Alex Marvez of FOXSports.com is reporting that Correll Buckhalter will be signed by the Denver Broncos less than one hour after the official beginning of free agency.  The Broncos reportedly have deals in place with Buckhalter and former Arizona Cardinal JJ Arrington.

The Broncos are strongly courting two of them by setting up visits with Correll Buckhalter (Philadelphia) and J.J. Arrington (Arizona) at the start of the signing period, a source told FOXSports.com. Both players are expected to sign Friday after passing physical exams.

Buckhalter can be considered a frontrunner for a starting spot, while Arrington is likely to fill a niche as a third-down specialist and kickoff returner.

Wow.  This surprises the hell out of me.  I know Denver loves their running backs and all, but to sign Buckhalter in the first hour of free agency is a bit odd to me.   Buckhalter is a fine running back and I loved the effort he gave in 2008, but that doesn’t hide the fact that he will be 31 years old during the season and running on knees that have suffered three major injuries.  And the frontrunner for the starting spot?  Wow wo we wo.

The way the Broncos went through running backs in 2008 though, they need all the backs they can get their hands on so they don’t have to rely on the likes of backs Peyton Hillis who randomly get picked up off the waiver wire in fantasy football leagues and ruin the hopes and dreams of promising fantasy football seasons like mine last year.

Brian Dawkins has two do two more things in the NFL: 1) Win a Super Bowl 2) Suplex Eli Manning

Brian Dawkins is one of the most beloved Eagle of all time, but he enters the 2009 safety without a contract.  Both sides want to get something done that ensures Dawkins retires an Eagle, but so far there hasn’t been much news on the Dawkins front.

2008 Recap

• Dawkins had an up and down season in 2008.  In week two in Dallas it looked like Dawkins had lost a step and might not have a whole lot left in the tank.  A week later at home against the Steelers, Dawkins played like a man possessed and sealed a win over the eventual champs with an acrobatic forced fumble on Big Ben.
• From that point on, Dawkins was playing like he 25 years old, not 35, and his season ended up with a another trip to the Pro Bowl.
• Dawkins ended the season with an interception and 3 sacks – the second highest sack total of his career.  With those 3 sacks, Dawkins joined an elite group of NFL players to have 30 interceptions and 20 sacks in a career.
• For just the third time in his career, Dawkins only recorded a single interception.
• Dawkins played in all 16 games in 2008 after missing 6 games in 2007.

Continue Reading this Post »

2008 Recap
Ugly

2009 Outlook
Bleak

Will He Be A Bird?
Please God no.

As we get closer to the February 27th start of NFL Free Agency, we take an in-depth look at unrestricted free agent Joselio Hanson.

2008 Season Overview:

• Hanson has fought for everything he’s ever gotten in his career.  He came into the league in 2003 after being signed as an undrafted free agent by the 49ers.  After being cut and playing a year in NFL Europe, the Eagles gave him a second chance in 2007.
• In 2008, Hanson came in fighting for a roster spot as the 4th cornerback, tops.  However, Lito Sheppard’s constant complaining and subsequent benching provided Hanson an opportunity that he made the most of.  Hanson put up 28 tackles, one sack and his first career interception in 2008, and was the Eagles starting nickle cornerback for the majority of the season.  It all hasn’t been good from Hanson, but he has grown into a fairly consistent player of late.

Hanson has played well, but an upgrade may be in order

2009 Outlook:

• Coming into the 2008 season, Philadelphia’s secondary was looked at as one of the best in the NFL.  But with Sheppard’s imminent departure, and 279 yards and 4 TDs the Cardinals put up through the air in the NFC Championship game, all of the sudden there are some serious questions at corner.  Asante and Brown are both Pro Bowl caliber players, but after that who’s left?  Sheppard and Hanson are the only backup corners listed on the Eagles official depth chart, although Jack Ikegwuonu (coming off horrible injury), Dimitri Patterson (5th year CB coming from KC), and Trae Williams (never played in an NFL game) are all on current roster.
• Hanson’s play has consistently improved throughout his two year career with the Eagles.  If both he and Sheppard leave via free agency and trade/cut respectively, the Eagles will absolutely need to test free agency to get a known quantity at corner, and will probably need to address the position in the draft as well.
• Corner is a postition that many teams, including the Eagles, place a lot of value in, and this was evident in last year’s free agent market.  In 2007, ex-Charger CB Drayton Florence, more of a #2 corner than a #3, was bumped to the nickel spot when the team drafted Antonio Cromartie.  Last year the Jaguars signed Florence to 6-year, $36 million contract in free agency.

