the last CBA extending restricted free agency to six years as opposed to the normal four. It’s very likely that the timeframe to become an unrestricted free agent will revert back to four years.

With the talent pool expected to increase and a possibly huge amount of cap space, this is how I expect the Eagles to address their positions of need.

Cornerback

When the Eagles signed Asante Samuel in 2008, it was stated immediately that he would be the team’s starting left cornerback. That’s been his role ever since. Whoever they sign this offseason has to be willing to play on the right side corner, even if for only one season.

Regardless of the outcome of the CBA, the No. 1 free agent will be former Oakland Raider Nnamdi Asomugha. The Eagles will do their due diligence and contact his agent, but I have a hard time believe they’ll agree to $15 million/year for a 30 yr old non-quarterback.

Another target will be Cincinnati Bengal Jonathan Joseph. He’s younger than Asomugha and will command a lower salary (probably around $7-8 million). The biggest question with him is: Does he want to leave Cincinnati??

Antonio Cromartie had a decent year with the New York Jets, but he may be a bit too outspoken to be considered a good fit for Philly.

The guy I think the Eagles will end up signing is Carolina’s Richard Marshall and he wouldn’t be a bad fit. He has experience starting at right corner and playing nickelback. He’s not Asomugha, but Marshall would still give the Eagles secondary a huge improvement.

Defensive End

2010 first round pick Brandon Graham is not likely to be available at the beginning of the season, which is slowing down his professional growth.

The Eagles also have a pair of “fastballs”, Trent Cole and Jaqua Parker, who have a tendency to slow down towards the end of the season. How new defensive coordinator Juan Castillo rotates his line is going to be a key factor.

Even with the possible contributions from Ricky Sapp, Daniel Teo’Nesheim, Darryl Tapp and Phillip Hunt, Philly still needs a left defensive end who’ll contribute against the run (That does not mean re-sign Victor Abiamiri).

Regardless of his Pro Bowl year in Tennessee, Jason Babin is not the answer. His current market value is not worth it when you consider his age and overall body of work for his career.

Many believe Minnesota’s Ray Edwards will ask for too much because a lot of his success cam from playing with Jared Allen and the Williams tackles. Andy Reid will still take a look at him if he thinks he can help improve the bird’s pass rush.

Carolina’s Charles Johnson had a breakout year after Julius Peppers bolted for Chicago recording 11.5 sacks. He also will only be 25 by the start of the season. If there’s a D-lineman Reid is eager to pursue, it’s him.

One guy I’d like to see the Eagles look into trading for is Miami Dolphin Philip Merling. He’s not an every down end, but his strength is playing the run. Unfortunately at 6’4”, 295 lbs the 4th year player out of Clemson is likely too big for the Eagles liking.

Defensive Tackle

Under defensive line coach Jim Washburn, I think a starting tandem of Broderick Bunkley and Antonio Dixon could be very good. It’s Mike Patterson who I’m worried about.

If Trevor Laws continues to play like he did last year, he’ll be getting a lot of playing time. The Eagles’ defensive tackle rotation isn’t terrible, but it could still use some improvement.

When he’s happy, Albert Haynesworth is the best defensive lineman in the league. He stated he wouldn’t mind playing under Washburn again after doing so in Tennessee. That said, the only way he’ll be an Eagle is if the Washington Redskins release him. The birds aren’t trading for him.

Another tackle the Eagles should consider is former Bear Tommie Harris. Although his production has dipped and he was benched after Week 2 last season, the former Sooner could be a productive part of a rotation.

Seattle Seahawk Brandon Mebane is not only a good run stuffer, he’s worked at become a solid pass rusher. If the Eagles were to sign him or anyone else, Patterson likely would be traded.

Linebacker

Don’t expect any additions to the linebacking corp via free agency at the NovaCare Complex. The Eagles have invested in five linebackers the past two drafts and it’s very likely that Stewart Bradley will be around at least one more year.

If any veteran(s) end up being signed it would likely be Bradley’s former teammate at Nebraska, Barrett Ruud of Tampa Bay and/or Oakland Raider Thomas Howard.

