I'll give a look to Free Agents the Eagles may possibly be looking to sign. The top position priorities for the Eagles are OT, WR, RB, and S.
Offensive Linemen:
Jordan Gross, T, Carolina - First round pick in 2003, he's been a steady man for the Panthers. He likely won't remain there, and he's one of the better tackles coming into Free Agency. His price might be over what the Eagles want to spend.
Marvel Smith, T, Pittsburgh - One of the best in the league when he's healthy. Very good size, but injuries have hurt his career. I'd say he's likely to remain in Pittsburgh, but the injuries will bring his price tag down considerably. Maybe the Eagles can draw him out.
Mark Tauscher, T, Green Bay - A former seventh-round pick, his draw will be his lower price than many on the market. He plays solidly and has decent size. The Eagles will be unlikely and unwilling to spend a lot of money on an O-lineman.
Wide Receivers:
Word of caution: The WR market is very thin this year. The Eagles might do better looking to the draft to pick up a contendor, unless they can wrestle Boldin away from the Cardinals.
T.J. Houshmandzadeh, WR, Cincinnati - A household name now around the NFL, he will likely be out of the Eagles price range if he does leave Cincy. Definitely the best available, however.
Bernard Berrian, WR, Minnesota - A big play potential guy, something that would really complement the play of Donovan. Throwing the ball down the field is something the Eagles do a lot of, and Berrian might help their cause.
Devery Henderson, WR, New Orleans - Another deep-ball threat, he has good hands and a solid north-south game. He isn't the biggest guy, something the Eagles really need, but he could fit the scheme well, especially if Baskett goes elsewhere.
Running Backs:
Brandon Jacobs, RB, New York Giants - Very likely to resign with the Giants, but if the Eagles were somehow able to wrestle him from their evil clutches, it would be a wondrous thing. Hurt an NFC East opponent and add exactly what you need to the backfield.
Derrick Ward, RB, New York Giants - Not a huge guy, but he ran for over 1,000 yards this season sitting behind Jacobs on the depth chart. Has a lot of potential, and hurting the Giants could certainly help the Eagles, along with boosting their run game.
Darren Sproles, RB, San Diego - A tiny, supercharged back, his numbers this year ballooned with injuries to LT. If the Chargers continue with LT, Sproles will likely not be back. He isn't the big guy the Eagles need, but he certainly is electric if they decide to go away from Buckhalter and in another direction.
Other players of note:
Julius Peppers, DE, Carolina - One of the biggest names available, he's a huge guy with a ton of ability. Chances are good he's going to end up outside of Carolina, but not likely the Eagles will be able to pay his hefty price tag. The Eagles could still arguably use help on the outside.
Albert Haynesworth, DT, Tennessee - A massive inside presence, he has backed away from his troubles and focused upon the game. He's done very well for himself, and would only further improve the Eagles interior defense. He's going to rake in big money, however, that the Eagles are unlikely to be dishing out.
Ray Lewis, MLB, Baltimore - The Eagles have a very young group of linebackers, and Lewis' veteran leadership and intimidating presence could boost their defense to the great unknown. It is unlikely, however, that the Eagles invest so much in an aging player.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Eagles: where do they go from here?
Now that this season is officially over for the Eagles, they need to look to the future: and quickly. Many players are probably on their way out, or at least should be. Others are a big question mark. So let's break down the Eagles free agents one-by-one. Each player is rated on a scale of 1 to 10 on whether or not I think they'll be back, and should come back.
Correll Buckhalter (RB): Buck played tremendous even in his very limited time. He showed explosiveness and ability to cut through even small holes, something that Westbrook was certainly lacking due to his nagging injuries and beaten body. He really should have been given more carries, but I think Reid's allegiance to Westbrook got in the way. It is unfortunate, but I do not believe he will be back. He's looking for the starting opportunity elsewhere, and he doesn't do enough to complement Westbrook's size.
Unlikely to return (5), but I think he definitely has upside (8).
Sean Considine (S): Considine has never really played to his utmost. Unfortunately he sits near the bottom of the secondary depth chart, and is mainly limited to time on special teams or deep-back time. He's never been a consistent player, and I don't much reason for the Eagles to bring him back, unless he's on the practice squad.
Eagles unlikely to resign (4), and I don't believe they should (3).
