Players that are “good guys” don’t warrant roster spots when they lack the talent at the NFL level. The great teams have starter worthy talent on their bench, used for assigned formations/packages and if a player were to go down with injury. Below are some not “household” names that we could target for to improve our defense in addition to the glary holes at the safety position.
Safety Depth-Taylor Mays, Stevie Brown, James Ihedigbo,
Cornerback – I don’t envision the Eagles being players for the top guys. There will be some nice options in the top four rounds of the draft, but I do see the Eagles bringing in a low cost veteran like a Tarell Brown.
Defensive End/Nose Tackle– The starters are Thorton, Logan and Cox. The depth after those three is thin, and the Eagles will look to upgrade with good value free agents who have experience in the 3-4 set.
The front three in the 3-4 are not going to be sack collectors, their responsibility is to attract blockers and open up space for the playmaking linebackers.
At nose tackle, I would like a veteran like a Ryan Pickett to help mentor Logan and provide some “size” up front. At the defensive end, Corey Wootton and Arthur Jones could be added depth behind the young potential of Damion Square.
Linebackers– Barwin, Ryan and Kendricks are locks. Cole will probably return for one more season, rotating with a free agent or 2014 draft pick if Brandon Graham is cut or traded. The depth of linebackers is poor with true “3-4” experience. There are low cost tier two and tier three players I could see the Eagles going after and focusing their attention on drafting the future at the OLB versus investing big dollars in. Pay attention to names like Frank Zombo, Rob Jackson, Marcus Benard.
Special Teams
Punter- Re-sign Donnie Jones
Kicker- Rian Lindell
Return Specialist- Devin Hester
“My Wish List”
Offense
QB-Vick or Colt McCoy, G-Garrett Reynolds
Defense/Special Teams
S-Byrd, Mitchell and Mays. CB-Tarell Brown NT-Pickett, DE-Jones, OLB-Benard, Zombo, P-Donnie Jones,
K-Lindell, KR/PR-Hester
Honestly I’m tired of big pay days for these top FA’s. They never pan out. DRC, asanti, Nnamdi. The lose their hunger because they get fed very well by the eagles organization. They need to continue to build through the draft. Everyone knows the need is on secondary. LB are good (Barwin, Kendricks, and Ryans) just add more comp for camp. CB’s are young in Fletcher, Boykins and Carey Williams.. They could use another year together too. They show promise.
Safty needs to have a young hard hitter like Pryor in the draft then add comp like Ihedigbo/bethae or whitener. Just don’t over pay. That’s where the middle of the road talent is key or a vet on a one year contract. We gotta keep them hungry.
We lost our asses with 1st round picks. They’re never promised to be what we think they’ll be. Why not Pryor?
Also add a big WR in the draft. Benjamin looks nice if he drops to the 2nd round.
Very excited for 2014. Howies doing great at being cheap. I don’t think we should go down that road again and sign Byrd or Ward for big money. They’ll just lose a step or play when the want to anyway.
Go Eaglez! Can’t wait for the draft.
bogus; How did Runyan do for us? How has Peters been? How good was T.O. the first year?
T.O, Peters and DRC were not free agent pickups. Each were acquired via trade. I would say Asante paid off; so did Runyan. Only big free agent bust in last 10 years that comes to mind is Nnamdi.
Kearse,Howard,Blaine Bishop,
Nnamdi, R Brown,Steve Smith,Kenny Phillips,
Patrick Chung (as I stated he would be)
Soapaga were all Busts as Free-Agent signings
Today’s NFL with the Salary Cap and more intricate Pkayer Contracts that are more custom written for each Teams Specfic Cap Situation with Bonus’Guarantee $$$, etc make it much more difficult to trade Pjayers unless they are in their final year or 2 of their Deals since most Players Contracts are front loaded with Bonus. etc making it more difficult for a Team their Contractsvto fit their Cap Situations
..
Pretty much all of those guys, except Kearse, were not big time signings and were only signed to one year deals.
DL Howard was a big signing that year..
He played 3 years with Eagles and did very little,
Darryl Tapp was traded for Chris Clemons and a 3rd/4th Round pick thrown in.. Then his contract was extended b4 he ever too on a snap for the Eagles.. Terrible Trade & Deal for a rotational Player at best..
T.O. was basically a free agent. You know what i meant.
My point was about guys we didnt draft. Guys we then went on to pay big money for.
plus- we need more than a young hard hitter… we need to lock down 2 spots that have been the death of us for 5 years.
A good List Jeff..
DE Corey Wooten was a player I liked when coming out a few years ago
Though he’s matured into a big time player.. His background and experience in
College and with the Bears is a 4-3 DE..
I think the Eagles need to add players in this 3-4 Scheme that have NFL
Experience in playing the 3-4 which is why I like
Lamarr Houston & Arthur Jones as Free-Agents.. They have more girth and lower body strength which is required to play the 5 Technique in a 3-4 as a DE
They desperately need an OLB with Pass-Rushing ability which is why
I like James Neal (Packers) & O’Brien Schofield (Seahawks)
Over the OLB you listed a
I do believe they need a difference maker, tone setter at Safety
And not a 2nd Tier Player.. Byrd or TJ Ward will cost a lot of $$$
But I believe they have to sure up at least 1 Safety Position this year and then Draft 1 early and 1 late to groom for future.
If both Pryor & Dix are gone by #22 which is a very likely
Scenario, the Eagles should trade back and get additional picks in the
2nd, 3rd or 4th Rounds which is where you really build a core of Players
I do not, do not Select a WR at #22
With the Eagles current big 3 (DJax,Maclin & Cooper)
It’s just not needed for 2 years or so, I would Draft a WR in the mid-rounds to groom for down the road..
It takes WR a good 2 years in the NFL to get comfortable and to make an impact 95% of the time anyways..
Minutes would not be surprised to see one of the stop Guards
Go at #22 (Yancy from Standord, the kid from UCLA)
You don’t see us moving up to grab what we need? I’m sure HaHa or Pryor will not be falling to 22. Gotta go up and grab em. Just stuck in this kid Pryor. He just needs to learn better angles in coverage but what an instant starter with big play ability. You’ll have to game plan against this kid. But what a down hill player. It’s been too long without a player like BDawk.