Quarterback

Kevin Kolb has reiterated that he wants a chance to be an NFL starter and he knows he won’t be doing that in Philadelphia anytime soon thanks to Michael Vick. Where Kolb is traded and for what has become one of the most nationally discussed topics during the lockout.

The question then becomes: Who will Vick’s backup be? Nobody outside of the NovaCare Complex knows how far Mike Kafka has developed. If he’s not ready to be a No. 2 I think the best option would be former Viking Tavaris Jackson, who’s had experience as a starter.

As talented as he is, I’m not sold on Vince Young as an Eagle. He likely will go somewhere he thinks he can start within a year.

If Kafka’s ready to be a primary backup, I think the Eagles should look into acquired Ohio State’s Terrell Pryor. He would be a low risk addition who could use 2-3 years to develop as an NFL passer.

Wide Receiver

On paper, the wide receiver position may be the one that needs the least amount of attention on the Eagles. That hasn’t stopped people from talking about adding Plaxico Burress.

While he would be a red zone threat, I’m not big on adding a 34 yr old two years removed from the game. Especially on a team that has spent those same two years on a youth movement.

If the Eagles really want to add size to the receiver position, I think they should pursue Sidney Rice or Braylon Edwards. Not only would either guy give a significant height advantage, they also can make plays downfield.

Signing either receiver would likely infuriate DeSean Jackson, but is it really a guarantee he’ll get the deal he thinks he deserves in Philly? Not at all. With Drew Rosenhaus as his agent, I think Jackson will demand more than what the Eagle think he’s worth.

That’s definitely something to keep an eye on.

Punter

One position that has flown under the radar has been punter. Sav Rocca is an okay punter, but his numbers always seem to drop during the second half of the season (His 49.3 net average in Dallas last December doesn’t count).

It’s time for the Eagles to move on from the 37 yr old Australian just like they preparing to move from David Akers.

There are free agents like Adam Podlesh from Jacksonville and Steve Weatherford of the New York Jets, but I think the free agent punter who would fit best the Eagles is Pittsburgh Steeler, Daniel Sepulveda.

Of course, the concern regarding Sepulveda is his health after tearing his right ACL (non-kicking leg) last December. The Eagles do have the luxury of rookie kicker Alex Henery’s ability to punt if Sepulveda wasn’t 100%.

My Eagles free agency prediction

My first prediction is that Reggie Bush will NOT be an Eagle. He’s going to want more than he’s worth and Philly has more important negations to focus on.

As far as who I think will be in midnight green when the lockout ends……

1. Jonathan Joseph-CB
2. Charles Johnson-DE
3. Albert Haynesworth-DT
4. Tavaris Jackson-QB
5. Braylon Edwards-WR
6. Daniel Sepulveda-P

Haran Knight

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atra1781
June 20, 2011 8:48 am

I don’t think Desean stays here and in 3-4 years hes out of the league.

Pursue Rice,Vincent Jackson and maybe Edwards.

I think our corner willl be Peterson from the Kolb trade.

jroc757
jroc757
June 20, 2011 9:43 am

Sorry dont want Joseph……… Nnamdi should be #1 priority….. Braylon Edwards hands are in question……. He drops the passes that mean the most….. Especially on 3rd down conversions……. Albert Haynesworth we need to get him as well as Jason Babin……. They both want to come to Philly and work under former coach Washburn……

Sav Rocca has done great in Philly…… A hell of a lot better than Dirk Johnson……. Charles Johnson isn’t going to be cheap……. Thats why I say get former Eagle Babin perhaps a 2 year deal with incentives he’ll produce…… The kicker we drafted from Nebraska Alex Henery can also punt the ball a mile as well as kick Fg’s…… Keep the both around and let Akers go……..!!!!

jroc757
jroc757
June 20, 2011 9:51 am

-Nnamdi

-Haynesworth will be released and Eagles will sign him to a deal….

-Jason Babin

-If not Burress the eagles will try to persue Lance Moore from the Saints

-Tavaris Jackson lacks self esteem so I say the Eagles will try to get Troy Smith…. He’s better than Jackson in my eyes…..

