As the Eagles and SOB Nation continue to mourn the death of the Dawkins era, NFL Free Agency marches forward.

The Birds were quiet today, after their “splash” of signing Stacy Andrews in Day 1 of Free Agency.  Here’s an update of today’s Eagles-related NFL Free Agency news:

T.J. Houshmandzadeh - Late yesterday, Housh and his agent got caught with their hand in the cookie jar, asking for more money from the Eagles than other teams.  The rumor going around is that Andy called his good friend and former Seahawks head coach Mike Holmgren to get a read on the kind of contract T.J. was asking for from Seattle.  We can thank Houshmandzadeh’s agent Kennard McGuire for negotiating him out of Philly.  Housh visited with Minnesota today.

Antonio Smith - A player that the Eagles were rumored to be interested in, he signed a 5-year, $35 million contract with Houston today.  I’m glad to see Smith sign elsewhere, as I think the 6′4″ 285 pound DE is overrated, and was overpayed.  2007 was Smith’s best year in terms of tackles (44) and sacks (5.5).  $35 million for that?  No Thanks.

Bryant Johnson - Another player who has been on the Eagles (and Frankie V’s) radar, he signed with the Lions today.  The 3-year, $9 million deal is an upgrade for Johnson, and as of now he will start opposite Megatron.

Keith Brooking - In NFC East news, Brooking signed with Dallas on Saturday.  Looks like Dallas is trying to put together the oldest LB corps in the NFL, with Greg Ellis (33), Brooking (33) and Zach Thomas (35) all running with the freak known as DeMarcus Ware.

Still a lot of action to come, but the Eagles have done more to fall off than improve.  The window keeps on slipping closer to closed.

Brian Dawkins is officially a Denver Bronco.  I don’t want to get into this too much because honestly I’m depressed about the entire situation.  Dawkins wasn’t just my favorite football player of all time, he was my favorite athlete in any sport ever.  I don’t know how I’ll be able to handle seeing Dawkins in a Denver jersey next year, but I would imagine it won’t be well.

In the Eagles defense here, the reported deal was 5 years for 17 mil.  A 5 year contract for a 35 year old safety is just lunacy.  Didn’t the Broncos learn from the John Lynch experiment?  Based on those numbers it’s not tough to see why Dawkins took the deal  and why the Eagles didn’t match.

This doesn’t in any way make up for the Eagles letting Dawkins reach free agency and test the waters.  He would have signed for a lot less than that to stay in Philly if they just would have gotten a deal in place before he could test the waters.  The Eagles though underestimated the market for Dawkins and tried to play hardball.  Well Andy, good job.  You successfully allowed the heart and soul of your team - the only true leader you had - to leave because you couldn’t get a deal in place.  Maybe the time you spent baby sitting and catering to Donovan McNabb would have been better spent negotiating with Dawkins.  At least Donovan got what he wanted.  That’s what’s most important.

Good luck, Brian.  There will never be another one like you in Philadelphia.  Oh… and Andy, you better do something amazing to win the fans back because right now you are public enemy #1 in my mind.

Lito Sheppard’s career in Philadelphia is officially over.  The Jets became interested in the former first round corner Friday and on Saturday the Eagles and Jets completed a trade which will ship Sheppard to New York in exchange for a 5th round pick in 2009 and a conditional pick in 2010.  The conditional pick in 2010 will be as high as a second or as low as a 4th most likely dependant upon Lito’s playing time and performance in 2009.

If the Eagles end up with a 5th and 2nd for Lito after the way they completely mismanaged the situation, I’d be thrilled.  At the end of the day though, the Eagles turned a former late first pick turned 2 time pro bowl safety into just a 2nd and a 5th.  Usually players who pan out in the NFL demand MORE than what they were acquired for when they are traded, but when you demote a former pro bowler who is still in the prime of his career and then simply let him rot on the bench, you can’t be too selective.

At least we got something for Lito, but I have to think that the Eagles could have gotten this same deal from someone last year without having to stash Lito on the bench for an entire season.

Good luck, Lito.  You handled the situation with class which is more than I can say about the Eagles FO here. Some highlights of Lito below (how does anyone make a highlight reel of Lito without using the Lido Shuffle???)

Teams still have interest in Lito, but could he end up starting opposite Asante Samuel in '09?