I like the bigger people beat up little people philosophy. Grab a big WR like Benjamin (if) we can get him in the second round. Big IF. But lots if talent at WR.
I doubt they move up Bigg Dawg, because they may need those resources to get another 2nd – 3rd Round pick… Besides, I would look for them to draft a pass rusher with the 1st Round Pick – Kony Ealy, or Dee Ford….
If they sign Mitchell(26), and Jenkins(27) they won’t need to draft a Safety high – eliminating the urgency to draft Pryor, or Clinton Dix
I don’t think Kelvin Benjamin, is everything that some believe him to be, and he won’t be as impact in the NFL, as he was for Florida State. That’s why some mocks have him in the second. With the signing of Maclin, and Cooper, and the pending signing of an experienced veteran – Nicks, or Britt, etc… – They don’t need to draft a WR high in the draft.
About 1/2 the Teams in the NFL need help in the Safety Position
Look at Teams ahead of the Eagles in the Draft
Giants,Cowboys,Steelers,Bears,Rams,Ravens,Packers then look at the Teams behind the Eagles also needing Safety Help like the
Patriots, Broncos, Bengals, Panthers, etc,etc
So many Teams looking to upgrade a more and more Critical Position now in the pass-happy NFL that both Pryor & Dix will probably end up going sooner than projected coming in.. I don’t see neither player making it past
18 or so..
Cowboys are very high on Safety Ha-Ha Dix per most Reports
1 last thing is that many of the Teams I mentioned who need Safeties don’t have the Cap Space to sign a Byrd/TJ award or top free-agents so they will have to address their needs in the a Draft
Teans line Cowboys,Giants,Steelers, Ravens have very little Soace to sign any stop Free-Agent which may make the Offers a little lower to Byrd/Ward & company
How bout if we let Bill Davis recommend who he would like? The guy was with a couple teams the past few years and knows exactly who would fit into his scheme? All this talk about 4-3 guys that might workout is ridiculous, we have a bunch of them already on this team n we all see the results, not good! Let the guy pick his players with the help n guidance of Gamble n Donahoe.
agree 100%
Seriously guys…. the draft? YOU DONT DRAFT NEED!!!
What makes more sense? Lock up one of the best FS’s in the game or.. trade up and draft ANOTHER S hoping he will be better than Jarrett… i mean Allen…. i mean both?
Grab Byrd man and move on,
How many of us watched NFC champ game year after year KNOWING we needed a WR? It was a GLARING need. That took 4 years…. getting a S has taken 5. lets do this!!
It wouldn’t shock me if they had 19million left over after they sign these 2nd and 3rd tier players they about to get this shit sad we got a Gm that’s scared to pay a fa cause of something that happen 3years ago HOWIE loves to shop for his cloths at Forman mills but has the money to shop a Louis Vuitton.
They don’t have to break the bank, Howie has to be creative, he goes to Cole, Ryan’s, Casey and tells them they have to restructure their contracts, between that and cutting Chunk and a few others, he can get the deal done and not touch the Cap, all this talk about him hurting the cap this year or next by signing Byrd or Ward is bullshit.
It’s not about hurting the cap with signing Byrd but more of if they sign Byrd what else can they get in free agency cole and Ryan’s dont have to restructure cause they hold cards it’s no pass rushers on the market or in the draft and it’s no lbs in fa worth taking over Ryan’s and they are not getting none of the top lbs in the draft so if I were cole or Ryan’s I would laugh at howie if he asked me to do that knowing what else is out there.
They get second tier guys like they did last year, how many FAs do u think they need to come in and start? You have the draft also, if picked right. The first three guys picked should come in and contribute, bottom line is, you bring in a Byrd or Ward, a couple second tier guys, you draft well n none if that will have any affect on the cap, and yes, it is about the cap with Howie.
Starters. Real NFL starters. Bottom line.
by Larry Hartstein | CBSSports.com
(2:40 pm ET) The Eagles checked in with free agent defensive end Lamarr Houston, but he’s likely out of their price range, reports CSNPhilly.com. Houston, who spent his first four seasons with the Raiders, has drawn interest from the Packers and other teams.
The NY Giants are letting Hakeem Nicks test free agency in 2014 and rumors have a number of teams interested in signing the star, as the Carolina Panthers, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks all could be fits for the wideout on the market come March 11.
3/9/2014
Free Agency Update: Is Malcolm (Jenkins) In The Middle?
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By Bret Stuter – Mar 9th, 2014 at 12:00 am
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As all eyes turn towards the Philadelphia Eagles search for a fit at safety, more and more of the trained eyes are turning towards Safety Malcolm Jenkins. As lunchtime drew to a close, Mike Kaye from Bleeding Green Nation posted a fanshot of recent activity on Malcolm Jenkins twitter account. In the post, reflecting minutes previously, the account listed Philly sportswriters of both Jeff McLane and Les Bowen as recent followers. In his story “In free agency, Eagles’ best bet at safety is Malcolm Jenkin” released earlier in the day Jeff McLane set the odds of the Philadelphia Eagles signing Jenkins at 5-2.
So what is it about Malcolm Jenkins that places him in the cross hairs of the Philadelphia Eagles safety search? Well the first rule is the fact that you must beat a Chip Kelly team to catch his attention. In the playoff game, the New Orleans Saints did just that, and Jenkins had 3 tackles. The second element is that the player must be big. At 6’0″, and weighing 204 pounds, Jenkins has plenty of size to administer a thump on receivers working deep. A first round pick in the 2009 draft (number 14), Malcolm has played his entire NFL career for the Saints, and has averaged 71 tackles a year. He has never played in 16 games in a season, but he did add two forced fumbles, two interceptions, and two and a half sacks in 14 games played.
Jenkins adds a dimension favored in the Eagles scheme. He can switch from free safety to strong safety, which aligns with an Eagles scheme that requires either safety to move up or play back depending on the call. Jenkins needs work on tackling, having missed a significant number as measured by Pro Football Focus, but he is comfortable in the box as well as covering a slot receiver. The most intriguing quality of Jenkins is his reputation among his teammates, who respect him highly and consider him a true professional.
