As The World Turns, Eagles Style

Posted: July 26th, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 33 Comments »

Quick hits…

Geoff Mosher tweeted that Mike Patterson reported to NovaCare looking slimmer than last year.  Really important to hear this.  Mike has the quickness to play in the new scheme, but was entirely too big to fit it.  Now he’s got a chance to keep a starting job.  I don’t think people realize just how good a player Patt is.  I’m interested to see what he can do if given more of a chance to make plays.

The Kevin Kolb deal is on hold.  Not sure exactly what to make of this.  Eagles could be stalling, hoping to drive up the price.  Cardinals could be stalling, hoping to drive down the price.  I still think it gets done.  They need Kolb.

As for Seattle being added to the mix, I’m not sure they have enough to land Kolb.  People say SEA could give us their 2012 1st rounder, but that pick is a year away.  In terms of trade value it goes down to a 2nd rounder because we have to wait.  Kolb for a future 1st isn’t something I’d settle for.

MLB Nick Barnett was cut by the Packers.  He said the Eagles were a team he’d have definite interest in joining.  He’s 30 years old and has been hurt in 2 of the last 3 years.  When healthy, he is a good football player.  I doubt the Eagles are interested, but it is good to know we have another option in case things don’t work out with Stew, any FAs we want, or if the young player we go with struggles.  I don’t see Barnett getting signed quickly.

Mike Vick hinted in an interview that DeSean Jackson might hold out.  I could easily see that.  DeSean was distracted for much of last year by his contract issue.  He still delivered big plays, but there were a lot of mental mistakes we hadn’t seen in the past.  We knew DeSean had some issues when we drafted him.  That’s why he fell to the middle of the 2nd round.  We need to get him a new deal.  A happy DeSean isn’t distracted and will play more consistently.  We need that guy.  I don’t expect the deal to be done ASAP.  Howie, Andy, and Joe have other priorities right now, but let’s hope they don’t play hardball with DeSean.  That’s just not the way to go.

Dallas cut Marion Barber.  Should we have any interest?  I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to being fascinated by the thought of adding such an aggressive RB.  Barber is really good at times, but ineffective at others.  I’m not sure how he’d do in our offense.  He could be a real interesting complementary back to Shady.  Barber is great late in games when trying to eat up the clock.

* * * * *

Here’s the timeline for the rest of the week:

Players can negotiate with teams all week long.
UDFAs and draft picks can sign now.
Trades can happen now.
Free agents can sign starting Friday at 6pm.
Eagles report to Lehigh on Wednesday.
Rookies can’t practice until they sign contracts.
First practice that’s open to the public is Saturday.
Super Bowl parade is in February.

About rookies…The new CBA changed the way rookies get paid.  There aren’t as many different ways to build contracts so holdouts are expected to be few and far between.  It sounds like most rookie contracts will now be more of a formality than a lengthy negotiation.  I’m sure agents will still fight for every little thing they can, but this won’t be anything like the past.

33 Comments on “As The World Turns, Eagles Style”

  1. 1 BrianWilsonsBeard said at 3:12 PM on July 26th, 2011:

    Keep us updated on rookie signings, i heard alex henery didnt rly want 2 play in philly, and hes a great kicker, so im a little anxious about that

  2. 2 Mac said at 3:17 PM on July 26th, 2011:

    I agree on Barber, but don’t see it happening. Plus power backs haven’t really worked out in the system here. And of Kolb it’s got to just be the waiting game now.

  3. 3 Tommy Lawlor said at 3:29 PM on July 26th, 2011:

    Also meant to mention that Nnamdi is saying he’ll lower his price for contenders. If he dropped it far enough, that would suddenly make him real tempting.

    Of course, if he means $19M drops to $15M, we still pass. Don’t know what numbers he’s working with so it’s hard to say just how good of a deal this would actually be.

  4. 4 Thorin said at 3:31 PM on July 26th, 2011:

    Nmamdi dropping his price and the Kolb stall could be related. If Nmandi wants to come to Philly enough to make it worth our while, that completely changes the compensation you want for Kolb. They couldn’t finalize that deal until UFAs can sign.

  5. 5 Stephen said at 3:38 PM on July 26th, 2011:

    I hadn’t thought of that Thorin. Thats a good point, if Nnamdi is suddenly a more affordable option, trading Kolb for DRC wouldn’t make a whole lot of sense anymore would it?

    I’m mostly hoping Seattle is making the Eagles an offer that is driving the price up for the Cards. I wish I was a fly on the wall at novacare right now.

  6. 6 Fiftyfourd said at 3:40 PM on July 26th, 2011:

    @ Tommy
    Do you know what day in February? I’d like to get a plane ticket now 🙂

  7. 7 Nick said at 3:44 PM on July 26th, 2011:

    Tommy, you think Mudd would have any interest in signing Shaun O’Hara now that he’s been released?

    http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/07/26/source-giants-plan-to-cut-shaun-ohara/

  8. 8 ian no 2 said at 3:45 PM on July 26th, 2011:

    DRC isn’t going anywhere.. the only risk of holding on to Kolb is AZ getting Orton. I said I’d prefer a FA CB and pix for Kolb anyway.