The latest rumor to come out of free agency is that the New Jersey B, aka New York Jets are looking improve their cornerback depth around the young stud Darrelle Revis.  There short list includes signing free agent Corey Ivy and/or trading for Lito Sheppard.

Rich Cimini of the New York Daily News reports:

Sheppard is due to visit tomorrow with the Jets. The former first-round pick has one year remaining on his contract, with a base salary of $3 million, but he has been looking to be traded ever since the Eagles signed CB Asante Samuel last offseason.

Sheppard would step in as a starter, opposite Pro Bowl CB Darrelle Revis. Ivy will be a nickel back, his role with the Ravens.

Both Sheppard and Ivy?  That would be a huge upgrade for the Jets.

Due to the Jets new coach Rex Ryan’s history in Baltimore, the Corey Ivy signing makes a lot of sense.  But trading for Lito?  Do we even want to trade him now that Dawkins walked, or does this mark the official transition of Sheldon to the FS position and Lito back in the starting lineup?

Plus, What do the Jets even have to give?  Rex may look to shake things up on defense, as they used to play a 3-4 and will go to more of a traditional Ryan 46 look, but the Eagles don’t need those 3-4 throwaways either.  On the offensive side of the ball, the Jets do have two talented RBs (I’d take Thomas Jones or Leon Washington), but not much outside of that.

Do the Jets have a Pro Bowl safety would could trade for?

I would love to move Lito as soon as possible and move forward with rebuilding our secondary, but trading for more draft picks?  Gaining another second round pick (if we can even get that for Lito) would almost guarantee the Eagles move up in the April draft.

We will keep you posted as the situation continues to evolve.

Multiple conflicting reports out there right now about Dawkins and Denver.  Adam Shefter of NFL Network is reporting that a deal is NOT done and that Dawkins hasn’t even reached Denver yet.

Contrary to published reports, free agent safety Brian Dawkins does not currently have a deal with the Broncos. However, he is en route to Denver.

Hmm…. so maybe the deal is not yet in place and maybe there is still a chance the Eagles resign Dawkins.  Could all of the news of Dawkins signing been floated out there by Dawkins agent in order to create a frenzy among the Eagles fans to show the FO just how the fans would react to the idea of losing Dawkins?  Who knows at this point, but if Dawkins still hasn’t reached Denver, I doubt he is signed, sealed, and delivered.

So it appears, at least for now, my previous post might be a bit premature.  I apologize, Andy.  Please digest your cheesesteak properly.  For now.

I think my best course of action until this all settles is to go out, forget about free agency for a while, and enjoy a wonderful open bar at McFaddens.  Goodnight SOB Nation, I hope to return to you with good news concerning one Mr. Brian Dawkins.

Seriously Andy, WTF?!?!?!?!?!?

It appears as though the unthinkable is now very thinkable. CBS4 out of Denver is reporting a confirmation that Brian Dawkins, the heart and soul of the Philadelphia Eagles for the last decade, is signing with the Broncos.

CBS4’s Vic Lombardi has confirmed All-Pro Safety Brian Dawkins has signed with the Denver Broncos.

The NFL veteran has spent his entire 13 year career with the Philadelphia Eagles…until now.

Dawkins is expected to arrive in Denver Friday afternoon to formalize the deal reported to be for 2 years. Details of how much Dawkins will make have not been released.

This story has been around all afternoon, but up until now the only report cited as one from a San Francisco Chronicle blog.  This report certainly makes it seem much more official though.  If this is true, this is a very dark day in the history of the Eagles and a day that Eagles fans will not let Andy Reid and Joe Banner forget for a very long time.  If Dawkins only signs a two year deal, the fan base will flip out.  The Eagles have $48 mil in cap space with a reported uncapped year coming in 2010 and they couldn’t pony up the bucks for a freaking two year deal?

I’ll wait for the final details before saying this is an unforgivable offense from Reid and Banner, but I can’t see it being otherwise if Dawkins only signs a two year deal.

Enjoy your cheesesteak tonight, Andy.  I hope you choke on it.

Albert Haynesworth will now have to opportunity to stomp on Andre Gurode head twice a season

Only 16 hours into Free Agency, there have already been a few big moves.  Most notably, NFC East rival Redskins have been extremely aggressive (nothing new there), signing DT Albert Haynesworth to a $100mil contract as well as re-signing CB DeAngelo Hall.  Both moves are risky, and it sure looks like the Skins are going to get burnt again.