Is Malcolm in the middle of the Eagles search for a free safety? If he’s not, several Philadelphia sports writers are wrong. But even if he is not, he should be. The Eagles are searching for a player who will fit what they do and produce on each and every down. He was not resigned by the Saints because his price is likely beyond their ability to pay. And he will not come cheaply, as the safety position is becoming one of the more lucrative positions to play in the NFL.
But if the Eagles are aiming at a group of safeties offering both good value and good production, there stands Malcolm Jenkins, in the middle.
Good stuff.. I am not very high on Malcom Jenkins as some of the other Posters here are.. I just believe the Eagles needs a true Stron Safety and leader of the Secondary who will call coverages, etc,etc
Which Jenkins did not do.. rookie Ken Vacarro did before his Injury and Safety a roman Garper in Jenkins other Season with the Saints
Though he is an upgrade over Nate Allen/Chung
I feel there are more Physical Pkayers out there in Free-Agency than Jenkins
I would sign Whitner,Mitchell,Bethea,Inhedigbo
As 2nd Tier Safety”s before Malcolm Jenkins
But that’s just me..
You have Jenkins as 2nd tier, but have Mitchell, & Ihedigbo ahead of him? Mitchell sucks, & Jenkins ain’t much better! Stop it!
Yes I do DCAr,
Mitchell helped anchor a Defense that gave up the
2nd/3rd least amount of Points in all the NFL without an All-Pro
Secondary.. I saw him all year and he’s a good,
Not a great Player, I have stated Eagles need to getxVeteram Strong Safety then Draft a Free Safety ..
I still remember when he was drafted in the 2nd round, Espn didn’t even have a picture to put next to his height and weight stats. The entire panel was stunned.
Yes Kip didn’t even have him in his Book of
400 Players that Draft..
Some Scouting Reports had Mitchell as high as
A 5th/6th Round Grade, many as an undrafted Player
And here he is 4-5 Seasons later up for Free-Agency and about
To get a decent contract from some Team which is another reason I like him, plays with a big Chip on shoulder and something to prove
Which I like in players and especially Safety
It’s not his fault the Raiders selected him as high as they did..
Be honest with me Paul…..He played for Carolina – Could there be a little biased with him?
You do realize, The Eagles don’t have the same type of Front 7 as Carolina had last year right?
I don’t know, nor do I think that Mike Mitchell is as good as his stats may indicate…..I think his stats are irrelevant especially in a contract year……
I wouldn’t say he ANCHORED that Defense Paul….Was he a cog, – yes, but not the anchor – The anchor was Kuechly……
I agree with DCar, but I do feel, he is better than what we have – and that isn’t saying much – Malcolm Jenkins is even better than Mitchell hands down – Mitchell’s deficiencies may have been hidden by how good the front 7 were last year – I say buyer beware with him…..
Mitchell “Anchored the Secondary” Cliff, is what I should have stated..we all know the Front 7 of the Panthers is the Strong Part of their Defense but Mitchell was the only player in that Secondary to play all 16 Games anbd keep them together as they had multiple players play CB and Safety with their Injuries
Heck, they had to bring in Safety Quinton Mikell in halfway into the Season to field a Safety Group ..
I have no Bias to the Carolina Panther’s, in fact I am not a big fan of Cam Newton at all but I do like their Coach Ron Rivera, it’s just that since I live down here, I see them all the time and have a pretty good read on their Player’s and Mitchell is a Good Solid Player.. He’s no All-Pro or Superstar, but he’s a tough little sob who can play on my Team anyday
Okay Paul – Anchored the Secondary – sounds more reasonable. But, is he that because he was head and shoulders above the rest of the Secondary – or because better players were hurt?
He is better than what we have, but I’m skeptical about players in their contract year who perform well, but never performed that way consistently before…….Just saying
Mitchell, & Jenkins both missed as many tackles as Allen & Chung last year, & both are rated on the outside of the top 75 NFL Safeties. If they don’t sign Byrd, & nickel & dime us again, with 2nd-3rd tier mediocre talent, they need to be boycotted. There is no excuse, to sign a Pro-Bowl stud, in the prime of his career, at a dire position of need, all-the-while, being $24M+ under the cap. Get a f^#@ing good safety in here! We have had a black hole, since BDawk, & Mikell left! I’m sick of this dumpster diving crap! Get it done!
ABSOLUTELY AGREED DCAR.
like i said this weekend he has every single box checked in what you want from a high priced free agent. Son of an NFL player (dad is now CB coach of the bucs). long history of being a ball hawk both in pros and college. no off the field troubles, no major injuries, history with coaching staff….
time to pay up and start shaping an identity on this joke of defense.
mh, also, his Plantar Fasciitis/ heal spurs, can be relieved, & gotten rid of, with cortisone shots, & sole inserts, that can be molded to his feet. I had it in 2001-2007, & couldn’t take the pain anymore, so I went to a foot Doctor, & he molded clay insoles to my feet, & had insoles made. After about a month, the Plantar Fasciitis/ heal spurs, stopped hurting, & eventually went away. I still play B-Ball, Baseball, work out & train in MMA, & I no longer have an issue. “Knock on wood!” So, in other words, with the top Doctors in the NFL, his issue, is a non-issue. Sign him! NOW!!!!
Hey what do you guys think about this kid Trent Murphy? Can he play and if so where is he projected to go?
I was high on Trent Murphy from Stanford back during the Season, but he’s really dropped with a poor showing at Senoir Bowl and adainvat the Indy Combinez he didn’t much Kate in the a Season and Bowl game vs Mich Dtate
He gas length at 6-6″ and 265lbs, and I thought he could be like a JJ Watt and move him around in different formations but most have soured on mhim for his lack of strength and explosion
He was projected as a late 1st Rounder but now has dropped to a late 2nd/Early 3rd by some scouting services..
I believe he will make an BFL Roster and be a Rotational
Type of DE.. He’s nit athketic enough to stand up and play an OLB
And his not strong enough to play a True DE in a 4-3
With hands on the ground..
He’s still young, smart and may blossom with the right Team
But he’s has dropped considerably where he was ranked back in December
and I had him Mocked to the Eagles in my initial Mock Draft way back when at #22..
