Forget WRs, Defense Wins Championships

Although the Eagles haven’t been as flashy in Free Agency as many would have liked, they have added two potential starters at positions of need.  Stacy Andrews will contribute if healthy somewhere along the yet-to-be-determined new-look offensive line.  Sean Jones will be hitting on special teams and will have a chance to compete for a starting Safety spot.  Even with these solid moves, it sure seems like a lot of work remains to be done.

With over $40 million in open cap space and 12 total draft picks in April (including two 1st rounders and metric ton of 5th round picks), the Eagles have more flexibility to improve their roster than any team in the NFL.  Maybe that’s why we are all so anxious to be a part of the action.

This team still has a lot of room for improvement, and the glare from the window of opportunity closing is blinding.  I for one think the time to take the Eagles to the next level is now, and some of the stereotypical Eagles front office conservatism should be thrown to the wind.

Click here to read all the Eagles Free Agency News, including interest in Leonard Weaver, Jason Peters and Julius Peppers

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.

Although frustratingly tardy, click here to check out the now outdated case to go after another quality CB like Bryant McFadden

Ugggh, here we go again.

Another day of Eagles inactivity in the growingly barren Free Agent market.  T.O. getting cut sure does makes everything look a little bit better though.

Here’s a look at what the Eagles missed out on yesterday:

Will the Eagles wake up out of their Free Agency slumber?

• Laveranues Coles - signed a 4-year, $28 million deal with the Bengals.  He’s unbelievably four months younger than the player he is replacing in Cincy.

• Devery Henderson - Re-signed with the Saints yesterday.  Is a decent deep threat, but the Eagles don’t need another #3 or 4 WR.
• Torry Holt - Reiterated that he wants out of St. Louis yesterday.  If I ever found myself in St. Louis, I would want out too.  Personally, I wouldn’t mind taking Torry off their hands, but that’s only after we have fully pursued some of the more explosive WRs who could be had via trade.
• Terrell Owens - There is going to be so much horribly irritating “Bring T.O. back” garbage of the next couple days that I’m not even going to comment at this time.  Right now, I’m just excited to see the interview.  I hope he comes on SportsCenter tonight live from his hyperbaric chamber slurring, cursing and crying.
• LaMont Jordan -After signing Buck, the Broncos signed a more powerful running back in LaMont Jordan.  When healthy, Jordan looked half decent last year in New England.
• J.J. Arrington - After signing Jordan, the Broncos snatched up the former Cardinals 3rd down back.  Built more like a poor man’s Westbrook than a gold standard complement.  That makes 7 Denver RBs.
• Ray Lewis - The Ravens were able to work out a deal with their aging emotional leader, and 3-year $22 million isn’t half bad either.  This just angers me.
• Jim Leonhard - Grew into a solid starting safety in Baltimore, Leonhard turned down an offer from who else but the Broncos in order to play with former Ravens Defensive Coordinator Rex Ryan in New Jersey B.
• C.C. Brown - The Giants have now signed four solid-to-starter level players thus far in Free Agency.  Dallas is on the decline, but the Eagles haven’t done anything to improve while the Giants and Redskins have added legitimate talent to their rosters.
• Jabari Greer - Became a hot commodity over the past few days of Free Agency, and ended up signing with the Saints (who despirately need help in their secondary).  There were rumors of interest from the Eagles as part of their yet-to-be-revealed sinister plan.
• Phillip Buchanon - Signed a 2-year, $8.5 million deal with the Detroit Lions.  It’s good to see that team is at least trying a little bit to improve from 0-16.
• Shawn Springs - Visited the Eagles and left without a contract.  Word is that Jim Johnson only considers Springs as a safety prospect, and from his reaction that didn’t seem like a problem.  The fact that he left the Nova Care Complex without a deal speaks for itself here.  Thank god.
• Mike Nugent - One of the better young kickers available in Free Agency signed with Tampa Bay yesterday.

The arrogant Eagles front office sure is showing a lot of confidence in their ability to improve through the Draft in the 2009 NFL Off-Season.

Reid needs to play a better Santa Clause this off-season, all Eagles fans have got is (Trent) Cole.

What the hell is going on around here?  I know the 2008 NFL season went a little bit longer for the Eagles than everyone expected, but it’s like Andy Reid and Joe Banner didn’t prepare for the off-season at all.

They are the blurry-eyed, bed-headed student rushing to their final while pounding a Red Bull and scanning their notebook one last time.  At his point, the smart kids have already started to hand in their exams and its become very obvious; we’re screwed.

Still we try to tell ourselves everything is going to be okay; there is still time left, we can still turn this around.  But it appears as though the Eagles front office have responded to an uninspired start to Free Agency by using the old A, B, A, C multiple choice method.