Stevo
Stevo
June 20, 2011 10:46 am

Great Job Haran!!

i too have been caught in the big name dreams this year and although i think they may grab 1 of those names…. i think we add more talent without the big names. That said…. i dont think it will be the Sims or clemons type,…. it will be actual talent.

Babbin is not coming here… and im glad. Im not sure why people are so focused on him.

TJack would be a good fit here. I live in MN and have watched him play alot. He has talent but he needs to be in a place that does not need him to be the man right away. He’s a backup.

@Atra, Djack out of the league in 3-4 years? what is wrong with you? Seriously…. people are clueless.

jroc757
jroc757
June 20, 2011 11:04 am

People seem to forget we just drafted a rookie DE Brandon Graham and I dont see the Eagles getting a guy like Charles Johnson whos going to want a huge contract with some years….. Perhaps 5 years……. Why not Babin…… He played well when he had his chances in Philly….. Played great in Tenn……. Worked under D-Line coach Washburn…… We’ll have 3 DE’s with starter money…… Trent Cole, Brandon Graham…… And if we get Johnson when will Graham get a shot at LE……. 2 year deal on Babin will workout…….

eagles4life
eagles4life
June 20, 2011 11:05 am

paulman, i’ve been on this site for a long time and i just registered here. and every comment you make really does baffle me. you think desean will be out of the league by the time hes 27-28 years old? are you nuts? hes made big play after big play, i personally like his big play ability as a punt returner. im not claiming to be an expert, but i firmly believe that if plax comes in and plays just okay… then we’ll have a dominate offense. desean is too small and its hard for him to get off the line when he’s being pressed. adding a plax will free him up possibly. and why hasn’t anyone talked about getting an offensive lineman to our team? do people not remember mike vick running around for dear life in the latter part of the year?

dsm841
dsm841
June 20, 2011 11:49 am

I do not think there is a shot the eagles sign braylon(overated) or charles johnson. They have 2 great starters at wr and are pretty deep at DE. Washburn does not play DE like normal coaches, he constantly rotates them no matter who they are. This means trent will be coming out of the game just like every other player on the dline. It makes no sense to give Johnson a 5yr/50 mil contract to not have him on the field constantly. Also washburn is supposed to be the best in the business, why not let him work his magic with what we already have? The birds would be better served signing/trading for one of the top corners (namdi, joseph, DRC) and adding little pieces here and there. This roster does not need an overhaul just tinkering. I think marcell reece from OAK would be a nice addition, hes leonard weaver but much faster. An interesting trade would be kolb n patterson for Dockett(doubt they move him tho) and a 2/3 then sign namdi or joseph and our defense is scary.

Pulauwin
June 20, 2011 11:53 am

@jroc…. the reason I said Charles Johnson is because I was looking long term. Trent Cole isn’t going to be around forever. He already wears down early enough as it is. If the Eagles signed Johnson, Graham could rotate with Cole on the right side when he gets back to full strength and eventually replace him. If that were to happen, a tandem of Graham and Johnson doesn’t sound too bad to me.

Stevo
Stevo
June 20, 2011 12:14 pm

jroc- babbin just went to the probowl after being cut…. he is gunna get more than a 2 year so-so deal. This is his chance.

He is not coming here.

@rocks- YES! 3 DE’s…. perfect.

Stevo
Stevo
June 20, 2011 12:16 pm

DSM- wrong. this roster needs MAJOR work on D. MAJOR!

de’s- lots of them, lots of so so players.

lb’s- not good.

corners- we have 1 and maybe 1 young guy, Not good enough

SS/FS- young.