No he can’t…..He’s another player blown up because he played at a High Profile School – Think Brooks Reed – not JJ Watt….
That’s what I just stated Cliff
I was high on him back in Nov/December but cooled on him considerably
As a rotational Player..
Think more of a Paul Grasmanis type if you remember him
broohs Reed is an OLB and not a DE
My Bad Paul, Buddy…I didn’t mean for it to sound critical. Don’t be offended Brother, I didn’t mean it like that.
No problem Cliff,
I am sending you a bag of “Lucky St Patty’s Sugarless Mints”
To you for St Patty’s Day…
Can someone explain why everyone is so high on Jenkins? He had 16 missed tackles last year, let me repeat that, 16 missed tackles! those are Nate Allen numbers, I just don’t get it, this not paying for a top tier safety reminds me of the early days of Reid when they thought they didn’t need a big time receiver.
Ward missed a lot of tackles last year too. He is a big hitter, but he whiffs on a lot of plays too be cause of the way he goes in for the big hit.
Grrrr….. enough of this howie!!! Get byrd man and Bethea and be done with this position!!!
Word is the Broncos are going hard after Ward, can someone tell me how these teams who don’t have the kind of cap money we have make the moves were so scared to make? Howie has to get over his nightmare 2011 already, it’s really getting played out.
It looks like the cap champions are at it again.
Two of the best safeties are there for the taken, and Everyone is talking about not morgaging the house for a safety now.
How is paying the best safety in the game 8 mil morgagin the house when we’re 20+ mil under the cap?
Signing bonuses can actually be structured to bring the yearly salary down to a reasonable number so there’s no excuses,so just pay Byrd and be done with it.
We have went through this nightmare at Safety long enough!
Everyone out there claim the Eagles are trying to be more like the Steelers,well they have Polamalu,which gives the coordinators the flexibility to call exotic defenses. The Steelers don’t have to mask deficencies at the safety position and teams fear going over the middle against them.
You can’t be scared because of what happen during the Asomumha years. You took a chance that could of paid off and the player fell flat on his face, but Byrd is not that type of player.
Make Byrd the highest paid safety in the game and be done with it once and for all.
Roseman stated early in February that they were not going to be active in FA pursuing top high priced FA’s. I don’t know why anyone would be surprised or even upset at this point. He prepared everyone by stating it. Malcom Jenkins would be fine. Not concerned about Ward, I would much rather have Calvin Pryor or Deone Bucannon. The Eagles want to build through the draft, which is how it should be done. I said it last month…prepare to be disappointed because the Eagles were not going all out in FA per Roseman. He stated this to many times for me not to believe him. If Byrd was that last piece to a superbowl contender, I think they would do it. But, that’s not the case.
Hurts to type this, but I agree with Songs. Gotta get Byrd or Ward. No excuse. They have the need and the money. Both of these guys are in their primes right now.
Mike Vick can’t sleep, that phone of his ringing off the hook.
Seeing what Orakpo, Worilds, and Everson Griffen just received; I understand why Cedric Thornton just signed a one year get me to free agency deal. Bad football players are getting monster contracts on the DL/ OLB edge rushers.
I can’t believe the deal that Everett Griffen got,
Remember a few years back, many had the Eagles Selecting him from USC
The year they selected Danny Watkins..
Ouch!!!
Thornton had no choice but to sign that contract his options where sign it or be out of football he couldn’t negotiate with another team he has weird contract exclusive rights contact.
Not true Smitty. He was arguably their best Defensive Lineman – even better than Fletcher Cox – who is playing out of position – and his production is suffering from it…
The birds should cut Williams and sign cromartie Williams sucks they needier than one play maker back there right now the only one they got is Boykin they need more.
I agree gloomy but Id cut Bradley Fletcher instead and Sign Cromartie on a 1 yr deal. I’d still draft a young CB in the 2nd or 3rd round too..
JH, I think they should draft 2 CB’s. along with bringing in a better option than Bradley Fletcher…
Cliff and Paul, do either of you know anything about Phillip Gaines- CB from Rice…what do you think of him. I did not know anything about this kid until the combine. Playing at Rice didn’t allow me to have him on my radar. He has good size at ‘6 0″ and ran a 4.38 40. Of course his coach speaks highly of him. I do not know how he performed on the field of play though which is where it really counts.
Gaines had a nice Senior Week & Indy Combine per most Scotus/Obeservors and has really caugh the Attention of a lot of Teams and has moved up the Draft Board from probably a 5th Round Prospect to a 3rd Round Prospect.. besides his world class spee, Gaines Scored weill in field drills and playing on the ball in Coverages.. I believe he also participated on SPecial Teams in the Return Game for Rice… definitely a Player to check out
Thanks Paul.
Love him – will be one of the steals of the draft…
Can also play free safety Eagle
Cool, is he physical? Thanks for info Cliff.
Mediocre in the physicality department, but what he is, is a interception machine – would be a very good future combo with Kyle Fuller – and could be a very good Free Safety..
I agree cliff and I mentioned that a few months ago. I think it’s time for us to get two new young cornerbacks that are faster, taller and don’t get beat in coverage and that are physical and can press cover really well.
But in regards to this discussion I feel that having Antonio Cromartie would be a better option over Bradley Fletcher if that was a decision they had to make..
I think Cromartie doesn’t make sense as he is older, and has declined as a CB.
We need to draft 2 CB’s to groom for the future. A combination of :
Kyle Fuller, Stanley Jean-Baptiste, Keith McGill, Walt Aikens, Pierre Desir, and Phillip Gaines.
Cromartie just made the pro bowl on a sucky team haha yes he’s 29 30 but Fletcher and Williams are both a yr or 2 younger than him and neither are pro bowlers.
No comparison.
And again, I’m not saying go sign the guy but let’s be clear, he’s better than both our starters
Yes I have to agree with that , – you know I do because I said all year that Williams, and Fletcher had to be upgraded…..
I believe he made the pro bowl, not because of his play because – your right the Jets did stink – but because he is still a popular player amongst fans, and players, but he’s a shell of what he used to be.
and he’ll still want pro bowler money
Time for fantasy football to end and see what actually happens. All we can be sure of is – there will be new safeties added over the next few days.
