Second Wave of FA is Coming
Posted: August 1st, 2011 | Author: Tommy Lawlor | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 79 Comments »Let’s remember one key thing in regard to the offseason. Free agency technically didn’t start until Friday at 6pm. Moves were set up in the days before that, but we are only a few days into the offseason. There are still a lot of players left on the open market. Many of them are really good players. This isn’t just throwaways, wannabes, and never-was types.
The Eagles can still do some shopping to fill holes and improve the team. I think one of the important things that’s happened is that the Eagles have been able to watch some of the young guys in action. Does Casey Matthews look like a guy who could start at MLB? Is he in over his head? On Monday they have mixed Jason Kelce and Julian Vandervelde in with the starters at times.
And this isn’t just about rookies. WR Riley Cooper is off to a good start. If he plays well enough, do you still pursue a veteran WR? What if Sinorice Moss continues to impress? It is easy to always want some guy off the street who you’ve seen play, but sometimes the best answers for your needs are the guys already on the roster.
The Eagles have had a few days of practice. They now know which areas they’re comfortable with and which ones they aren’t. We speculate. They know. We’ll find out where they are concerned by the moves they make or attempt to make in the next week or so. Let’s go ahead and speculate for now.
RB — The Eagles do need a veteran RB. They want a speedy back. The fastest guy left on the market that I know about is Jerious Norwood from Atlanta. He averages 5.3 ypc for his career and has made his share of big plays. Durability is his primary concern. Norwood only played in 2 games last year. There were rumors that the Carolina Panthers might have interest in Asante Samuel. If so, the Eagles could ask about RB Mike Goodson. He’s a speedster that played well as a rookie. Right now the Eagles aren’t getting mentioned with players. We know they’re looking, but just not at who.
LB — The Eagles had mild interest in Nick Barnett, but Buffalo made a commitment to him ($6M bonus). There isn’t one guy out there that is a great fit. The Eagles could talk to Kirk Morrison, but don’t know if they have any interest. As for OLB, there are still guys out there. I get lots of questions about Manny Lawson. He is best suited for playing up on the line of scrimmage. The Eagles LBs are going to be off the ball by a few yards. Lawson is a good player, but not a good fit. He’s gotten little attention so far. What about Ben Leber? He can play in just about any system, SAM or WLB. He’s getting no attention. The Eagles haven’t been linked with any OLBs so far. Maybe Juan Castillo really likes the guys we have.
OL — Monday brought some shakeups. Austin Howard was the starting RT. Apparently King Dunlap was struggling. Rookies are playing in the interior. We already know the team added LG Evan Mathis. Are there any more moves on the way? Hard to say. If the Eagles are seriously concerned about Winston Justice’s knee, then they could make an aggressive move. There aren’t great choices on the market. This could be a situation where the team waits to see if any young guys emerge on other teams, thus making a veteran expendable. I am curious to find out how Howard looked at RT. He showed serious potential last summer.
WR — The Eagles aren’t likely to look at just anyone. This is a spot where things could get interesting. With Plax gone and Braylon Edwards likely headed to the desert, could Randy Moss be a target? Reid looked at him a couple of years back, but nothing came of it. Moss would be a Red Zone threat. He also has the deep speed to play in our system. Is he too much of a diva/malcontent? Malcolm Floyd could be an interesting target. He’s almost 30, but worked his way from bottom of the roster to starter/key role player. Floyd is likely looking for a good payday. If he can’t get that, coming to Philly on a 1-year deal wouldn’t be such a bad idea.
We could see more and more guys signing 1-year deals. This was a very condensed offseason and that hurt a lot of players. They didn’t have time to shop around and create a market.
* * * * *
Interesting practice note. The Eagles are going 1’s vs 1’s this year. In the past it was 1’s vs 2’s. I’m not sure if this is a permanent change due to the lack of two-a-days or if this is due to the lack of mini-camps leading up to Training Camp.