LOTS of help needed on this roster.

we are 2 GREAT starters away from being a good D.

dawkplex1221
dawkplex1221
June 20, 2011 12:17 pm

Plus didnt they sign that guy from the canadian league. He had 16 sacks over there. I think they are high on him. Whats his name again? Truthfully i think everyone is living on high hopes. I dont think were gonna sign or get for that matter 6 new people. 2 or 3 at best i think. I could be wrong but we shall see. And lets not forget no matter what talent we bring in. We still have a Defensive cordinator that was an offensive line coach for 10 plus years. I love castillo but i still think that move is questionable.

paulman
paulman
June 20, 2011 12:18 pm

Good Stuff Haran, Solid points and analysis across the board.
Here are my thoughts on Free-Agents the Eagles pick-up

CB – Carlos Rodgers – from Redskins (6′- 195 lbs – 29 Years old)
DE – Mathias Kiwanuka – from the Giants (6-5 – 265lbs 26 years old)
OL – Mike Pollak – from the Colts (6-3 305 lbs – 26 Years old)
RB – Tim Hightower – from the Cardinals ( 6′- 225lbs – 25 Years old)
WR Legudu Naanee – from the Chargers (6-2 225lbs – 27 Years old)
QB – Dennis Dixon from the Steelers (6-3 210lbs – 26 Years old)

With the Drafting on Safety Jarrett and LB’s Matthews & Rolle, I don’t think the Eagle will address these positions in Free-agency unless LB Bradley takes another deal from another team (which is about 50/50)

dsm841
dsm841
June 20, 2011 12:26 pm

your right that defense is exteremely young but these guys have to play eventually or they will be cut. We cant keep them on the bench and have studs at every position. As HK pointed out we have drafted 5 LB’s in the past 2 drafts. The eagles arent going to throw money at a position when they have so much young talent. Same goes for safety where they have 3 very promising young players. The position that needs a major upgrade is CB, we have no one there. Dixon, Bunk n Laws should thrive under washburn when give the abilitly to just attack(their strenghth) and not worry about the run(weakness). Also rotating DE should help keep trent cole fresh and a combo of tapp/graham/parker/hunt/sapp/teo should be able to pick up the slack. Look at what washburns done with nothing in TEN. I would like to see what he can do with all of our tweener DE’s, which he prefers, than to throw money at a big name dlineman. Only position that needs to be filled with a starter is RCB however upgrades never hurt. No defense in the NFL has a stud at every single position, its not possible with a salary cap.

jakedog
jakedog
June 20, 2011 12:27 pm

Paulman, with that list you compiled, with specific reference to height, weight, and age, what can you tell us about their family life, their spouses,girlfriends, we expect more info from you, how is Roy Oswalt’s father doing?

jroc757
jroc757
June 20, 2011 12:42 pm

@Htkrocks…… I understand your thoughts…. How many years do people think Trent Cole has in the tank….. He’s in his late 20’s and still runs hard just about every play….. With undersized DT’s he would have perhaps a higher sack total….. Look at Jared Allen for the Vikings with the Williams Refrigerators next to him……. Andre Carter had a great season with Haynesworth beside him when Jim Zorn had the 4-3 defense in WSH…… Perhaps a better more physical DT perhaps Haynesworth beside Cole will not put so much ware and tare on Trent Cole…… But I do understand where your coming from…… But we all know AR loves his projects and he’ll believe Teo’neosiem will be the future of the birds……. GOOD GRIEF (Getting my Paulman on) LOL!!

dawkplex1221
dawkplex1221
June 20, 2011 12:45 pm

I just think brining is 6 guys off free agency is unlikely. I mean i would love for them to add some pieces. But i cant even remember a team brining in that many players of FA in recent years. I think hanyesworth is a no go. Unless he gets cut. But at the same time who the hell at this point wants to take a chance on him. As far as nanee and hightower i dont see either of those happening. Hightower has fumble issues and has had them for a while i cant see the eagles signing him. And does nanee really help us in the red zone. Im not so sure about that. I really dont have any predictions because this has been strange year already but i dont believe these guys will be on the team or singed.

jroc757
jroc757
June 20, 2011 12:46 pm

@Dawkplex…… It’s Phillip Hunt they signed from the CFL….. The guy looked good there…… Eagles will love to see what this guy has to offer!!!!!

