Cheap-Skate Joe Banner Lets McFadden Slip Away

I had the whole case for signing McFadden outlined, and the post was scheduled for 7:30 tonight.  Of course, the good-for-nothing Cardinals had to ruin everything and sign McFadden to a 2-year, $10 contract at like 6:00 PM.

Not only does this impact the Eagles depth at corner, but also could undermine the sinister plot to trade for a #1 WR.  Trading Sheldon for Boldin doesn’t work if the Cardinals are now content with the CB depth.

Who knows, maybe the signing of sure-tackling Bryant McFadden could help the Eagles put the pieces together to trade for Anquan Boldin

After swooping up big money free agent Asante Samuel last year, then following that up by resigning Joselio Hanson, letting Brian Dawkins walk, trading Lito Sheppard and picking up Free Agent Safety Sean Jones this year, it’s pretty obvious that the Eagles secondary is in the middle of a massive overhaul.

Why not keep it moving?

Outside of Asante, Sheldon and Joselio, Quintin Demps may be the best dime corner currently on the Eagles roster.  Signing Free Agent Bryant McFadden as the Eagles dime cornerback makes sense on a lot of levels and would significantly improve our depth at the position.  Plus it helps further the organization’s sinister plot to trade Sheldon Brown as part of a deal for a #1 WR.

And this isn’t just idle talk, PFT reported yesterday that McFadden is currently talking with four team:  Steelers, Cardinals, Dolphins and Eagles.

• Competition and Depth - McFadden was the Steelers nickle corner last year behind Deshea Townsend and Ike Taylor.  Generally, he covers quick slot receivers but he has the ability to provide solid support in run defense and plays well against the screen.  Signing McFadden gives the Eagles proven depth behind Samuel and Brown, and has the talent to push Hanson for the third CB spot.  Having another proven corner would sure up the Eagles secondary and provide some insurance in case of injury.
• Salary Cap - The Eagles currently have around $44 million of space below the NFL’s salary cap.  I agree with Joe Banner in his statement that there is no way we could spend all that money, but it seems like he doesn’t want to spend any of it.  Short arms and deep pockets aren’t going to take us anywhere.  It’s not like you get some kind of bonus points for being $30 million below the cap when the season rolls around.  It won’t be long before the Eagles offense will need to undergo and overhaul similar to that which the defense is currently experiencing, and the Eagles need to improve now before the window of opportunity closes.  Maybe the lack of spending suggests that window ha already closed.
• Physicality - The reason I’m so interested in signing McFadden is his sure-tackling and physical play.  With his experience in the aggressive, blitzing scheme of Pittsburgh D Coordinator Dick LeBeau, Bryant is used to being left out on an island in pass coverage, as well as well as supporting the run and blitzing the QB.  He would fit perfectly into Jim Johnson’s scheme.  If the Eagles are planning to use Sheldon Brown as trade bait, McFadden could help fill in some of the void in physicality at CB left by Brown.
• Former Champion - Signing McFadden would bring a second former Super Bowl champion to the Eagles CB position (Asante).  It’s always a good thing to have players who know what to expect come January, and the Eagles sure could use some guidance when it comes to reaching February.
• Continues Sinister Plot - The underlying theme of many of the Eagles’ rumored moves in Free Agency surround adding another quality CB.  But why would we sign another potential starter unless we plan to move one of our current starters?  I’m not alone in speculating that the Eagles are currently positioning themselves to trade Sheldon Brown and a high draft pick to acquire a player like Braylon Edwards, Anquan Boldin or even Brandon Marshall in an effort push the offense over the hump and win a Super Bowl.  I’m not even sure it would work, but it sounds like fun.

With the salary cap situation alone, the question has to be why wouldn’t they pay a quality free agent who can improve depth at a critical position?

I love that the Eagles are even being mentioned as contenders to pick up McFadden.  He plays the game with great intensity, hits hard and is always around the ball.  McFadden would bring depth to the Eagles CB rotation and has the potential to be a starter.  He can pass protect, blitz, tackle, and play special teams.  That type of versatility would be a great addition, and adding Sheldon insurance could make the sinister plan of the Eagles off-season come to fruition.

If the Birds could trade Sheldon Brown and a 1st round pick for a #1 WR, would you do it?