* * * * *
What the heck is Danny Watkins thinking? He needs to tell his agent to let him sign the deal. Eric Metz will have clients next year and the year after. This is Watkins only career. Every day he misses affects his chance to start in 2011. I don’t get it. Players should control their agents, not the other way around.
* * * * *
Some people have asked about the 3-CB set up. One scenario is to have Nnamdi Asomugha play a role similar to Charles Woodson in GB. I’m not such a big fan of this, for a couple of reasons. First, Nnamdi is a special cover corner. I’d rather have him outside shutting down a WR. Second, Woodson is a much more complete player. He is an outstanding hitter and tackler. Very good run defender. Excellent blitzer. Nnamdi isn’t special in any of those categories. Woodson had 9 FFs and 5.5 sacks in his time as a Raider. Nnamdi has 2 sacks and 2 FFs in his career. Similar size and great talent, but different players.
I prefer Nnamdi staying out wide, but I won’t blame the Eagles if they try him in the slot and have him do a variety of things. Maybe we’ll find out that Nnamdi is good at these things and just didn’t get the right chances. Brian Dawkins was a completely different player before and after the arrival of Jim Johnson.
None of the CBs is moving to Safety. The Eagles love Nate Allen and have high hopes for Jaiquawn Jarrett. And Kurt Coleman and Marlin Jackson aren’t out of the picture either.
* * * * *
My PE.com column posted this morning. I wrote about the Eagles brilliance in the past week. They made great moves to make the team better right away, but have a slew of picks for the 2012 draft as well. This team is built for the present and the future. Dan Snyder must puke when he looks at our situation.
Hey Tommy
question for you,
In the wide 9 technique the fact that we use primarily our DT against the run game….isn’t that a weakness that power running teams (or just teams with a good running game) like the Jets would like to exploit against us? can our linebackers who have more speed then size handle that kind of offense?
I hope the eagles focus on getting Desean signed, we can cope at any position with the players we have in place except maybe RB. With the very very very worrying ‘news’ floating around about Maclin we /have/ to get Desean signed.
Are there still rules in place that he would have to wait a week if he dumps agent…he should be threatening to dump him if deal not done today. Ridiculous to let agent hold his own self interest over player.
The more I think on Asante the more I want them to keep him unless they get killer deal. I see no real promising landing spots where they have something in excess we need. Indy with an olineman Mudd really likes maybe? That is my number 1 concern at this point.
Links to practice write-ups:
http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2011/7/31/2308104/eagles-training-camp-morning-session-july-31-2011
http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2011/7/30/2305637/eagles-training-camp-morning-session-august-30-2011
They are from Jimmy K over at BGN. Jimmy does a great job and is a trustworthy source, except when he disagrees with me. Then he’s a no-nothing moron, blogger gangster.
The 3 CB look I think could ease Jarrett’s transition to NFL.
By letting Jarrett do what he does well, hitting/run support, while limiting chances for failure by not putting too much on his plate, while he adjusts to NFL coverages.
Just my .02
Ps – obviously meant o line plus draft pick…not straight up.
“What the heck is Danny Watkins thinking? He needs to tell his agent to let him sign the deal. Eric Metz will have clients next year and the year after. This is Watkins only career. Every day he misses affects his chance to start in 2011. I don’t get it. Players should control their agents, not the other way around.”
And this may be the only deal Watkins ever gets. haha I kid!
per PFT:
Unsigned 1st round picks are #17,18,19,21,22,23,24.
Strange indeed. Seems like the hold up is guaranteeing 3 yrs or 4 yrs.
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/08/01/seven-first-rounders-still-unsigned/
@ No 1…
The goal of the W-9 is to get penetration and create havoc. The DTs are getting upfield to disrupt the running lanes. They want the RB to have to stop in his tracks and adjust in the backfield. When that happens, even guys like Adrian Peterson become mortal.