    DJax could be franchised next year, re: my comment on prev. thread .. so that increases the possibility of a hold out. DJax has stated publicly that he wants to set an all-time record for WR pay and not just add contract years in exchange for guaranteed money and bonuses. That may make for a problem. As far as leverage is concerned, he might wait til ’12 for this record contract but maybe a deal can be done soon.

  9. 9 GermanEagle said at 3:55 PM on July 26th, 2011:

    I say it again and again: it wouldn’t surprise me if there really is no great offer for Kolb on the table for the eagles. Otherwise they would have pulled the trigger already.

  10. 10 Tommy Lawlor said at 3:58 PM on July 26th, 2011:

    RE: Shaun O’Hara

    Not sure what to make of him. 34 years old. Missed 10 games in 2010. Good, durable player prior to that. Giants obviously felt he needed to be replaced or upgraded.

    I don’t think we go for an older guy like him right off the bat. I think Mudd may want to see what he’s got before adding an O’Hara type. You know there will be guys like him on the market for another month or so.

    Too bad Ryan Kalil got the Tag in Carolina. He could have been a primo target.

  11. 11 Zach said at 3:59 PM on July 26th, 2011:

    An earlier post you made posed the question of how the Eagles go about making a play for Haynesworth. Do they offer to trade for him, or act indifferent in hopes that Washington will release him.

    I’ve been musing over this recenctly, and think the best strategy to employ might be offering a trade immediately (as in this week), and telling Washington they are unwilling to budge from the request and will move on. Then, they could pick up a lower-tier free agent DT (someone who costs little, but has enough potential to push for a roster spot and more importantly convince Washington that our DT line-up is set). Then we simply hope that Washington does not get any trade offers for Haynesworth, and is forced to release him rather than deal with his antics throughout camp.

    This covers all bases for the Eagles. If Washington is willing to trade him to a division rival, we give them that opportunity. If they are not, we still give ourselves a chance to pick him up, while getting an extra body in camp to push Laws and DTN for playing time.

  12. 12 LeicesterEagles73 said at 4:08 PM on July 26th, 2011:

    Tommy,

    Do you expect to see an increase in the number of “stinger” type injuries on IR once we get closer to the season?

  13. 13 GermanEagle said at 4:08 PM on July 26th, 2011:

    If the Seahawks really just traded for Orton for a third rounder that will have a negative impact on Kevin Kolb’s value… !

    I think eagles will be lucky to get anything more than DRC and a 5th rounder!

  14. 14 GermanEagle said at 4:16 PM on July 26th, 2011:

    Sorry, it is T Jackson apparently.

  15. 15 Tommy Lawlor said at 4:18 PM on July 26th, 2011:

    @ Zach…

    I like your logic. There isn’t a no-brainer approach to the situation, but you’ve got a solid plan.

    I’ve not heard a word yet about any talks between WAS and PHI.

  16. 16 Brian said at 4:18 PM on July 26th, 2011:

    Even Jackson going to Seattle hurts the Birds. Ariz is now the only real suitor and Orton is still an option. Man, the lockout and not being able to deal Kolb before the draft when there were at least half a dozen possible bidders really hurt the Birds.

  17. 17 Tommy Lawlor said at 4:20 PM on July 26th, 2011:

    @ LeicesterEagles73 …

    Bum ankles/knees are the preferred injuries of choice in recent years.

    The only guys you do that with are developmental prospects you don’t want to lose. We’ll have a couple of guys like that, but I think our lower round prospects all have legit shots to make the team.

    I don’t see a bunch of those situations.

  18. 18 CVD said at 4:22 PM on July 26th, 2011:

    GermanEagle

    i heard seattle just signed a qb, but i didnt hear anything about it being orton. where do u hear that?

    anyone know if teams ever allow the other team to negotiate a contract b4 the trade is finalized? if so that could be holding the kolb trade up.

  19. 19 GermanEagle said at 4:26 PM on July 26th, 2011:

    CVD

    Sorry I meant to say it is Tavaris Jackson the Hawks are apparently acquiring. Don’t ask me for a link though.

    Nevertheless the longer the Eagles wait the less they will get in return. Just be prepared for a disappointment in case…

  20. 20 Tommy Lawlor said at 4:28 PM on July 26th, 2011:

    RE: Kolb

    Be patient. ARZ and PHI are bugging us by not getting this done ASAP, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t working on it.

    The Eagles drive a hard bargain, but we do a lot of trading every year. Andy/Joe/Howie no how to close deals. The Cardinals can be a tough organization to deal with.

    I’m not sure who’s to blame, but obviously both sides are being very deliberate in the negotiations.

    I think Kyle Orton is the backup plan out there and nothing more.

  21. 21 iskar36 said at 4:36 PM on July 26th, 2011:

    At this point, we just have to hope that the FO is taking the proper precautions and making sure to talk to some of the FA CBs as well. I imagine they are, but these next couple days are going to be really long if we are left waiting for the Kolb deal to happen.

  22. 22 Dan said at 4:39 PM on July 26th, 2011:

    So…..

    Do you think Kolb will report to NovaCare tomorrow?