@Jakedog…….. Your not quite done with Paulman yet…… LOL!!!!!!! 757 stand up!!!!!

dawkplex1221
dawkplex1221
June 20, 2011 12:46 pm

@jroc your right about haynesworth helping keep cole fresh. But the guys has so many off the field problems im just not sure. What was the last lawsuit, that he assaulted someone or something. lol

dawkplex1221
dawkplex1221
June 20, 2011 12:47 pm

@jroc thanks for the name, ive been saying for 4 years now that we need a better DT. Just one good azz kicker to open up things for the guys on the end

jroc757
jroc757
June 20, 2011 12:57 pm

@Dawk……. Thats all we need…….. We’ve been undersized for years…… D. Walker and Corey on his back flat Simon…….. Staaaaaatttts dooooont Liiiiiiiiieeeee! (Dwight Howard voice)……. A big block can make things happen for your DE’s to eat…… Patterson and Bunkley are the new Darwin Walker and Corey Simon……. No disrespect to the both but they weren’t a fearsome tandom……. Andre Carter had his best season with Haynesworth….. Hell that big defensive tackle from the Jaguars gave us hell against the Jags Terrence Knighton…….. The kid killed our front line……..

dawkplex1221
dawkplex1221
June 20, 2011 1:02 pm

lol warren sapp has been dogging out DT’s for years now lol.

jroc757
jroc757
June 20, 2011 1:05 pm

Kyle vandenbosh had a great season with the Lions when Ndamukong Suh was drafted by them…… And Trent cole is a hell of a lot better than vandenbosh….. I say get the Carnivore Haynesworth in the mix or a real BOLDER and we’ll see Trent Cole’s #’s rise……. It’s a gaurantee……..

If it aint Babin here in Philly than it will be Haynesworth……. I know that Washburn is telling the Eagles staff…… “I can work with this guy Albert”! “Just let me deal with him”!

@Dawkplex……. Haynesworth had swiped his credit card between a waitresses breast…… LOL…… He looks like the type who would do such a thing………

paulman
paulman
June 20, 2011 1:07 pm

T Cole has 2 more full time play seasons left in him in my opinion..
If he played 40-45 SNaps a game (instead of the 60 he takes now), then he could play another 4 Years.. I bet with limited snaps to passing situations he would still put up about the same numbers he has in his Career, the problem I have is that he’s a liability in the Running game and teams that Run right at him have the most Success (Packers RB Starks had 80 of his 125 yards
coming from running at T Cole.. The Redksins RB Torian had huge gains around the left side of the Eagle DL.. It’s no secret, If you want to run the ball versus the Eagles, you run at both their DE’s (Cole/Parker) and then with the average LB play behind them the last couple of Seasons (Cogong,Jordan,(Sims, & Fokou) who was there to make the play???

jroc757
jroc757
June 20, 2011 1:21 pm

@paulman…… The Eagles have always had issues with defensive tackles…. Remember Dawkins was the one who blew up a gap putting his 205lb. frame to make something happen with our undersized Defensive front line…… Well the same thing happens today……. We need to get bigger up front…… When Bunkley was out….. DID ANYONE MISS HIM????? WHAT ABOUT PATTERSON????? Dixon drafted by the Redskins was the best DT on our roster……. We dont know how to draft DT’s…….. Thats why Haynesworth will be a perfect fit for our defense…….. Than we can stop all these no name guys like Starks and Torain and the Jame Mungro type guys from getting highlights on us!!!!!

paulman
paulman
June 20, 2011 1:30 pm

It was also in part of the DT 2 Gap Scheme responsibility that both JJ and McDermott ran without the proper personnel to run it right which requires big wide bodies who can hold the position and middle of the line down while the LB run to the holes to make plays.. This is also the reason you would not see many “Stunts” by the Eagles D/Line.The Eagles had success with these schemes with Corey SImon,Hollis Thomas and Darwin Wlaker for they were bigger than Bunkley/Patterson/Laws
Now the scheme changes to a 1 Gap responsibility for the DT’s which basically means for the DT’s to beat the man in front of him and get into the backfield which should play to the Strengths of Dixon/Bunkley/Laws (I am not so sure that Mike Patterson will fit this new scheme well) We should also see more stunting by the Eagles DL under Washburn who likes to have his DL move and come from all different spots.. Should be fun to watch..