The W-9 is vulnerable like all schemes. If the offense guesses right or someone on the DL doesn’t do their job, the defense is vulnerable. If the DL aren’t disruptive and the LBs get stuck on blocks, you can get burned for 256 rushing yards (JAX vs TEN last year). When the scheme works, you hold a team to 76 rushing yards (JAX vs TEN also last year).
A small defense can shut down a power run game. You must get penetration and tackle well.
Also remember that with our offense, we’ll play with the lead a lot of the time. That forces teams to throw.
RE: firing agent
I think you have to wait a few days before hiring a new one and signing a deal. Not an ideal option for Watkins.
I wonder if the Eagles can just bring back Jerome Harrison at this point. I know he wanted a bigger role, but it seems like he hasn’t found that chance.
Maybe they are just letting Harrison test the market, and if he does not find anything they will bring him back. I also like the idea of bringing in Portis, seems like he could get the job done too.
Harrison coming back is a possibility.
Tommy,
The Watkins situation is pretty simple: Guys above him (#1-16) are getting fully guaranteed (4-year) contracts, while guys below him (#25-28) are only getting 3-year guarantees. Those in the middle (#17-23) are all unsigned. He’s holding out hope for that fourth year guarantee and, quite frankly, I don’t blame him one bit – that could be $2 million he loses in the end if he doesn’t get that 4th year and gets injured/washes out before then.
I’d prefer to see Harrison back, unless you can get Ronnie Brown in here. Portis would be fine. Just give me a vet.
I’ve said for awhile now that wd should be looking at Moss, much prior to the Maclin rumors or Plax’s release. He gives us everything Plax does in end zone, plus still has the wheels to fill in at the ‘X’ or ‘Z’ between the 20s. I realize he isnt the player he was, but on a two year deal, he could really help us.
New England is the one I want to call re: Samuel. They’ve got two guys (Albert & Mankins) that I covet.
I’d prefer to see Harrison back, unless you can get Ronnie Brown in here. Portis would be fine. Just give me a vet.
I’ve said for awhile now that we should be looking at Moss, much prior to the Maclin rumors or Plax’s release. He gives us everything Plax does in end zone, plus still has the wheels to fill in at the ‘X’ or ‘Z’ between the 20s. I realize he isnt the player he was, but on a two year deal, he could really help us.
New England is the one I want to call re: Samuel. They’ve got two guys (Albert & Mankins) that I covet.
How well will our LBs hold up against offensive linemen on screen plays? That killed us vs. GB and it killed us vs. Dallas back in 09′
Apologies for the double post…
Randy Moss has decided to retire, per his agent.
@ Eagle Fan in SF…
I understand the issue. My point is that the agent/Watkins is being short-sighted. The goal should be to have a good career. Best way to do that is get on the field ASAP. Best way to do that is sign ASAP.
What if Vandervelde gets in at RG and plays like a stud?
Don’t take chances when you have the opportunity to start right away. Sign and let the rest take care of itself.
Career > initial bonus / guaranteed money
@tommy
So did Derrick Mason. If Maclin continues to miss time, I don’t think there is a better option out there.
Any teams out there with a surplus of talented OT’s who need a CB? I don’t think we’re completely sunk if WJ misses a lot of time thanks to Herreman’s ability to kick outside but I am worried about our depth right now. Hopefully some of the youngsters are ready to step it up.
Great pic from TC.
Uh, here’s the great pic.
http://twitpic.com/5zfwdo
mcud
They’ve got two guys (Albert & Mankins) that I covet.
i like that idea.
but NE did just draft 2 young corners early
also
The Jets want people to know Cotchery is now up for bidding
i dont know anything about him. anyone think he could be a decent idea if mac wont be back? maybe him, a 2 and a 5 for asante?
Eagles aren’t going to make a desperate move for a WR right now. Maclin’s situation (whatever it is) might turn out okay. We’ve got to wait and see.
Man I hope ur right and Maclin is ok. That would hurt.