No truer words could be spoken!
Antonio Cromartie has been released by the Jets
Cromartie is 30 Years Old, and has a chronic hip injury/ issues,
NY Jets saved paying out a $5 Million Bonus which was due this Week and save $9.5 Million off their Cap Space by Releassing him..
A no brainer that was expected by all parties involved
He can still play, but probably a Summer Pick-up on the cheap by a Team
who incurs injuries at CB during Summer Camp..
reports are saying the eagles have shown no interest in byrd. there is really no possible way after all the safety mistakes since dawk left, the draft mistakes, the taking graham over earl thomas that they dont get this beast.
i pray roseman isnt gonna keep continuing down this mistake prone path
Byrd wants $9 MIllion per Season which the Eagles will not go for and I am ok with this and actually do not expect them to be big players in Free-Agency,
as Roseman has stated all off-season..
I believe Byrd Signs with the Redskins..
TJ Ward Signs with the Broncos or Bears
Eagles will not spend the entire $26-$27 Million available to them in Cap Space this Off-Season
They are Currently approx $9 Million under the Cap and have $16-$17 Available from the Rollover of last year’s unspent Cap Money
I think they will pursue 2nd Tier Good value Players as Roseman stated they would to add competition and depth and will rely more on the Draft to build their Roster and I as a Fan am ok with this approach, though it’s always fun to add a big name or two, but the reality is that this doesn’t guarantee anymore success then Drafting and Coaching up young Players..
byrd isnt a big name bro, he is a big difference maker. probably the only real difference maker out there in FA. they have the loot. if they got 26-27 mill available give the guy the 9 and still have 18. fuck enough with the safety mistakes
our D has ZERO difference makers. BUY ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Philadelphia Inquirer suggests the Eagles as a landing spot for free agent DL Mike Neal.
Coach Chip Kelly loves versatility in all his players and that’s Neal’s calling card. He played both outside linebacker and defensive end for the Packers, recording 9.5 sacks and six tackles for a loss over his last 27 games. He generated a team-high 37 hurries last season, also showing an ability to rush from the interior at 6’3/285. Mar 10 – 10:39 AM
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer
I like Mike Neal.. liked him 3-4 Years ago out of Purdue where is was a Down-Lineman in a 4-3 who the Packers converted to a Pass-Rushing OLB and replaced Clay Matthews after his Injuries last Season and had a nice Season..
(there are many fans who follow the Packers closely who would prefer the Pack to keep Neal and let Clay Matthews go or Trade for he has become a primma-donna & Hype machine who is more concerned about himself & Image than the Team)
I understand where you are coming from mhenski…but I’m looking at it as does byrd fit what they say they are looking for…big and long players in their secondary. Byrd is a damn good player, no question about that, but , if he is not what they want from a physical standpoint, then why pay that money. I want the safety positions locked up for the next 6-8 years too. however, I don’t know if the Eagles think a safety who runs a 4.68, just getting over plantar fasciitis and is 5’10” is what they are looking for for that amount of $ annually.
the fact that our cornerbacks are a disgrace means we gotta get competent, playmaking safeties. no good corner is gonna just show up on this team
imo the play is to get byrd unless our FO is ok with having a shit D with no identity and no playmakers. you saw last year our Offense is plenty good enough to take us very far but that the D sucks and will hinder our success rate.
the move is byrd.
Byrd is a big name and the #1 Rated Defensive Secondary Player in this Free-Agency Class by all Media, How can you say he is not a Big-Name
I completely agree Paul. That’s why I’m not clamoring and calling for this player or that player in FA. I think they are more interested in stop gap and rotational players and depth as it relates to FA, but I am more interested in the draft as far as the Eagles getting their top notch players. They just have to make the correct picks. Easier said than done I know, but as I stated in my wish list draft…give me Pryor and Bucannon and I’m happy.
They need a pass rush more than a big time safety I rather have Michael Johnson and Malcolm Jenkins rather than Byrd and rob Jackson
**Eagles News**
According to my source, the Eagles are showing interest in CB Nolan Carroll
anyone know anything about Carroll’s talent?
There is some info on Bleeding Green Nation about carroll, you can read about him on there.
sounds like he blows:
The Steelers are among the teams that have inquired about CB Nolan Carroll.
Carroll would be a weak add as a No. 2 or 3 corner opposite Ike Taylor, who is expected to take a pay cut and stick in Pittsburgh. Carroll started 12 games for the Dolphins last season, routinely getting roasted in coverage.
Related: Steelers
Source: Jason La Canfora on Twitter
Mar 10 – 11:03 AM
Carroll is 6-1 205, played for the Miami Dolphins, he’s 27 yr old
I like him a lot from the University of Maryland and have had him listed as potential 2nd Tier Players for Eagles to Pursue
I had Nolan Carroll even Mocked 4 Years ago as a 6th Round Pick-Up for the Birds
He’s physcial, not super fast, but a sure tackler, good hands and was a return man for the Maryland back in his College Days..
A solid Pick-up if they can get him
Peter King states that nobody is going to give Byrd 9 million a year, if that’s true n his price drops I could see us being players for him but, I think we’re not going to wait and I see us picking up two second tier safety’s instead, Jebkins n Clemons or Mitchell, look guys, Howie is not doing this on his own, he’s getting input from Chip, Davis, Donahoe n Gamble, whoever they pickup will be from a collective vote, no way is Howie saying, this is who I’m getting, you have to live with it n make it work, the bottom line is, were getting a safety in FA and it’s going to be a big upgrade from what we had.
Carroll is a four year veteran, and finished last season with 47 tackles, three interceptions and two sacks.
As far as Carroll goes….. you guys need to remember that ;
a) The eagles D is on the field LOTS more than most teams- They really need 3 or 4 starting type of CB’s if they are going to be on the field that much.
b) We have NO depth at CB to begin with.
He’s an ok player. He’s fast. He is a little better in man but can play zone well too. I would say hes a jack of all trades yet aster of nothing.