One of the biggest moves on the day wasn’t even a Free Agent signing, but the trade of Kellen Winslow Jr. from Cleveland to Tampa Bay.  Winslow is a hot-head (aka f*#kin soldier), but a stud at TE who I wouldn’t have minded picking up.  We will see what the Bucs ended up trading for him.

Eagles Free Agent Updates:

• L.J. Smith -The National Football Post is reporting that L.J. Smith is expected to sign with the Atlanta Falcons.  The Falcon’s starting TE from last year, Justin Peele, is also a free agent.  Smith may have found one of the few teams in the NFL where he is an upgrade.
• Derrick Ward - The rumor mill (610 WIP) is stating that Ward will be visiting with the Eagles today, but now Howard “The Burger King” Eskin is stating that the Eagles have “no interest” in Ward.  When it comes to the Eagles, in many cases  with the Birds free agent visit = free agent signing, so we’ll see if he actually visits.  I think Ward would make a nice complement to West, check out our stance on Ward and all the other Free Agent Running backs in the Free Agent Running Back Profile post.
• Brian Dawkins - B Dawk is currently on his way to Denver to meet with Bronco’s officials.  If Banner and the Eagles don’t step up their bidding, we may end up losing Dawkins.  And if that happens, you won’t be seeing many Eagles related posts on Sports On Broad in ‘09.
• Braylon Edwards - Although not a free agent, Eric Mangini and the new management in Cleveland look to be rebuilding, as evidence by the Winslow trade.  Edwards has the potential to be one of the best WRs in the NFL period, and I would be geeked to trade for him.  Make it happen!
• Sean Considine - Expected to visit with the Jaguars in the next couple days.  Good luck Jacksonville.
• Anotonio Smith - There were some reports this morning that the Eagles were going to bring in Smith for a visit, but so far no visit has been scheduled and I’d be surprised if one happened.  With all of the DE’s the Eagles have, bringing in another one would be like the Phillies replacing Pat Burrell with another left handed bat….Oh wait.

Welcome to Philadelphia Stacy!

Per the illustrious Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com:

A league source tells PFT that tackle Stacy Andrews has agreed to terms with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Per the source, it’s a multi-year deal averaging $7 million per season.

Does this mean the end of the road for Big Jon Runyan?

Stacy, the older brother of Eagles guard Shawn Andrews, played for the pathetic Cincinnati Bengals last season.  Stacy received the franchise tag from Cincinnati in the ‘08, but tore his ACL and MCL in the Bengals Week 16 game against the Ravens.

The recent injury is a bit concerning, and it even prompted the guys over a RotoWorld.com to write, “Andrews, four weeks into his rehab from ACL and MCL surgery, has gotten advice from Carson Palmer on how to rehab. On his next contract, Andrews probably won’t make half the $7.5M he got via the franchise tag last year.”  earlier this month.  Looks like the Eagles were willing to take the risk.

Andrews is still young (27) and may not only help the Eagles at tackle but guard as well by resurrecting his brother’s career.  I’m sure that these two have been dreaming about playing together their whole lives, and when the opportunity presented itself, the Eagles made it happen.

What are the jersey’s going to look like now?  St. Andrews and Sh. Andrews?

The signing conjures up images of Jamal and Andre “Action” Jackson from The Replacements, two offensive linemen who were brothers that only played well when on the same team (or when bodyguarding for ODB).

Shawn and Stacy Andrews, aka Jamal and Andre Jackson from The Replacements

If the Eagles are in fact interested in TJ Houshmandzadeh and they end up signing him, be prepared for a slew of horribly cheesy headlines from the various media outlets and newspapers.

• Eagles Make Housh Splash in Free Agency
• Housh Your Number 1 Now?
• McNabb Gets Housh Weapon
• Eagles Receivers Get a Housh Upgrade
• Birds Housh in and Nab a Number 1
• Eagles Make Housh Statement

TJ Houshmandzadeh was ESPN just moments ago and listed the Eagles among the teams he is interested in signing with.  He also listed the Giants, Vikings, and Seahawks.  He sounded pretty excited about the idea of playing in Minnesota with Adrian Peterson, but its good to see that he lists the Eagles as a team he is interested in.

I posted earlier that the Bengals official website quoted him as saying that he wants to be signed somewhere by Saturday night so let’s hope we we hear something Friday morning about Housh setting up a visit.  If he is saying that he wants to be signed by Saturday, a visit will be just a formality since he won’t have time for multiple visits.