I know I am in the minority but I think we should trade Asante as long as the price is right. I know a lot of fans are not high on him but Hanson is pretty good in the slot. Hopefully Lindley is progressing enough to be a decent 4th corner. I agree you need 3 good corners. But I think Hanson qualifies as the 3rd guy. It would be wonderful to know that a corner could get hurt and you still have a stud coming in to replace him but you cant worry about that.
I like what we have a safety and LB although carolina does have a few decent backers.
RT is the only thing I worry about. If Justice is not right, that is really bad news.
@Flyin’
Thanks for the link. It looks like the Bucs really screwed the rest of us by giving that deal to Clayborn.
Tommy,
Think the Eagles would consider trading Patt or Laws if Thornton really shows up?
Seems a stretch though to think they’d trade either of the two and go with several guys new to the team (Thornton and Jenkins).
RE: DT
Fluid situation. If Thornton plays well enough or maybe Abiamiri stands out, there could be a trade. We need to see how these guys play in the PS games. That will give us an idea of if we’re good enough or overloaded.
I anticipate Parker being traded. That means we could easily fit 10 quality DL on the team. It’s so different than 2003-2005 where we only had 5-6DL who could reasonably play.
Tommy what is with Bunk not showing up to cleveland, did u hear anything?
No idea what’s up with Bunk. Never heard about him having issues here, other than not always playing up to his potential.
Maybe LeBron is his hero and he’s just copying The King.
@CVD
Darwin did that a few years back with the Bills. I think the Eagles gave up a 6th round for compensation. Although that was written into the trade.
Hope they don’t give up a corner for a RB.. Goodson is good but they have backs and can get one in free agency. Samuel is far more valuable than a backup RB. They should keep him or trade him for draft picks if they can move his contract (in the next offseason or before the draft).
Screw Bunkley. He didn’t show up to Cleveland so we had to make the best of a bad situation and sent him to Denver for a 2013 pick. I had no hard feelings until now. Go blow out your ACL and maybe then you’ll learn how to act like a professional.
Update on Bunk, he is now going to Denver for a TBD2013 pick.
Poor Cleveland, they can’t even get a less than average player to come to their team.
Anybody know what the conditional pick is/what needs to happen for it?
Re: Bunk
dude that sux. bunk is an a$$. one year on his deal. is denver that much better than cleveland? blowin his acl out is a little much, i would rather he just hates his dline coach
I think we’re done with FA and major roster moves (unless Asante is traded)
The positions that we have left to fill are veteran depth at LB, OT, RB, and S.
When it comes to LB, four guys are locks:
Jamar Chaney
Casey Matthews
Moise Fouku
Keenan Clayton
I think we carry 6. The other two positions will be fought out by Brian Rolle, Akeem Jordan, Greg Lloyd, and the guy we sign from another team’s cut list. I don’t think the Eagles have any intention of bringing in a veteran LB for depth. I can’t think of any veteran LB that fits their system and isn’t a liability in coverage.
I want a veteran OT, but I think the Eagles are comfortable with King Dunlap and Austin Howard as the backups.
As for RB, McCoy is a lock and they expect Lewis to make the team. The other roster spot at RB will be fought out by one of the 50 UDFA RBs the Eagles signed.
I honestly think that the Eagles will only keep 3 Safeties. They did the same thing last year when they opened the season with Allen, Mikkell, and Coleman as their only Safeties.
Tommy, your take on the Watkins situation is pretty transparently based on your position as a fan of the team, rather than an advocate for what’s best for Watkins.
It’s easy to say that what’s in the best interests for his career is more important than $2 million when you aren’t the person who stands to lose $2 million. What happens to his career unfortunately isn’t in his control, whether he gets in camp today or in two weeks. Between injuries, poor performance, superior performance by teammates, a change in coaching staff or front office, etc. could all change the trajectory of a player’s career. It’s not enough to say that a guy has in his control whether he’s successful or not. If an agent is doing his job, he needs to protect his client from the possibility that he just isn’t as good as everyone thinks he can be. It’s possible. It happens. In that case, guaranteeing a 4th year and $2 million makes a very big deal, far bigger than coming to camp today versus two weeks from now.
