Eagles Rumors

The Eagles will have Marlin Jackson meet the Philadelphia press corps tomorrow.  Often the announcing of a press conference means the team either already has a come to some sort of agreement with the player or is confident one will be reached soon.

On the other hand, in what has been a not-so-glamorous start to free agency for the Eagles, this could just be a PR move to give the press corps something new to chew on.

Jackson would likely be considered a free safety for the Eagles.

Something interesting from Mike Lombardi:

I wonder why no teams have made a move on corners Ellis Hobbs or Sheldon Brown of the Eagles. Hobbs has a first-round tender on him but could be had for less. Once Leigh Bodden signs, I expect the trade market for these corners to heat up….

Bodden signed yesterday (Oops).  Sheldon has arguably been the Eagles most consistent player for several years now, but he did finally show some weaknesses towards the end of ‘09.  His contract has him in an Eagles uniform through 2012, but the Eagles also would suffer no financial hit from trading him.

The problem is the Birds have no reliable replacement, of course.  Perhaps Ellis Hobbs could be serviceable, or Macho Harris could move back to corner.  But what could you get in trade for Sheldon Brown that would make the trade worthy of the risk?

It seems unlikely.  But if the Birds start fielding calls from teams as Lombardi expects, anything can happen.

Reggie Brown is finally out of depth chart hell with the Eagles.  He’s been traded to the Bucs for a 2011 sixth round pick.

Brown had fallen out of favor with coach Andy Reid.  After a promising start to his career, Brown has barely seen the field the last two seasons — but the Birds have kept him on board because his long-term deal made cutting him outright nonsense.  He was very, very inexpensive.

The Eagles now have DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Jason Avant, and Kevin Curtis as the wide receivers on the roster with pro experience.  They also have under contract Jordan Norwood and Dobson Collins.

Impressive that the Eagles were able to get anything for Brown, in our opinion.

As expected, the Eagles are going to pay Mike Vick’s $1.5 million roster bonus, due on Wednesday.  This move was expected, though one wonders about the logic of paying $1.5 million for the opportunity to trade a player for a middle round draft pick.  Is that pick worth it?

Marlin Jackson, cornerback for the Colts, will be visiting the Eagles.  He’s coming off an ACL injury.

Jason Avant and the Eagles have agreed on a new contract.  Details to come.  It makes sense for both teams.  Avant has a niche role in the Eagles offense, and fits perfectly with this team.

Like a few years ago with Takeo Spikes, the Eagles have decided to cut a costly, but effective linebacker.  Akeem Jordan is the presumed starter again at WILL.

Conflicting reports regarding the possible visit of Aaron Kampman to the Eagles.  What appears to be absolutely true is the Birds are interested in him.

Just a thought.  The longer today goes on without a formal announcement of some kind from the Bears, the better the chances are that Peppers is available to others.  It will indicated a sticking point.

The deal is a three-year deal worth over $11 million.  Best contract ever for a fullback.  And deserved.

Over the last few days we’ve heard that the Chicago Bears planned an all-out assault on the free agent market — they really were ready to open up the checkbook.  Not having any high draft picks, this is all there was going to be of an off-season.

Those rumors appear to be accurate.  Julius Peppers and Chester Taylor are visiting the Bears today.  Both have been given “impressive” contract offers and are expected to sign with the team while they are on-site.

For what it’s worth, Peppers agent was quoted as saying the Eagles are the team Peppers would visit next if he leaves Chicago without a contract.

Don’t get your hopes up.

UPDATE:  Jason Avant and Nick Cole have also been tendered at second round levels.

News on the Eagles RFA tenders are starting to come in.  Omar Gaither will receive a 5th round tender, Akeem Jordan a 2nd round.

Leonard Weaver could have a deal with the Eagles completed today.