Will he be a Bird in ‘09?

• I’d take him, but I’d rather sign Corey Ivy.
• Hanson may get snatched up by a team desperate for help in the secondary.  I don’t expect Hanson to be offered the sort of contract that Florence was, but it would not surprise me if there is legitimate interest out there.  Hanson has shown improvement and comfort in Jim Johnson’s scheme, but I’m not sure how much upside the 5′9″ corner really has.  With that being said, I’m only letting Hanson walk if we are ready to pull the trigger in free agency on an improvement at nickel corner like Phillip Buchanon or Corey Ivy.

The second unrestricted free agent offensive  tackle in the UFA spotlight, LT William “Tra” Thomas.

Doctor Said I Need A Backiotomy

2008 Season Overview:

• Started all 16 2008 regular season games and gave up only 2 sacks, good for third best in the league; hard to argue with that.  However, this statistic is a little deceptive as Thomas’ play didn’t always seem to be at such a high level and at times he lacked push in the run game.  Playing with a QB that’s fairly difficult to take down like McNabb helps cover up some mistakes as well.

2009 Outlook:

• As we’ve said before, offensive tackle is the #1 priority of the 2009 offseason and many consider left tackle to be the most important position on a football team.  Tra’s been to three Pro Bowls and selected to the All Pro team twice; teams pay a lot of money for left tackle’s with resume’s like that.  In last year’s free agency Dallas resigned Flozell Adams (four career Pro Bowls) at 32 to a 6 year, $43 million contract.  Thomas is 34, and has had back spasm issues over the past few years, but I would expect teams are floating Tra somewhat comparable numbers ($30+ million).
• Drafted by the Eagles in the 1st round the year before McNabb, the time may have arrived for the Eagles to draft the LT of the future, as they ponder who the QB of the future will be.  That’s not to say that there aren’t a few options already on the roster:

1. Winston Justice - A blatant assassination attempt on Donovan/Kolb/other’s life.
2. Todd Herremans - If he were to move to tackle, he seems more of a fit at the RT spot in the NFL.  With that being said, Herremans did first crack the starting line-up at left tackle during his rookie season in 2005 when Thomas was injured.  This could actually work out if we resign Runyan, but a healthy and happy Shawn Andrew’s is needed to make it a reality.
3. King Dunlap - The wildcard.  King showed promise during the ‘08 preseason, coming in as a 7th round pick that year.  Although most second-year, 7th round picks who have never played in an NFL game don’t get much love, most aren’t 6′8″ and 320 pounds.  Size like that gets people’s attention, but his ability to play at the NFL level is still very much up in the air.

Will he be an Eagle in ‘09?

• Doubtful, but…
• It’s going to hurt. There have been some rookie tackle’s who weren’t drafted in the top 10 recently who stepped right in on Day 1 and played well; Ryan Clady, Michael Roos, Chris Williams and Marcus McNeill to name a few.  The consistency of resigning Tra would ease some uncertainty heading into the ‘09 season.  But really, there is nothing certain about a 35 year old tackle with a history of persistent injury and declining play.  There are teams out there more desperate for a LT in this fairly weak offseason for the position.  I see Thomas moving on, but we may end up missing him greatly as the options behind him have yet to prove themselves.

Next up in the UFA spotlight, nine year Eagle offensive tackle Jon Runyan.

2008 Season Overview:

• Runyan has started 192 consecutive regular season games in the NFL, the 3rd longest streak at any position.  The fact that this streak is still alive is nothing short of a miracle, as Runyan made it through the final games of the year on a knee that required microfracture surgery.  Although it wasn’t his best year (16th amongst right tackles who played all 16 games with 7.0 sacks allowed), Runyan’s 2008 performance was chest-bump worthy.