If they did grab him…. he fights for the starting job outside and could very well win it.
which isnt good for us considering he “routinely got roasted” in coverage last year. fuck that chump
im just giving you guys the info… im not sold on him either.
About the S position…. no excuses. You have a major need and there are major players sitting there waiting for you. I complained lasy year (and the 4 before that) about not landing a starter.. no reason they cant land one here.
Im told the Birds also have expressed interest in CB Corey Graham who has experience at S and played for Chip at NH
yup- we all have twitter. You are 10 mins late on that.
SMH….
LOL!!!
The Eagles need two starting safeties and they have to get them in free agency it cannot be in the draft.
I feel if they draft a safety it would be one that would need to be groomed for a yr or two.. but as Howie said they will not go into the draft with a hole at safety…
Also keep in mind the defensive scheme that the eagles run, that plays a huge role in who they will bring here.
JH, I disagree with you. I think the Eagles can get a free agent safety and draft one. A safety such as Pryor, Clinton-Dix or Bucannon can come in and start.
A free safety I like in the later rounds is Johnathan Dowling. He needs some polishing, but is a legit 6’3″ ball hawk.
Im told by my source that there is another mock draft up and that rb’s need their own union because the ball boys get treated better.
Hahaha
Kinda funny.. better than dcars lackluster jokes.. sheesh
Birds are in play for my guy Bethea!!
Love it.
i want him and byrd. Thats what Ive been screaming for. This would lock down this spot. 1 can roam free and 1 can tackle.
Bethea isn’t good at best he is below avg he isn’t a difference maker and that’s what the birds need right now.
wrong gloomy. I think hes one of the best on the market. He can tackle and do it well. I would love him and byrd together. Need to do your homework on this guy.
he has decent but not great speed, hits hard, smart and reads the D well. He can play both s positions but I think would be better suited for the S.S. If you think the burds are going to sign a big thumper that only plays the run…. its not going to happen. They need a guy out there that can play pass well too. This guy gives you both.
Your cool Stevo……But I have to agree with Smitty on Bethea – just average at this point in his career…
It’s looking like they will sign – Mike Mitchell, and Malcolm Jenkins – who is from the area
How old is Bethea?
Bethea is 29 Years old and turns 30 in late Jult..
from the Univesity of Howard.. a 9 Year Pro and a short term (2 Year Stop Gap at Strong Safety) — He’s smart,tough and a solid Player
Looks like the eagles are talking to many Players I have listed that they would pursue.. This is 2 Years in a row Cliff that I’ve been dead on ..
thats what happens when you say every FA safety out there.
Ive been calling for Byrd, Bethea and a trade for our fav LB on the dolphins…. not because I know anything… but because I think they would be great fits.
Tell us again oh great pman how Djax will be traded in 2012.. i mean 13.. i mean 14.
Give up the lust for being right and enjoy the show. .
I am enjoying the show and being right at the same time Stevo
Other under the Radar Players the Eagles will Pursue
DE- LaMarr Houston & Arthur Jones
OLB – O’Brien Schofield, Parys Harrelson
OL – Geoff Schwartz
DT – Anthony Fluellen
you are wrong most of the time… good news tho- we have Jhart to take our jokes off you now.
And it doesn’t faze me one bit hahaa its funny how you henski and the bum thinks I care one bit when I laugh and laugh and laugh. It brings great entertainment for me
You guys respond to all of my posts hahaha and you call me nuts? Yikes
relax Hart- we just play because of your sources. If you dropped that silliness you’d find that we think you are a pretty smart cookie.
or not. just a week ago he said it was highly probable lebron signs here this offseason. thats jh in a nut shell
its hilarious to me that the whole gcobb commentator roster laughs at jon and jon laughs at everyone else.
thats a riot
Dead on what Paul?…a mediocre Connor Barwin? …That’s not dead on, especially when you’ve specifically suggest 5-6 players at the same time just to say you mentioned their name???……LOL!!
So, what your saying is that you think as weak as Howie does??…LOL!!!!
You also suggested that DeSean would be traded – that’s not dead on…
Foles would be traded – that’s not dead on…
Celek was on his last year – that’s not dead on…
Vick wasn’t going to be re-signed – that’s not dead on…
Tom Donahue would be the GM – that’s not dead on…
Where as I know you are knowledgeable of Football, – None of us know exactly what the Eagles WILL do when it comes to Free Agency…If we do guess right – We’re just lucky..
I said they would draft Vinny Curry
I said Vick would be here another year
I said DeSean would be here – and wasn’t going anywhere
I said Foles was the Future
I said Bryce Brown wouldn’t be traded – but I can’t say I was DEAD on – nothing to brag about – just fortunate it turned out that way….
yes!
29 i think. can he play next to byrd?
yes- he can. Would be a very good duo if you ask me.
Byrd ain’t landing in Philly
Sources have him to Redksins who will pay his demands
Get over it guys for it’s not happening
Bethea will be matched up with possibly with Free-Safety Malcolm Jenkins or
Draft Pick Calvin Pryor or Ha-Ha Dix with Wollfe as Back-up
not so fast Pman….
Im thinking the Eagles are still in the running because IF Byrd doesnt become the highest paid FS… he will land with his coach and a team on the rise in Philly. Im not saying that he is coming but they have been linked for 2 years now and until its over…. im not saying its over.
I would love the Eagles to get him Stevo,
I just don’t beleive it’s goig to happen..
Byrd is looking for bigger Deal that Dashon Gholston signed with the Bucs last Year which was like a 5 Year $60 Million Range aand big Bonus & Guarantees.. and I just don’t see the Eagles going all in with that kind of Deal for Byrd or any other Safety/DB for that matter
It’s didn’t work out too well for the Bucs did it.. .
No, it didnt but you have to consider a few things….
1) Byrd is going from a crappy team to a good one- Ghoston did the opposite.
2) Different player completly… we need a FS… not a hitter (tho i cry a little as I write that)
paulman Gholst deal was more like 5 for 40. you were only 20 million off, lmfao
3/13/2013: Signed a five-year, $41.25 million contract. The deal contains $22 million guaranteed, including a first-year roster bonus of $4.5 million, Goldson’s first- and second-year salaries, and a fully guaranteed 2014 roster bonus of $3 million. 2014: $6 million (+ $3 million roster bonus), 2015-2016: $7.5 million (+ $500,000 workout bonus), 2017: $6.75 million (+ $500,000 workout bonus), 2018: Free Agent
Byrd will be an Eagle.