Brian Dawkins (FS): The man, the myth, the legend. B-Dawk has been a pro-bowl Safety for the Eagles for as long as I can remember. Even in his mid-thirties, he still provides leadership and fuel for a defense that looked stellar on occasion. The Reid camp does not look kindly on aging stars, just see Mr. Trotter for evidence, and Dawkins may have lost a step or two in his years. I still think he can play, and you're not going to find many better for locker-room leadership and pure carnage on the field. He deserves at least another year, and another shot at a championship.
Eagles likely to resign (7), as they should (9).
Joselio Hanson (CB): Hanson has surpassed the distraught Sheppard on the depth chart. He showed real promise coming on late and helping the Eagles defense play some real good football. He definitely has potential, similar to that of Al Harris. With Sheppard likely to part ways with the team, you ought to hang on to the guy you moved in front of him.
Eagles might resign (6), I believe they should (8).
Jon Runyan & Tra Thomas (T): Two aging offensive-line juggernauts. This is a bit of a tough call for the Eagles front office. Both players are capable of continuing their careers, and attempting to draw a top-flight OT in free agency will cost you big bucks nowadays. Chances are high the Eagles will sign at least one of these players to a one-year contract, if not both. With Andrews hopefully returning next season, the line should be better, but help is most definitely needed quickly.
Eagles likely to resign one (7), I agree at least one ought to be resigned (9).
LJ Smith (TE): Everybody in Philadelphia loves to hate this guy. It is unfortunate; when he was paired with Chad Lewis, you could see flashes of a future. Unfortunately as a starter, Smith fell by the wayside with sloppy play and a pair of bricks for hands. The Eagles need to move Celek up the depth chart, and bring in a true blocking TE for help on short yardage. Smith is very unlikely to come back.
Eagles unlikely to resign (3), and they certainly should not (2).
Restricted Free Agents Hank Baskett (WR) and Nick Cole (G): Both of these guys ought to come back. Baskett has improved his play on the field, and deserves a role as a 3rd or 4th receiver. Cole played well once Andrews and Jean-Gilles were injured, and should even play higher than Max on the depth chart.
Eagles likely to resign both (7), and I think they should (7).
Correll Buckhalter (RB): Buck played tremendous even in his very limited time. He showed explosiveness and ability to cut through even small holes, something that Westbrook was certainly lacking due to his nagging injuries and beaten body. He really should have been given more carries, but I think Reid's allegiance to Westbrook got in the way. It is unfortunate, but I do not believe he will be back. He's looking for the starting opportunity elsewhere, and he doesn't do enough to complement Westbrook's size.
Unlikely to return (5), but I think he definitely has upside (8).
Sean Considine (S): Considine has never really played to his utmost. Unfortunately he sits near the bottom of the secondary depth chart, and is mainly limited to time on special teams or deep-back time. He's never been a consistent player, and I don't much reason for the Eagles to bring him back, unless he's on the practice squad.
Eagles unlikely to resign (4), and I don't believe they should (3).
Brian Dawkins (FS): The man, the myth, the legend. B-Dawk has been a pro-bowl Safety for the Eagles for as long as I can remember. Even in his mid-thirties, he still provides leadership and fuel for a defense that looked stellar on occasion. The Reid camp does not look kindly on aging stars, just see Mr. Trotter for evidence, and Dawkins may have lost a step or two in his years. I still think he can play, and you're not going to find many better for locker-room leadership and pure carnage on the field. He deserves at least another year, and another shot at a championship.
Eagles likely to resign (7), as they should (9).
Joselio Hanson (CB): Hanson has surpassed the distraught Sheppard on the depth chart. He showed real promise coming on late and helping the Eagles defense play some real good football. He definitely has potential, similar to that of Al Harris. With Sheppard likely to part ways with the team, you ought to hang on to the guy you moved in front of him.
Eagles might resign (6), I believe they should (8).
Jon Runyan & Tra Thomas (T): Two aging offensive-line juggernauts. This is a bit of a tough call for the Eagles front office. Both players are capable of continuing their careers, and attempting to draw a top-flight OT in free agency will cost you big bucks nowadays. Chances are high the Eagles will sign at least one of these players to a one-year contract, if not both. With Andrews hopefully returning next season, the line should be better, but help is most definitely needed quickly.