jroc757
jroc757
June 20, 2011 1:38 pm

Darwin Walker and Corey Simon were above average DT’s…….. You couldnt even mention them with the likes of Warren Sapp’s or Pat Williams…….. They were like Lito Sheppard and Sheldon Brown at the DT spot…… A good paint job over a shitty interior…… I can add that Washburn will improve this front line…. But with a guy like FAT ALBERT…….. We’ll improve so much……. When the Eagles had the chance to get Grady Jackson from free agency…… I was yelling get this guy……. When he went to the Falcons he was a beast there…….. But we missed out as usual!!!!

runtheball09
runtheball09
June 20, 2011 2:11 pm

1. Jonathan Joseph-CB
2. Charles Johnson-DE
3. Albert Haynesworth-DT
4. Tavaris Jackson-QB
5. Braylon Edwards-WR
6. Daniel Sepulveda-P

?

i bet you missed on a six players. i see none of them coming here

jroc757
jroc757
June 20, 2011 2:26 pm

Heres what a happy haynesworth brings to a great organization/good coach such as washburn!!!!!

2008 Season with Haynesworth

Total D (7th) 293.6 yds.
Run D (6th) 93.9 yds.
Pass D (9th) 199.9 yds.
Sacks (5th) 44

2009 without Haynesworth

Total D (28th) 369.4 yds.
Run D (10th) 104.7
Pass D (31st) 264.7
Sacks (22nd) 29

Run defense didnt drop that bad but the rest of the stats speak for themselves…… If we add Nnamdi we could be in the top 3 if not the top of the list of pass defense……. With haynesworth in the mix he’ll help this team in so many ways….. Staaaaaaaaatttttssss Doooooooonnnnt Liiiiiiiiiieeeeee!!!!!

Iggles
Iggles
June 20, 2011 2:34 pm

These articles, whether from Eagles PR or from independents, which talk about how great this team could be IF… are ridiculous. This is very much more of similar “gold standard” publicity which so many Eagles fans are tired of hearing. Talk is cheap. Being a fan who’s been around since ’49, 50 then Dec,1960 (college freshman) and hoping to finally see first SB ch’ship, this hype has been increasingly worse since Lurie bought this team and brought in Reid. It’s easy to see why other NFL East & Steeler fans mock Eagles fans whose team has never “walked the walk” and have a Lombardi trophy.

It’s fine to talk about whom the Eagles might sign as FA’s to make this team a “true contender” for a SB run, but until we WIN one, let’s stop writing articles extolling the virtues/talents of a possible 53-man roster.

jroc757
jroc757
June 20, 2011 2:38 pm

I have to be the most cursed sports fan in my favorite two sports…… I’m a die hard Orlando Magic Fan but they live and die by one scheme……. A ton of talent on the roster but the same ol’ 3 point scheme that doesn’t work year after year……. Dwight Howard might be gone!!!! SMH…… Seeing Shaq leave and with a championship in LA murdered me…….. But I love my one scheme teams….

Die hard Philly fan to the heart and with the pass pass pass scheme seems to haunt us every season!!!! SMH……. A guy told me that Jasper…….. Your teams schemes seem elementary and see through like Madonna’s lingerie…… I couldnt help but laugh and tell him Tim…… Go F@%& yourself!!!!!!!

jroc757
jroc757
June 20, 2011 2:46 pm

Under a 4-3 scheme DE Andre Carter’s stats in 2009…..

16 games played
11 sacks
62 tackles with 48 of them solo
3 forced fumbles

Made the probowl that season and played very well against us I might add….. He also force Qb’s to rush passes and Rb’s to move in bad positions to make their defense a lot better…… If you ask me…… Haynesworth is a difference maker…….

RealTalk777
RealTalk777
June 20, 2011 2:54 pm

There is too many what if’s going around right now…I know theres not much to talk about with football being on “pause”, I understand that but Jets, Cowboys, Giants, Patriots, Saints, Bears, Packers…the list goes on…All these teams could be the best team in football depending on additions to player personel. I hope this gets settled soon, so we can all get back to reality!

Stevo
Stevo
June 20, 2011 2:57 pm

DSM- q was on our roster for years till he had his shot.

Im not saying they will geet 5 new starters on D but they will add a few.

Stevo’s thoughts.