You see this every year when college basketball fans advise their favorite team’s best player to come back to school for another year to improve his jump shot, even if he’s considered a lottery pick. Look, it’s fine that your concerns are primarily with your favorite team, not with what’s best for the player. But there’s no reason to pretend you’re being benevolent or objective or altruistic. You’re simply defending the best interests of your team, as a football fan should. But at least be honest about it.
If we are going to trade Asante now we need to get more for him than we would after the season otherwise why not have him for the year. With his salary going up after this year we would probably have to get rid of him at that point.
After the Eagles lost those two games in a row to Dallas the year before last we were all bemoaning the lack of aggression on Asante’s part. I actually thought at that point that we needed to use two high draft picks on CBs because we had to replace Sheldon as well as Asante. Alas, there were no good options for CBs when we picked early that year so we waited until the fourth round to get Lindley.
In the mean while Asante showed us how good he can be in 2010 even if he is not the prototypical press corner who can push people around. But overall our defense had declined – not just in terms of points allowed but in its physicality and aggressiveness. But now we have brought in Washburn, Babin, Jenkins, Cromarte, and Nnamdi. We are ready to crack heads and mess up QBs and aggression is the name of the game. In addition we have two top tier press corners who are both big and fast.
So if we want to use Asante for a year or even two, fine. After all he is top-tier also. But clearly it is the other two CBs that fit the aggressive style that the Eagles want to play. If we get a fair offer for Asante I think the Eagles will take it in a flash.
Just watching Castillo’s interview on PE.com
He is /too/ fired up, making me a bit nervous that he can do the job he’s been given. Maybe it’s because he’s so different from before but it’s hard to feel comfortable with him. He clings to stuff too much, his main answer for Casey Mathews being ready is that he had dinner with NFL players as a kid. We’ll see when the Eagles play but nonetheless, bit worried.
“If we get a fair offer for Asante”
That’s a major point. What is fair value for Asante? He is a top 5 CB but he’s also 30 years old and has a huge cap number.
What is the best option for us to win a super bowl this year? Unless Asante can net you a draft pick and player that can contribute to this team, I don’t see how you can justify trading him.
Asante is an asset to this team, if we have the cap and the capital to keep him, why not keep him? If we trade Asante, we have to replace what he would contribute to this team with a player that equals his performance now or in the future.
In the end, I think we have a good shot at the Superbowl. I would only trade him if it didn’t lessen our chances at winning.
@ owumd…
My thoughts on Watkins would be true of any player that “holds out” as a rookie. This has nothing to do with the Eagles specifically.
I think too often agents are focused on getting the best possible deal. I understand the desire to get as much money as possible. That makes good business sense.
I come at this from the perspective of a scout/coach. My goal isn’t for the best contract, but for the player to have the best chance at a successful career.
Watkins is in an unusual situation because he had no mini-camps and OTAs. He’s starting from scratch. The Eagles are offering him a starting job. Well, they were. Don’t know where that stands now.
The ability to get in and start early on can help to shape a player’s career. Every day Danny misses makes it less likely he will be the starting RG this year. I still think he’s got a good chance to have that role, but the odds are going in the wrong direction.
Let’s say Danny holds out another 7-10 days and never makes it on the field this year. He then heads into 2012 as an unproven player. Maybe he’s in the mix for the RG job. Maybe someone else has taken that role and Wally Pipp’ed him. If so, who knows what the future holds.
Jon Runyan felt it was a player’s obligation to never come off the field. Any time you let a backup on meant you could lose your job. This mentality helped him to play through injury and never give up the RT spot.
Danny is letting others have the RG job for now. No one has taken it over…yet.
If the Eagles were being unreasonable, I’d say he was right to hold out. Players must get a fair deal. Not having the 4th year guaranteed for pick 24 hardly seems like the team is being unfair. That seems more like the agent scared to be the guy who’s client gave in and who doesn’t want to get the rep for that.