Sources have every single corner and safety linked to the Redskins… Byrd aint going there.
so bethea and jenkins are gonna cost you what 8 mill total a year ? gimme byrd and wolf, byrd and haha, byrd and pryor for 9 mill
im with you on that,,
Byrd is the guy. Bethea can be the SS if we can get him at the right price… but I dont want Bethea as our FS.
Wolfe is strictly special teams option – Never will be a full time starter
We need 2 new starters, 2 future starters from the draft – with Wolfe, and Tyrell Johnson or Colt Anderson can play the special teams….
I agree GMCliff..
Wolfe will replace Anderson who is a goner as a 4th Safety and a Special Team Player
Eagles will sign 1 Veteran Strong Safety (Mitchell/Bethea)
as poosibly a Free-Safey in Malcom Jenkins
and then Draft 1-2 Safety’s Pryor,Dix,Hall,Bostic,Bailey,Lewis,etc,etc)
Bethea sucks blow avg at best the EAGLES will NOT SIGN BYRD I love philly but why do we always want the biggest name Byrd is gonna cost. 9million a year the birds don’t think safety is a big priority they want solid guys not superstars at the safety spot Bethea is a one dimensional safety only good against the run and he’s not even great at that. Wake up they want players with versatility i don’t think mike Mitchell is great but you have him and Malcolm Jenkins they are good back there. I see nobody that they can get at the olb spot so expect cole and graham to be back they can still upgrade cb but the only way they get Byrd is if they can sign him for 6-7 million a year
Byrd is not just the “biggest name” but also EXACTLY what we need and have been looking for for 5 years. At some point one must realize that in both the A.R. system and the Chip system we actually need guys that can cover the middle of the field.
IF… IF… IF… they expect to score 35 points a game… they will need a FS who can protect teams coming back through the air.
This is a no brainer. Instead of grabbing 2 blown knee guys.. waisting MORE high draft picks and praying it works… we have a chance to lock down this spot for 3-5 years.
Pay the man LOTS now and work it out so he doesnt cost a ton the next 2 years.
If the dolphins or redskins get a Jarius Byrd then we know it was all about the money.
If Byrd signs here for a fair reasonable deal then we know that he wants to win esp after playing for the bad bills.
He needs to just come here, he ll get his money and he’d win games..
correction to Jon Harts idiotic post:
If dolphins or redskins get Jairus Byrd then we know it was all about the money.
If Byrd signs here then we know it was all about the money.
It wouldn’t shock me if the only players the eagles signed in fa Mitchell & Donnie jones it’s not a lot of talent out there for what the eagles need at the price they wanna pay. The cb market is almost washed up
1.shields went back to the pack
2. Vonta Davis sounds like he is gonna go back to the colts
3 . Vernon from the titans/ the eagles seem to have no interest in him for some reason even though he’s better than cary Williams
The lbs that are left suck
Worilds resigned with the steelers
Orapha got franchised
It’s nobody else worth while to take
Now if the eagles wanted to upgrade guard they could do that the chiefs have two good ones that are free.
There not grabbing a rb,te or dl of impact maybe for depth.
So just look for role players and st guys.
woodley getting cut from the steelers. Per Jharts source that i’ve now stolen as my own.
guy was a beast his first 3 years. once he got that 6 year 60 million deal, production ceased.
Paulman stated that Woodley would be released back in January..
C’Mon Stevo,have a little faith … I am right some of the times..
pman- it was clear to everyone that if the steelers held onto 1.. theyd have to let woodley go.
I want to report that tomorrow the sun will come up.
LOL @ stevo thinking he knows my source. Keep checking twitter or internet, you won’t find them there buddy
Too much time on your hands man, sheesh
any airplane tickets purchased yet, any body in town?
I heard GLoomy was still at the Philly Airport waiting on D-Jax..
Outside of this, I know nothing …
If Tom Donahoe thinks Woodly has anything left, expect the Eagles to scoop him up.
I think the Birds are still in program building mode. It is way too early to “go all in.” Last year was down year for Giants and Skins and Foles is still just a toddler in the NFL. I think they want to see what is here after year two and continue to build through the draft. That means more second tier FAs that are not going to excite anyone. I am thinking they will look to do something about the return game and sign a safety slightly better than Nate Allen and a pass rush prospect. There remains a lot to evaluate before we start thinking we are in a window. Fletcher Cox is kind of bustish right now and we need to see what he does in year two. Logan may or may not be the answer in the middle. Kendricks has to proove his inconsistency is a thing of the past and they have to mull over whether Boykin’s talent outweighs his size as a starting prospect.
If they go BPA in the draft that will most likely be a WR/CB which is fine because we need both. D Jax is still not a #1 and Maclin and Cooper are pedestrian. And their starting corners are pedestrian as well. Heremans pass blocking is a problem and he is over paid. I don’t know if there is an OG they might like at 22 but I would like to see one in the first three picks.
getting J bird is not going all in, its a start to rebuilding this D
He has foot problems, lacks top end speed and has misplaced priorities. “I want to be the highest paid sfety in the league.” He will sign with the Skins and we can all laugh when he becomes Andrew Toney and plays nine games a year befiore getting cut in 2017.
I agree jbird
I think everyone is going a little too much ga-ga over Byrd..
He’s not worth $9 Million per Season.. and I’ve been on record that his Foot Problems he’s had many times are the type that are recurring
Sorry, he’s a good Player, but i don’t lock him up with a $50-$60 Million deal with those kind of Foot Issues..
He’s just not the Stud or All-Pro that many on here are clamoring about .
There are plenty of good Upgrades for 1/5th the $$$ and Good Prospects in the Draft..
The real pman has emerged..
The Ultimate flip flopper for no reason..
Stick to your first thought about him. Don’t change when it seems like we’ll get him then when you hear new reports you flip again. Be consistent bro, that’s all..
Name 5 Free Safeties in the league right now that are better than Byrd since hes not a “stud”
Im not here saying pay him 9m per yr but hes in that ballpark..
