Eagles Making Early Moves

So far, after the first couple days of NFL Free Agency, the Eagles have looked like a team that is simply trying to rebuild, rather than a team that is trying to win a Super Bowl. While it is still too early to grade the entire offseason and how it will play into the next year, so far, things do not look all that great.

First off, losing the face of your franchise, the heart of your defense, and the man, the myth, the legend of Philadelphia lore, all because you're too cheap is an absolute joke. With plenty of cap space, the team could have easily brought Dawkins back for at least one more year. But the ineptness of the Eagles' front office continues to rear its ugly head. Clearly Lurie, Banner, and Reid have no idea how to manage a team. Age is only a number when it comes to certain players. Dawkins brought so much more than just his 35-year-old frame. I did not agree with letting Trotter go just a couple years ago, and this move is even worse, in my opinion. It will be interesting to see who steps up to be a leader of the defense in Dawkins place. Considering the rest of the D's average age is probably under 30, I wouldn't have a clue who to select.

Aside from losing one of the best Safeties in the game over the last decade, the Eagles also lost another two members of the secondary; however these two moves were greatly expected.

Lito Sheppard went to the New York Jets for a couple of extraordinarily lame draft picks--a 5th round this year, then a 2nd to 4th round pick next year. No doubt the Jets won with this deal, especially considering the Eagles poor drafting abililty. It is unlikely anyone the Eagles draft with those picks will equate to a 2-time pro bowl selection, regardless of recent play. Lito simply was not happy in Philadelphia, and I don't blame him. The Eagles did nothing to attempt to satiate his demands (as is typical), but they also failed to complete a trade last year that could have garnered much more received value. A trade for a WR or another defensive weapon could have been useful. Now all that's left is what may come five years down the line when those draft picks make a name for themselves, or don't.

Sean Considine went to Jacksonville as an UFA. No surprises here: he never really played well in Philadelphia. I do not disagree with letting him go; I believe it was the correct move. However, now the Eagles need to draft a safety (maybe two) and look to free agency to bolster the secondary from its current limping status.

Correll Buckhalter, who looked rather impressive over the course of last season and definitely deserved an increase role in the running game, is headed to Denver with B-Dawk. Not at all surprising to see the Eagles let him go; however, the Eagles need to fill his vacant spot on the depth chart--if they were wise, they would choose a large, power back to complement Westbrook. Don't be surprised if they try and go for another Westbrook prototype, however. With Booker being the same mold, they seem attracted to only those types of runners. Logically the Eagles will look to the draft for help.

The Eagles have made little noise with their free agent moves thus far. They added offensive lineman Stacy Andrews, brother to Shawn, at a much needed time. Runyan and Thomas are likely on their way out, or at least one of them. That would mean Stacy plays either left or right tackle, but he is a versatile guy who can really fill in anywhere. He is also huge at 6'7" and 342, so he takes up a big portion of the line. We'll see what affect he has, including how the chemistry with his brother may help or hurt the line.

The Eagles also locked up Baskett for another year, and Joselio Hanson for a total of five years. Hanson took over for Sheppard, so that move was a logical one. He played better as he has grown into his role, but the future for him is uncertain. I don't think he has the ceiling that Sheppard had, but who knows.

We will see if the Eagles ever make a move for a wide receiver, although I'm thinking it is rather unlikely. Coles, 31, and Houshmandzadeh, 31, are both still available on the market. The market is rather weak this year, so chances are higher that the Eagles use a first or second round pick on a receiver, much like last year. There is also the possibility that they make the same mistake over and over and say they are content with their current receiving core. Hopefully, for once, they will have better sense.

Once the draft roles around, the Eagles will need to strengthen the secondary and the offense. That includes a WR, RB, and a couple offensive linemen. Chances are good they will also draft another DL and LB, but who knows what the Eagles will do with their first round picks (they have two). Trading either of them away would be a massive failure and would likely cause hellfire to rain down upon their heads.

So with the Eagles clearly "rebuilding" on their minds, it is time to look to the distant future for a Super Bowl. If it ever happens, that is.