There are plenty of underpaid players in the NFL. I don’t blame DeSean Jackson or Chris Johnson for holding out at all. They need to let teams know they are serious about getting a new deal.
Danny would be taking a gamble by settling for the 3 years guaranteed. The gamble is that he’s good enough and will stay healthy and then will get a good second deal in a few years.
Danny is also gambling by holding out for the 4th year. He’s risking a starting job. He’s losing a chance to spend time with the coaches and developing a good relationship with them. If his career gets off to a poor start, there is no telling how he’ll react. Elite athletes/players aren’t used to sitting and watching. Not all of them handle it well.
I want young players to succeed. They are the lifeblood of the league. Get a fair deal from your team and then go play. Eagles are making a fair offer. It isn’t the best offer, but that is different from fair.
I’ll readily admit that I do not know what exactly is fair value for Asante. But we could use the cap room. Per eaglescap.com the Eagles are now down to less than $3 million in cap room. We can get that up a big bit by signing Vick for less than $16 million per but we need to use a good bit of that to sign DeSean.
We still need to sign a back up RB and maybe a linebacker and possibly someone to replace Justice. Next year we might have to restructure Cole, Maclin and McCoy. Maclin was upset when he was drafted because he thought he should have gone seventh. How is he going to feel after they give Jackson a big number. McCoy is another second round pick that has outperformed his contract. And Babin is making quite a bit more than Cole.
On second thought they are probably going to want to give DeSean a guaranteed extension rather than a restructure.
Couldn’t agree with you more, Tommy. Watkins could end up being inactive for a large part of the season. That 4th year may not even be an issue if he falls behind and never gets his career going.
But you’re being flippant about what’s at stake, and assuming far too much about what stands to be gained from getting into camp on time. Coming to camp today won’t guarantee a successful career. Nothing will. Coming to camp late won’t guarantee a failed career. The only thing that’s at stake that is absolutely certain to be gained or lost over this negotiation is $2 million, which is no small sum.
You say that your position has nothing to do with being an Eagles fan. Fine. You’d feel this way about any player on any team. That’s a distinction without a difference. You’re looking at each situation through the lens that a coach would look at it through, that a player gives himself the best chance at success by coming to camp on time. And that might be true. But it isn’t necessarily true. It’s entirely possible that he’ll get injured, or that he was simply overrated coming out of college, and is destined to have a failed career, regardless of when he reports to camp. For that reason, it’s important that he, as well as all the other players selected in the same range of the first round, fully explore the possibility that they could receive an additional $2 million guaranteed. Regardless of how well these players position themselves for success, there are many factors relating to the outcome of their career that are unfortunately and unavoidably out of their control. For that reason, they can’t rush into their first contract, and they can’t behave like a freshman in high school trying out for the varsity squad, doing whatever they can to impress the coach. It’s not that simple. The amount of money at stake is enough to secure the financial well being of their family for another generation. That’s no small chip in a negotiation.
If the potential gain of coming into camp was that their career would be guaranteed to be successful, you’d have a point. But as long as it’s simply a matter of insubstantially increasing the chances of that outcome, the cost-benefit analysis of rushing to camp while foregoing $2 million just doesn’t add up. Too much is at stake, with not enough of a potential reward.
Davesbeard, “He clings to stuff too much, his main answer for Casey Mathews being ready is that he had dinner with NFL players as a kid. We’ll see when the Eagles play but nonetheless, bit worried.”
I take that as more hyperbole. Pedigree does matter in the NFL though.
“That 4th year may not even be an issue if he falls behind and never gets his career going.”
Not to mention Danny is already 5 years behind every other player. Even more if you want to consider he has only played football for a few years.
Why did they even make it an option in the new CBA? This shouldn’t even be an issue. I don’t care if it’s 3 or four years, but players drafted in a given range should have a guaranteed number of years for a set amount of money.