Today’s round of Free Agency updates don’t look much better than the last few, but here goes nothing:

From the way Tra Thomas has been talking, you would think he already signed with another team

• Tra Thomas - Although he visited with Jacksonville and left without a contract, Thomas seemed pretty resigned to the fact that he may not be an Eagle in 2009.  Yesterday, Tra said “They haven’t shown any interest in bringing me back, so as hard as it is I have to move forward.  The Eagles have always been the team I wanted to play for, but now I have to go to the team that wants me.”  Damn.  So who is our left tackle again?  Bookend Andrews’ are starting to look like a distinct possibility.

• Shawn Springs - Visiting the Eagles today?  Really?  Shawn Springs like the extremely mediocre CB?  As Free Agent visits and signings go hand in hand with the Birds, one has to question what the ulterior motive behind signing Springs.  Does Sheldon Brown move to FS?  Is Sheldon on the block?  Although Eagles can’t afford to let another talented leader exit the secondary this off-season, Brown is one of the more attractive trade pieces the Eagles currently hold.
• Antonio Cromartie - When the word got out that the Chargers were looking to bring back CB Drayton Florence, the rumors started to fly that Cromartie was on the block.  Florence ended up signed with Buffalo yesterday, meaning that Chargers GM A.J. Smith had to grovel his way to the podium and release a statement that Cromartie is not on the block.  There goes that idea.
• Jermaine Phillips - Now that the Safety position has changed forever, why not take a look at one of the better safeties available in Free Agency?  The former Buc SS Phillips has been a staple in the tough Tampa Bay defense over the past seven seasons, and visited with San Diego and Seattle yesterday.  Phillips is much more of a proven player than any safety on the Eagles roster not named Quintin Mikell, but the Eagles probably won’t pursue him as that would make it look like we need a safety.  Solid Costanza Logic right there.
• Cedric Benson - Would have made a pretty mean thunder to compliment Westbrook’s lightning, but signed a 2-year, $7 million contract with Cinncinatti yesterday.  There is probably a stipulation in his parole which forced Benson to sign with a land-locked team (Cedric tends to get in trouble on boats).  Too bad for the Eagles, it could have been a lot of fun at the Jersey Shore this summer.

But forget the missed opportunities and departed Eagles.  Today is a new day, full Free Agency opportunity and $43.8 million in salary cap space.

We can only go up from here, right?

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.

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.

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

We too pray for Akers to continue his consistent kicking in 2009

As we approach the official start of the NFL’s 2009 Free Agency, we take a look at the Kickers and Punters available.  David Akers has been the Eagles placekicker for the past ten seasons, and is still alive and kicking.  At the beginning of the 2008 season Akers missed a few kicks and got a few more blocked, which had us very concerned that his leg strength was fading.  However, Akers came back strong in ‘08 and ended up hitting 33 of his 40 attempts.  As much as Eagles fans might not like to hear it, the days of Akers as our Kicker are numbered.

In terms of Punters, the Eagles have converted Aussie Rules Rubgy great Sav Rocca into an NFL Punter with some success.  Rocca’s definitely got the leg for the job, but there is much more to punting than kicking a ball.  Distance, placment and hang-time all come into play while the Punter averts the elements and opposing defenses.  Although Rocca is still learning the neuances of punting in the NFL, he has been a solid contributor thus far in his short NFL career.

The Eagles would be wise to bring in some competition for Akers in the ‘09 off-season.  Although the kicking game isn’t glamourous, it is a critical element to success in the NFL.

Click here to see all the notable Free Agent Kickers and Punters

So your telling me this guy is a starting MLB in the NFL? And he's good too?

There really are some good football players available at the Linebacker position in the 2009 Free Agent market.  However, as it stands the Eagles are pretty much set at the position in ‘09.  Young starters Stewart Bradley, Chris Gocong, and Akeem Jordan all will improve over the offseason and be back hungry for redemption.  Omar Gaither will be anxious to prove he can be a starter in the NFL, and special teams stud Tank Daniels signed a 2nd round RFA tender with the Eagles earlier this afternoon.  To round the group out, last year’s 5th round draft pick Joe Mays looked like a promising player in last year’s pre-season, and will look to crack the active roster in ‘09.

With all of that young talent, the Eagles may look to add some veteran leadership to the bunch.  That said, the Birds thought the young LB corps could fly on their own last year, and with another year of experience under their collective belts there is no reason to think they won’t be flying solo again in ‘09.  Additonally, signing another LB doesn’t make a lot of sense from a roster perspective; if one gets signed, another has to get cut (Gaither?)

Click here to check out the full list of NFL Free Agent Linebackers