1) The new rook SS will start.
2) They will add a starting DE and grahm will be apart of the rotation for this year.
3) They will add a starting RCB and TrevL will be the nickle.
4) They will look to add fat albert if he’s there.
5) Unless they wiff at DE and CB, i dont they they bring in a lb to start.

Stevo
Stevo
June 20, 2011 3:04 pm

bottom line- birds have $, birds have LOTS of talent in SOME spots, birds have HUGE holes that even AR sees- you do the math. Mark my words…. new RCB, new DE (or DT or both). They are going so spend on this. Dont listen to Pman- its not a rebuilding year.

cluelesseaglesfan
cluelesseaglesfan
June 20, 2011 3:06 pm

We should def. sign the punter coming off the acl tear, we could probably get him on a 2 or 3 year deal for $2.35 a yr plus incentives. Nobody’s trading for Albert H. and picking up that contract. Oh yeah I almost forgot Paulman’s a douche.

Stevo
Stevo
June 20, 2011 3:12 pm

lol. i agree clueless…. we will not pay fat a that $.

paulman
paulman
June 20, 2011 3:30 pm

One thing to keep in mind fellas are the status of the many Eagles Free-Agents..There is no 100% guarantee thatplayers like Bradley,Gaither,Sims,Mickell,O Schmitt, MJG, N Cole,D Paterson,Rocca,Akers, R Wells or any of the others will be offered a deal by the Eagles or that they won’t get any better deals from other teams ..
I do not think Eagles offer anything to free-agent players Gaither,Sims,Jordan,Mickell,Akers,Wells,N Cole,or D Paterson
I do think they will offer tenders to Bradley, MJG, Schmitt, Rocca, but no guarantee that these players will accept ,o their needs may change multiple times based on contract talks with some of their own Free-Agents..

paulman
paulman
June 20, 2011 3:35 pm

Stevo, when did I say it was a rebuilding year for the Eagles…
The Eagles need 2-3 pieces on Defense and maybe another OL/A back-up RB
and maybe another TE/Big WR..

Their problem isn’t neccesarily the Roster, it’s the Philosophy of Coach AR/MM

scorpiodsu
scorpiodsu
June 20, 2011 3:43 pm

I think we will be in better shape than most team because we don’t have a new head coach and just about the entire offensive unit knows the system and has been here for a couple years. We still will have concerns on the o-line but I think we were going to have them regardless. The main concerns are going to be on the defensive side of the ball. We already had a weak defense with a lot mediocre players. Combine that with a new D-coordinator that used to be your offensive line coach and a new defensive staff then defense could have a rough start. I’m hoping it’s not the case though. But “Eagles could become the best team in the NFL after the lockout ends”…. I’m not really sure what that means. I mean we’ve been the gold standard for so long and have had the best roster in football. Right?

scorpiodsu
scorpiodsu
June 20, 2011 4:03 pm

I’m with you Iggles. All this “if” talk is meaningless. Most of it is “duh”. If we sign the best players in FA of course we’ll be one of the best teams in the league….. um duh. If the offensive line would have protected the QB, if Andy would run the ball, if our D line didn’t get overpowered, or LBs could cover TEs and our safeties could hit someone, IF IF IF. No kidding.

Stevo
Stevo
June 20, 2011 4:42 pm

pman- you said you thought the birds would not go after free agents this year and look to next year. in your d, it might have been because you thought the seasason would not start on time or something. i poke fun. but…. you and i seem to agree… the birds are only a few startes away from going deep.

Maybe im crazy but im not that worried about the D coaching. I guess i feel like they cant get worse than McD and Rory. My bet is that our D (if we get a few guys) will be tough and mean. Man i hope. I read somewhere on here someone saying they wanted fat A because he was nasty and we need a little of that. I dont like him but that may be true.

dsm841
dsm841
June 20, 2011 4:48 pm

@steveo you just completely changed your view on our defense pretty quickly, saying every position needed to be uprgraded vs RCB and DE. Q waited a couple years because he was an undrafted free agent, they usually dont play as rookies or ever really get a shot to start. Eagles are not going to throw money at a DE, when they are consistently rotating them, however they will definitely be interested in albert if he becomes available. The thing no one on here realizes or acknowledged is that the eagles NEVER do what you expect them to.