2009 Outlook:

• The offensive tackle position is the #1 priority of the 2009 offseason and how the organization chooses to address this situation will impact the Eagles performance for years to come.  Both starting RT Runyan and LT Thomas are UFAs, but there are some options on the current roster:

1. Winston Justice - I know what your thinking, but one game means little to nothing about a player’s career.  Justice was a reliable on the blind-side in college, but maybe RT would suit him better in the NFL.  Plus you’ve got to hope he learned something from giving up six sacks to Osi in a single game.
2. Shawn Andrews - He’s still on the team, remember?  Since Andrews was drafted people have talked about his eventual transition to tackle.  Right now I’m more concerned with him playing in ‘09, regardless of position.  I better not read a “Andrews Retires” headline heading into training camp.  I’d be forced to go find him and beat him with my shoe (then run and die), which would just depress him more (or revitalize his bloodlust).
3. Todd Herremans - If Andrews returns in ‘09, Nick Cole proved that he can play in the NFL last year.  He could step into the LG spot (Cole is currently listed as backup to both guard spots on the Eagles depth chart), allowing Herremans to move to RT in place of Runyan.

Zero sacks in 6 of your final 11 games against the Eagles buddy. I win.

• Runyan’s microfracture surgery and his age will both hinder his ability to strike gold on the free agent market.  However, there are teams that could use a proven, reliable right tackle.   Runyan will need to face the potentially uphill battle of convincing another team he is healthy to pay big money for, but it’s possible he ends up leaving Philadelphia if Banner tries to get a home-town discount.
• Runyan may not sign with anyone until more can be determined about the status of his knee.

Will he be an Eagle in ‘09?

• I sure hope so.
• Runyan is the type of hard-working, blue-collar player that Philadelphia fans love.  He has proven time and time again that he will give everything he has for Andy Reid and the Philadelphia Eagles team.  If he’s healthy enough to play, I would love to resign Runyan to a 2 year, $6-8 million deal; he’s a hell of a football player and a great locker room presence as well.

There might not be a single player in the NFL who has endured as many serious knee injuries in the past 10 years and still been able to perform at a high level like Eagles running back Correll Buckhalter has been able to do after not two, but three major knee injuries.  Buck has been a warrior for the Eagles for the past eight years, but his contract ran out at the end of 2008 and his return is more than questionable at this point.

2008 Season Overview

• Buck served as Brian Westbrook’s primary backup again in 2008 and provided some very quality depth.  In the two games Westbrook was unable to start this season (San Francisco and Chicago), Buckhalter carried the ball a combined 34 times for 159 yards and two touchdowns.  In the other 14 games this season, Buck carried the ball just 42 times for 210 yards and no touchdowns.
• Why wasn’t he used more when Brian Westbrook clearly was NOT at a 100% most of the season? Your guess is as good as mine, but I have to think that the staff was just worried about overusing him his oft-injured knees.  When you have a back that averaged 4.9 ypc on the season just sitting on the bench while you pile up the miles on your featured back’s tires, something can’t be all together right.
• He added a receiving game to his skill set in 2008.  Buck caught 26 passes for 369 yards and 2 touchdowns in 2008.  In his previous four seasons, he averaged just 14.75 catches for 121.2 yards a season.  His catches in ‘08 came in clutch situations as well.  Against Dallas in week 17, Buckhalter took a short pass from McNabb and raced 59 yards to set up a late first half touchdown while the game was still very much in doubt.  In the Divisional round of the playoffs, Buck caught another key McNabb pass for 19 yards on 3rd and 10 to to set up a David Akers field goal which gave the Eagles the lead for good in New York.  In the NFC Championship game, Buckhalter caught a 12 yard pass from McNabb on 1st and 10 from the Philly 14 yard line on the drive which briefly gave the Eagles a 25-24 lead.
• Whatever he did in 2008, he did effectively.  The problem was, he just didn’t get enough touches to really make people notice him.