Current Players
Earl Thomas, Eric Berry, Cam Chancellor,
Dashon Gholtson, Antrel Rolle, Eric Weddle,
Reshard Johnson, Reshad Jones,
Some Young Safeties with lots of Upside Potential like Eric Reid, Tyranne Mathieu, Kenny Vacarro, Matt Elam, George Illoka, Morgan Burnett…
He was on my Wish list like every other fan
but I have stated that the Eagles would go 2nd Tier Free-Agents like Roseman said they would
and have stated that likley players would be a Mitchell,Bethea which I am happy about for they are Solid Veterans and stil updgrades over the slop from last few Seasons, but the Defense is going to be built through the Draft, which is what I prefer for very few Agents ever pan out..
My #1 Preference all along was to Sign Strong- Safety TJ Ward and then Draft Free-Safety Calvin Pryor in the 1st Round and be set at the position for the next 5-8 Season.. Do I think it will happen,
no, but this is what I wanted and stated so many times over….
Paul outside Thomas, Chancellor, and Berry – You don’t have a case – None of those other players are better than Byrd…
The Young players you’ve listed – your HOPING they can be as good – because they’re not as of today…..
That being said – He’s not worth 9 Million a year either – None of them are..
They should be in the 5-6 million range…What can thy do with 9 million that they can’t do with 5-6 million for 5 years with 27 million Guaranteed with a 15 million signing bonus prorated over those years????
I would rank their needs as Safety, OLB, KR/PR, PK, RG. The first two are not going to be adressed in FA to the degree needed to significantly improve the team so we may as well try to get a return man if nothing else. This has been an overlooked issue with this team for years now.
Punter and Safety are not currently under contract –
Backup DE is a concern and future starter DE in 2015 especially considering Cedric Thornton must have turned down the low ball sign a year before his unrestricted free agency begins contract offer.
The Lurie media, the first to get information gnats are reporting Djax contract and behavior are wearing thin in the Eagle front office.
1.) Punter
2.) Safety
3.) DE
4.) WR
5.) OLB
D Jack does not fit our new culture. He is a me first guy. The idea that he finally put up some decent numbers and already wants a raise is ridiculous! Thornton will get re-signed. He is the best DE on the team.Cox is just decent at this point. Nothing special at all.
they are not going to draft our starting FS and SS bird. They have said that they do not want to draft for need. They CANNOT go into the draft with what we have right now.
I believe that they will sigh 2 in FA and both will have a chance to start.
Yes they will. Malcom Jenkins and Taylor Mays. Are you excited? Because that’s the type of thing you can expect.
taylor mays, lmfao. he still plays?
this just in- Eagles have reached out to Byrds agent TODAY.
r u serious or just jhing me steveo
word is.. eagles have called and byrds price is still crazy. Dolphins, browns and rams are 3 of the teams that have bid on him. call me crazy but i have a feeling he would take 8 million to play for a winner instead of 9 for one of them.
Old news. I reported this days ago. They’ve been in discussions since Saturday. Byrd to the Birds!
We hope…
reported something days ago that could not happen until now? uh…. you do realize that each day brings new wrinkles right? Clearly these teams would be interested but the bidding is happening NOW… not days ago. Also- you are not a reporter. You are a dude in a chair clicking refresh.
Your words:
“this just in- Eagles have reached out to Byrds agent TODAY”
This is old, they’ve been talking since Saturday when legal tampering was allowed.
You’re way behind man, no offense.
That’s really old news being that were about to start the actual FA tmr.. sheesh
no offense but jh every report you put down is way behind so plz let stevo be behind
Unless this draft is as good as the last two and our youngsters keep progressing this year may be a big disappointment. The schedule is very tough. I see 9-10 wins tops. Probably another first round exit unless this team finds a guy that steps up in big moments. You can’t win in the playoffs with what I saw last year. I saw a little in the fourth quarter from Foles and Shady last year but they came up real small before that and so did their coach.
The Funny thing is that the Eagles will be a better all-around Team in 2014,but that their Overall Record will probably take a step back..
It happens when rebuilding.. but the NFC East is pretty bad right now and a 9-7 Record wins it..
You sign a couple OK guys right now and see if Wolff can play/stay healthy. Then we go from there. There are still a lot of holes here. Byrd/ Ward AND Pryor/Dix would still not make us SB contenders.
the problem with this thinking….
1. they actually HAVE to spend some money.
2. They are not going to reach for safeties in the draft. they are not goin into rounds saying.. well.. we need a FS.
3. The Eagles may very well only win 9 games next year… BUT… it will still get them into the playoffs.
4. Next year they will have to spend on Foles (assuming he stays sharp), they have the money to spend NOW. why hold off again?
Yes they have holes to fill on the D and look ready, willing and able to fill these holes. I dont expect superstars at 3 spots… I expect Byrd and a decent SS to compete with Wolf. I also expect a FS or SS in the draft if a good one falls in their laps… but they are not drafting our day 1 starter. Nope. Not going to happen.
we are super contenders now bro. not sure if you saw nick foles perform or not but when you got a qb like him you are contender every year
Talib looks to be headed to washington- Pman- does this remove Byrd from their spending ability?
Probably so Stevo..
I don’t believe they had a lot of Cap Space to begin with..
Good Call….
Byrd now ends up with the Falcons who are more desperate for Defense than the Eagles and will overspend to get Byrd
“We have to get better,” Roseman said. “Going into Year 2, we have to figure what our holes are, what our weakness are and what our strengths are.”
OK rookie safeties, 3rd round safeties, and 2/3rd tier safeties arent going to fit that HUGE GAPING safety hole weve had for years now. BYRDMAN fills that gaping fucking hole, dont be a jackass howie get it done
unless we are cutting fletcher and cary dogshit williams and replacing them with real corners Byrd is the one and only move that makes you better and fills a hole
Both Fletcher/C WIlliams will remain in 2014, then both will be gone
***Eagles Rumor****
Safety Nate Allen’s Agent just picked up at
Philly Airport en route to NovaCare Ctr…
More Details forthcoming…
Should be to give him Nate Allen his walking papers…