  23. 23 mcud said at 4:43 PM on July 26th, 2011:

    If they have already contacted Nnamdi, and are comfortable with his asking price, then there is no reason to rush into any Kolb trade.

  24. 24 Boyboy said at 4:43 PM on July 26th, 2011:

    Tommy,

    Haven’t heard anyone mention Ronnie Brown as a potential backup RB. I mean, this is assuming he doesn’t land a starting role somewhere else, but it doesn’t look like he’ll be back in Miami. He’s big back who can catch and has been successful in short yardage. As a bonus, he’s effective in those zaney Wildcat plays that we like to mix in now and again. Thoughts?

  25. 25 Tommy Lawlor said at 4:45 PM on July 26th, 2011:

    Jonathan Tamari reports that the Eagles are going to let all our FAs walk. Even Rocca and Bradley.

    http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/inq-eagles/Eagles-unlikely-to-re-sign-Bradley-Rocca-Mikell-Harrison.html

  26. 26 Tommy Lawlor said at 4:47 PM on July 26th, 2011:

    @ Boyboy…

    I covered Ronnie a couple of days ago. I’d have definite interest in him. Problem is that I don’t know if he’d be willing to come somewhere for 80 carries a year. He’s used to getting 150 carries and 20-30 receptions. I agree that he’d be a real nice fit.

  27. 27 GermanEagle said at 4:47 PM on July 26th, 2011:

    The Eagles better have some big plans:

    Other free agents who the team will not re-sign include Dimitri Patterson, Nick Cole and Max Jean-Gilles, all of whom played significant amounts last season, but struggled at their positions.

    RT @JonathanTamari The #Eagles will let all of their free agents walk – Stewart Bradley, Quintin Mikell, Jerome Harrison, Sav Rocca included
    by phanatic’s phloozies on Jul 26, 2011 1:38 PM PDT reply actions  

  28. 28 iskar36 said at 4:52 PM on July 26th, 2011:

    I didn’t think we were going to bring back anyone but Bradley and Rocca, but I am surprised to hear those two also will not get resigned. With the punter we signed, i’m not too worried about Rocca, but I was uncomfortable as it was assuming Bradley was coming back. Without him, I really hope they make some kind of impact move at LB.

  29. 29 Boyboy said at 4:53 PM on July 26th, 2011:

    Ah….sorry, must have missed that article. or more likely, I was drinking some Long Islands while reading it.

  30. 30 nzflyer said at 4:57 PM on July 26th, 2011:

    Not sure what is happening with the DRC for Kolb trade but I think the NA thing has something to do with it.

    Does anyone think maybe NA did that because he knows we had a DRC trade in place? I mean, I’m not saying he’s tracking the eagles, but I’m sure we as contenders would interest him, and aswell maybe keeping the DRC on hold helps to keep his value up as it keeps potential suitors from taking another corner.

  31. 31 ian no 2 said at 5:09 PM on July 26th, 2011:

    Don’t know if the Seahawks are done at QB, but they have the former Vikings offensive coordinator that worked with Tavaris J. The circumstances of the lockout and teams grabbing iffy QBs in the draft have affected what would have been a good year to deal Kolb, but just because Kolb wants to go to AZ and AZ wants him doesn’t mean the Eagles have to give him up. You’d think that Oakland being so far over the salary cap would make them want Kolb and to dump Campbell’s larger salary. I see no reason not to at least see what you can get in free agency at CB before pulling the trigger.

  32. 32 eagles nut said at 6:07 PM on July 26th, 2011:

    One thing to consider on Kolb is that the deal could be delayed while Arizona is negotiating with Kolb’s agent on a contract extension.

    You guys are assuming that Seattle signing Jackson means the Eagles have lost leverage but it could just as easily be the case that Seattle signed Jackson because they knew they had lost out on Kolb.

  33. 33 D3Keith said at 10:03 PM on July 26th, 2011:

    Asomugha is almost certainly the holdup on every cornerback move, and it would not be surprising if that’s why the Kolb-for-DRC deal hasn’t gone down. That or the Eagles trying to drum up at least one other suitor to get AZ to break. And/or if the Eagles sign a corner, still trade him to AZ but for something else.

    Tommy, good to see you cite some news out of the Asomugha camp. I hadn’t read but one reputable report that actually quoted him (From SF paper back around the time of the cut) re: his next destination, and the contract numbers are almost all guesses. I’ve said this a lot, but if Revis got a 4/46 extension with 22 guaranteed at age 24, why would NA get something out of that stratosphere at age 29/30. Is free agency that powerful a tool?

    Maybe it is. I just think 12-15 mil a season is in the NA ballpark, and I like the Jets, Ravens and us to be troublemakers if 12 would do it; the others don’t have the room we have, though Baltimore cleared a lot of space.

    @eagles nut, re: Kolb extension, another good point.

    Personally I’m not too worried about the hold up. I think it signifies doing due dilligence, meaning whatever deal we take was probably as good as it was going to get (unless we move way too slowly)

    Also re: Kolb just because there’s not another public suitor doesn’t mean there isn’t one or the Eagles wouldn’t be wise to pretend there is one.