2009 Outlook

• Buckhalter will turn 31 during the 2009 season.  Combine that with his three major knee surgies and he looks to be just about at that point where running backs start to fade fast.  Buckhalter has said he will look for an opportunity to start in 2009, but honestly, what GM in their right mind would take a chance on a soon to be 31 year old running back with a history of major knee problems as his starting running back?  Matt Millen maybe, but he isn’t currently ruining any NFL teams at the moment.
• I just can’t see any team handing the reigns of their running game over to a back in Buckalter’s situation though.  For that reason, look for Buckhalter to be a backup in 2009 wherever he lands.
• Despite all of the clutch plays Buck turned in during the ‘08 season, there was one play that stuck out to me and showed his limitations pretty clearly.  As the Eagles were driving in the first quarter, Buckhalter took a handoff from McNabb and looked like he had a big gain if he could have turned the corner.  He couldn’t turn the corner though and got dragged down after a short gain.  It may seem trivial, but its the kind of play that shows why Reid might not have used him so much - he lacks the burst great running backs have after all those knee surgies.
• I can’t see any GM giving Buckhalter starter’s money in 2009.  He might get an opportunity to compete for a starting job somewhere against a running back that hasn’t lived up to expectations, but no one is signing him to be their #1 guy.  Not at 31 years old.  Not after 3 major knee surgies

Will he be an Eagle in ‘09?

• There’s a chance he could be back with the Eagles in 2009, but I think we’ll see the Eagles go in a different direction with their backup running back spot.  I think we’ll see the Eagles draft a running back that they feel comfortable using more often than they used Buck in 2008.
• With Westbrook’s health being a constant issue, this is probably the best course of action too.   We need a young running back that can take pressure off Westbrook and push him in practice.  Having a young back that can run the ball 25-30 times if need be would be a pretty strong motivating factor for Westbrook in 2009.
• It’ll be a shame if Buckhalter ends up somewhere else in 2009 because the guy’s been through a lot and has given the Eagles everything he’s had for the five seasons he’s played, but if the Eagles really want to be a Super Bowl team in 2009, they need more stability in the running game.  Having two running backs with durability is not the way to end next season in Miami.
• The one way I could see Buckhalter back next year would be if he gains little or no interest on the free agent market and he comes back to Philly to compete for the #2 spot with a rookie the Eagles get in the draft.

NFL free agency kicks off February 27th.  Crazy how close that is.  Although the majority of media focus goes toward the prospect of the Eagles signing a big-name, big-money free agent from outside the current locker room, the Eagles quietly have seven players currently headed toward unrestricted free agency.

Who will resign?  Who will we let walk?

In uncertain times like these, turn to SportsOnBroad.com.  We’ve got your answers for you.

The first of the Eagles 2009 unrestricted free agent spotlight series is starting tight end L.J. Smith

2008 Season Overview:

• Prior to the 2008 season, L.J. Smith was coming off a sports hernia injury and the worst statistical season of his career.  Even still, the Eagles placed the franchise tag on Smith (the equivalent of a 1-year $4.5 million contract) and named him the starter over the up-and-coming Brent Celek.
• How does L.J. respond to the confidence the Eagles front office showed in him?  With the second worst statistical season of his career.  His 298 receiving yards ranked him 30th in the league behind greats like Robert Royal and Donald Lee. Even his backup Celek posted more regular season receiving yards than Smith.
• Known for his inability to hold on to catchable throws, L.J. replaced butter fingers with a complete lack of explosiveness.  He couldn’t get open all year, despite Donovan’s ongoing effort to force the ball to Smith over the middle.  Maybe it was the lingering impact of the sports hernia injury, but Smith seemed to run bowlegged in ‘08 (or maybe his end isn’t so tight after all).

This man, or someone that looks exactly like him, is going to steal L.J.'s job in '09

2009 Outlook:

• There is absolutely no chance that L.J. gets franchised again.  Smith became more and more irrelevant as the season went on, and coincidentally his playing time decreased as the Eagles went on their late season run.
• Celek was looking like the future starter late in the regular season, but really came on in the postseason.  His 19 catches, 151 yards and 3 TDs in the Eagles three playoff games cemented his rightful place atop the depth chart.  Celek’s Kevin Boss-like breakout postseason has L.J. Smith in line for a Jeremy Shockey-like exit from Philadelphia.
  

Will he be a Bird in ‘09?

• Absolutely not.
• Unless Smith offers to play for free, he’s gone.  Even then I’m hesitant to use a roster spot on him, although his uselessness at TE may only be eclipsed by that of Matt Schobel, who held down a roster spot for the entire ‘08 season.  I wish L.J. all the best in his future endeavors, but this is addition by subtraction here.