Stevo
Stevo
June 20, 2011 5:00 pm

no no no. i said we have q’s on the line with grahm out. q’s on the lb’s with half being FA’s and such, no RCB, and young FS/SS/

NOT that we have to add at all those spots. I think we NEED a RCB. we do that and we’ve already gotten better. Next up would be DE. Im not as worried about the Dt’s cause id like to see what the new coach can do. i like our young safties. I would change that at all other than hoping we have good depth is q leaves.

You can solve all your q’s at 1 time. I do not want 5 new starters on this D from FA this year. 1 would be good. 2 would be great. 3 would be a dream.

Stevo
Stevo
June 20, 2011 5:01 pm

*would NOT change that at all (bottom of 2nd paragraph)

Stevo
Stevo
June 20, 2011 5:03 pm

ugh….. * you CANT solve all your q’s at 1 time (start of last paragraph)… im like a 4 year old.

paulman
paulman
June 20, 2011 5:16 pm

Stevo,
I did state that “if the lockout would go until the deep summer” where it would create a shortened Camp and potential Season, that the Eagles would not be big players in Free-agency.. With all the talk of possibly getting done in the next 2-3 weeks, then I think they will add 4-5 players and make a serious run at it, If the Lockout continues with no end in sight, then the Eagles and probably most other teams would look to go with the younger players that already have and wing it and hope for the best since all teams would be in a similar situatiom but it they can get almost a full SUmmer Camp in, then Eagles will being in some proven talent in positiions of need..

Stevo
Stevo
June 20, 2011 5:55 pm

my bad Pman. sorry for the mix up.

Im with ya. I say… 2 stars and 2 role players grabbed early.

paulman
paulman
June 20, 2011 6:37 pm

Were on the same page

2 Starters would be RCB (C Rogers, I Taylor or R Marshall) and DE (Kiwanuka or C Johnson) I would be estactic if they landed any combo of these players
Then Role/Sitauational players at LB, along the OL and back-up RB
( I think RB Jerome Harrison will accept an offer and move on for more playing time and touches from another team)

DDCar
DDCar
June 20, 2011 7:04 pm

They will sign free agents-
1- DE Charles Johnson.
2- DT Brandon Mebane.
3- OLG Justin Blalock.
4- ILB Barrett Ruud.
5- CB Drayton Florence (Nickel & Dime packages).
Re-sign LB Stew Bradley, Sav Rocca.
Trade Kolb to AZ for Domenique Rogers- Cromarte & 3rd rounder.
Cut/ Trade DT Mike Patterson, DE Juqua “AARP” Parker, CB Joselio ” Smurf” Hanson. Me likey 😀

SportsBum
SportsBum
June 20, 2011 7:46 pm

I am assuming when you say that Edwards will be in midnight green, you mean the Jets? Why in the hell would the Eagles go after Edwards. They don’t even really need a WR. The only reason Plax’s name comes up is because of the similarities with Vick and the fact that Plax will come on the cheap. Edwards won’t.

Now listen to me with this one too…… I GUARANTEE that the Eagles don’t sign a big time FA DE, like Johnson. They drafted Graham to be the future. They are not giving up on him already. IF they sign a DE, it will be a stopgap. Johnson won’t come in here to be a stopgap.

I am tired of people suggesting who the Eagles will sign because that is what THEY want, not what the EAGLES want.

I don’t see them going after a Punter yet. I think Sav is here for at least 1 more year. I could be wrong though, but they really haven’t shown that they are getting rid of Rocca.

Joseph could be the CB they go after, but I wouldn’t be so quick to throw away the chance of Nnamdi coming here. I know he is going to command lots of money and he is getting older, but at 30…… He is still the best CB in the league. YES, he is better than Revis. I would take Revis based on age, but that is besides the point. Also, the Eagles are like the only team in the league that is considered a contender, needs a CB and can afford him based on the projected salary cap. It makes too much sense. Then again, that could be the reason Nnamdi won’t come here.