Eagles likely to resign one (7), I agree at least one ought to be resigned (9).
LJ Smith (TE): Everybody in Philadelphia loves to hate this guy. It is unfortunate; when he was paired with Chad Lewis, you could see flashes of a future. Unfortunately as a starter, Smith fell by the wayside with sloppy play and a pair of bricks for hands. The Eagles need to move Celek up the depth chart, and bring in a true blocking TE for help on short yardage. Smith is very unlikely to come back.
Eagles unlikely to resign (3), and they certainly should not (2).
Restricted Free Agents Hank Baskett (WR) and Nick Cole (G): Both of these guys ought to come back. Baskett has improved his play on the field, and deserves a role as a 3rd or 4th receiver. Cole played well once Andrews and Jean-Gilles were injured, and should even play higher than Max on the depth chart.
Eagles likely to resign both (7), and I think they should (7).
Eagles 'season of destiny' ends a game short
The Philadelphia Eagles 2008/09 season ends after what had become a dream run in the playoffs. It took them through the season at 9-6-1 and hurdling into the playoffs thanks to victories by Oakland, Houston, and themselves. It wasn't easy by any stretch, but they managed to sneak in, nonetheless. It felt as though maybe they were destined this time; the Phillies ended the drought, the planets aligned so that the Eagles may get into the postseason, and impressive wins over Minnesota and the Football Giants demonstrated their abilities. But those who had served them well all season, most notably a 15-6 bruising and bullying of the Steelers in September, let them down when it mattered most.
The defense simply could not control the Cardinals offensive strengths. In what became one of the most explosive offensives in all the NFL late in the season, the Cards were carried by Mr. Fitzgerald and a HOF-candidate QB. Fitzgerald put up stellar numbers in each playoff game, unable to be contained. Warner used his expertise and lengthy resume to serve him as a guide. He was able to be nearly perfect, or at least mistake-free. Without a play from the Eagles defense, a pick-six or a big turnover, the inconsistent and fluttering Eagles offense simply did not stand a chance.
Although they managed to dig out of an 18-point hole and take a wavering one-point lead, the offense once again failed to come through when it was most important. The glaring omission of a true no. 1 receiver still all too apparent. Had Curtis made that catch, we may very-well be singing a different tune today. Granted either way, it would still take quite a feat. A touchdown, extra point, then some luck come overtime. But it didn't happen; it didn't even come to overtime.
So now the long off-season begins. An off-season that will prove whether or not this team is ready to take that next step. It will prove whether or not Reid and McNabb can be the tandem, because so far, results would tell you otherwise. Not a clutch combo by any means, I still think the two of them can do it. McNabb's erratic play shouldn't be the tell-all of his career, neither should Reid's stubborness. They both need to change, and need to prove that they can. It's unfortunate that, for now, we won't know if either has for another 300 or so days.
Until then, it's game over--and game on.
The defense simply could not control the Cardinals offensive strengths. In what became one of the most explosive offensives in all the NFL late in the season, the Cards were carried by Mr. Fitzgerald and a HOF-candidate QB. Fitzgerald put up stellar numbers in each playoff game, unable to be contained. Warner used his expertise and lengthy resume to serve him as a guide. He was able to be nearly perfect, or at least mistake-free. Without a play from the Eagles defense, a pick-six or a big turnover, the inconsistent and fluttering Eagles offense simply did not stand a chance.
Although they managed to dig out of an 18-point hole and take a wavering one-point lead, the offense once again failed to come through when it was most important. The glaring omission of a true no. 1 receiver still all too apparent. Had Curtis made that catch, we may very-well be singing a different tune today. Granted either way, it would still take quite a feat. A touchdown, extra point, then some luck come overtime. But it didn't happen; it didn't even come to overtime.
So now the long off-season begins. An off-season that will prove whether or not this team is ready to take that next step. It will prove whether or not Reid and McNabb can be the tandem, because so far, results would tell you otherwise. Not a clutch combo by any means, I still think the two of them can do it. McNabb's erratic play shouldn't be the tell-all of his career, neither should Reid's stubborness. They both need to change, and need to prove that they can. It's unfortunate that, for now, we won't know if either has for another 300 or so days.
Until then, it's game over--and game on.
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