Besides, with his age Watkins should look forward to hitting FA earlier. If he reports he improves his chances of being successful which improves his chances of getting a big deal earlier.
I don’t think we need a player for asante. If we get a 1st rounder, we should jump on it. A 2nd rounder plus something, I take it. Anything less I keep him.
Remember we kept lito and that turned out bad. DRC has to say all the right things. I am not saying I know he would be upset, just that even if he was, he is not gonna tell the media the first day he gets here.
You think DRC doesn’t want a fat contract next year? You think he wants to play the slot this year and then hopefully play really well next year and stay healthy, and then get a new contract? No, he wants to light it up this year and then try to get a new contract after this season. He obviously doesn’t have a choice but I am just saying I think he would be pissed, especially since he was a starter with AZ if we didn’t trade for him. I just don’t want to lose out on a good pick because things blow up this year and by next year everyone knows we r dumping one of them. Asante was a stud last year, his value is super high. I trust the eagles to do whatever is right, im just saying what I am thinkin
Agree with owumd. Injuries are too frequent, fit into scheme is also a variable. Players and agents need to get whatever they can, the more guarantees in life the better.
If I were Watkins once I chose an agent, I would sit back and do whatever he/she told me. That’s why you choose them, not because they are nice or pragmatic, but because they are 100% on your behalf.
Michael Jordan once said of David Falk “he’s an asshole, but he’s an asshole for me.”
@owumd
Are you Watkins agent tryna convince us to be Pro Hold out??
Onestly, Pick 23 should be happy with the millions that he is getting. 2nd,3rd and 4th rounders don’t hold out. They play and prove what they are worth. All top ten picks have their years guaranteed, if he wanted it guaranteed he shoulda been picked in the top 10. Is he that scared that he won’t amount to anything that he needs to have another year guaranteed ? Sure, he could have a nasty injury(a la Weaver) that could end his career, but going to college you would think he would have something decent to fall back on. And he would still get 3 years worth of guaranteed money. Beggers can’t be choosers. Play on our SB team, up your value. Or go Bunk with Bunk at cleveland, denver or where ever else is not going to lead to Indy this year.
You guys seen the interview with Asante over at PE.com?
He gave me the impression he’s on the way out; was asked straight up “Have you asked to be traded?” and said “No comment”. If he was happy to stay and hadn’t asked to be traded, then surely he would’ve answered the question – the no comment seems as good as a yes from where I’m sat…
For a guy who’s seen as being more of a well-branded product than a genuinely charismatic individual, Jordan is credited with some pretty poignant quotes. The one about him not speaking out on race because “white people buy sneakers too” is also pretty great.
I wonder how true it is that he really said each quote. It wouldn’t be the first time that pithy quotes were attributed to someone because they made sense, not because they were actually said.
Eskin reporting that Watkins is signing tonight and reporting tomorrow. He’s only getting 3 years guaranteed.
Players NEVER win vs. Banner.
Banner should run the country!
He is gangter with his dealings.
Wow the rookies are getting hosed on these deals. Jake Locker must be banging his head against the wall for not coming out early. He must have lost at least 1o million dollars over the course of 4 years.
Frankly the people arguing that he should hold out are being shortsighted. If he holds out and misses playing time this season he’s putting more than a theoretical dent in his future earnings potential. Sure he might be giving up a little bit of guaranteed money, but by reporting on time and getting as many reps as possible he’s increasing the odds that he will be able to get a massive deal in the future.
It’s not like he’s not going to be guaranteed more money up front than a lot of us will make in our lifetimes anyhow, he’s not somehow going to the poor house if only 3 years are guaranteed.
It’s a bit of a dice roll I suppose, a little more guaranteed by holding out against a slightly better shot at a big deal in the future.
Now all we need is for Justice and Maclin to come back. I just wish the Eagles would just come out and say what Maclin’s illness is. They’ll say it eventually whats the point of keeping it a secret. It’s really worrying the fans and its causing unnecessary speculation.
You’d have a point if $2 million qualified as “a little more guaranteed.” It’s a lot more. It’s $2 million. Like you said, we’re talking about a scale that’s far greater than most of us can ever dream of. That’s what’s at stake in the current holdout. A sum of money greater than the normal person can ever dream of. It would be irresponsible to his children and grandchildren to ignore the possibility of guaranteeing himself an additional $2 million. The way people born into old money tend to have children born into old money is that they understand that it isn’t easy to come by.
Funny how for the last DECADE Joe Banner had a terrible rep with the fans. Now he’s some sort of player personnel god.
@ owumd….
One of the factors I think you’re overlooking is that Watkins had little chance to win his gamble. That’s probably a big reason for the different mindsets in the ways we’re all looking at this.
If Watkins was pick 16 and right in that border area, it might in fact be worth it for him to see about the $2M. In the mid-20’s he had virtually no shot to win the situation.
I’m not much of a gambler, but I’m even less likely to roll the dice in a situation that is stacked against me.
I do appreciate you speaking up and making sure the other side of the argument was heard. Good discussions are more interesting than everyone completely agreeing with each other.
____________________
I hope Eskin’s report is true and the holdout is over. Get Danny in there and let’s get his career started.
Watkins needs to get to camp. I’m not gonna feel bad for a guy who is getting paid millions and has a job waiting for him as a firefighter whenever he’s done playing.
Tommy, what do you think about Rocky McIntosh? He’s been a stud at the SAM for the skins. They forced him into the inside of the 3-4 last year and he struggled. I know he’s had a couple injuries but he’s been great when healthy.
I watched some ’09 tape of Rocky and wasn’t all that impressed. Need to watch more. My memory is of him being a good player. 2010 is useless because he was miscast in the 3-4.
Glad we got him signed. I don’t like hearing Jason La Canfora use words like “contentious” and “ugly” when he was talking about the negotiations.
I just wish I wasn’t so creeped out by Danny Watkins’ resemblance to Andy Belefleur from “True Blood.”
yeah, i watch “True Blood.” wanna fight about it?
Just think about him looking like Frank Sabotka from The Wire instead. Then no one can question your hipster or manly bona fides.
It’s official (reported by the Eagles): Watkins signed.
GO CANADA GO!
I’ll admit to watching True Blood too, but I don’t think Watkins looks all that much like Andy Bellefleur… maybe Andy all jacked up on vamp blood…
@Kammich
You are given a pass because of the naked scenes. I followed the first season of Desperate Housewives only because of Eva Longoria. If you confessed to watching Twilight I would think less of you though.
Come on guys. Danny Watkins looks adorable (no homo)
He looks like an innocent chubby child
You guy are comparing him to fat bums.
He looks more like Norman “Chubby” Chaney.
Does this site support html?
Looks like Mr. Watkins and his agent couldn’t resist the power of your argumentation Tommy. You sure you don’t have any good arguments to change Desean and his agent’s thinking???
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/danny-watkins-pic.jpg?w=250
“STACKHOUSE!!!”
Most of my points have already been made with the previous 70+ comments.
Watkins – glad he is signed but injury never should have been part of the discussion as a reason for a 4th year. Get 3yrs and a $10 million dollar Lloyd’s of London injury policy with the premium paid as part of the contract. Win-win. Watkins needs every second he can get with Mudd. Mudd could easily be gone next year. Watkins past the 30yr mark with 4 yr contact. Not a smart hold out no matter how you slice it. Not opinion, just fact in Watkins’ case.
Maybe he will be so pissed about missing camp that he will come in even more nasty and be a complete monster.
Thanks for the links to BGN write ups…those have been the most detailed I had seen…disappointed in PE.com’s coverage as the blog entries are usually detailed like BGN’s and they used to have more videos of drills for those that cannot sit around and watch Eagles Live. Is there any place to get more vids?