Daily Archives: July 19, 2011

Agent: Stewart Bradley wants to stay in Philly

Posted on July 19, 2011 | Leave a comment

Two areas of concern for the Eagles defense this season will be linebacker and veteran leadership on an otherwise young team. That is why signing soon-to-be free agent Stewart Bradley should be an important task for the Eagles front office when the league year starts.

Stewart Bradley wants to remain an Eagle, according to his agent

If the new CBA shakes out the way many NFL experts believe it will, Bradley will be able to test the market as an unrestricted free agent, something he would not have been able to do under the old CBA. But despite his chance to cash in anywhere, Bradleys agent Eric Metz says that the 4th year player wants to remain in midnight green.

“He has a lot of respect for his coaches, I can tell you that,” said Metz in an interview with PhillySportsDaily.com. “I think it would be his first choice. “

Of course, as it is to any agent or young player, it ultimately will come down to one thing- the money.

““If they offer him a long-term contract that we feel is fair then he would have no problem signing in Philadelphia,” said Metz.

It will be interesting to see how much the Eagles are willing to give Bradley. It is estimated that the team will have roughly $20 million dollars in cap space. While Bradley has been semi-injury plagued during his tenure in Philadelphia, he is still a young middle linebacker. He is viewed as a solid player around the league, despite not finishing with more then 1 sack in any of his 3 seasons so far. Bradley also has not been able to create turnovers, as he has only forced 1 fumble and come away with only 3 interceptions.

He also would hold additional value to the Eagles and new Defensive Coordinator Juan Castillo, who will need some veteran leadership while he teaches a new defense.

If the Eagles go after Asomugha, which reporters who cover the team closely believe they will not, it will take up a big chunk of their money- and may lead to Bradley being shown the door.

A potential deal between Bradley and the Eagles should work out quickly if both sides are interested, as the Eagles will want to wrap things up with their own players as soon as possible to focus on the potential free agent mayhem.

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Posted in Eagles, stewart bradley

Scouting Report: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie

Posted on July 19, 2011 | Leave a comment

With the lockout all but over, it is only a matter of time until the offers come flooding in for backup quarterback Kevin Kolb. One rumor that has floated around all summer is a trade between the Eagles and Arizona Cardinals, where the teams would swap Kolb for Cardinals cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

Rodgers-Cromartie is apparently on the table for the Eagles taking if they want him

A few weeks ago that rumor got squashed in multiple reports, but now Mike Jurecki of XTRA Sports 910 in Arizona has lit the fire once again. According to Jurecki, the Cardinals view Kolb as “the guy.” Jurecki says that the “Cardinals are prepared to offer DRC (D. Rodgers-Cromartie) straight up…according to source.”

The validity of the rumor has been discussed at length, and we won’t know how serious it is until the lockout is officially lifted. What is known, however, is that Rodgers-Cromartie is considered one of the best cornerbacks in the league- regardless of age.

Only 25, Rodgers-Cromartie has been in the league for 3 years, not missing one game during that span. He has 13 interceptions to go along with 128 solo tackles. Of the 13 pick offs, Rodgers-Cromartie has brought 4 of them back to the house.

Here is ESPN’s scouting report on the former Pro-Bowl player.

“Rodgers-Cromartie is a good-sized cornerback who has played at a high level. He has a rare combination of size, speed, athleticism and acceleration. He is quick in his pedal and has an easy, fluid hip flip to turn and run with receivers. He can plant and drive on passes in front of him with little wasted motion, and he closes with a good burst. He still must add bulk and strength to play at his top level for a 16-game schedule.”

One thing Rodgers-Cromartie brings to the Eagles would be size. He stands 6’2, and because of his athleticism, he is a threat to turn any jump ball into a turnover.

Rodgers-Cromartie has shown in 3 years he has a knack for coming down with the ball

Where does ESPN rank the former Tennessee State standout? According to ESPN, Rodgers-Cromartie is tied for 9th among cornerbacks. Nnamdi Asomugha is tied for first with Darrelle Revis on the list with a score of 93. Eagles star Asante Samuel comes in 8th with a ranking of 83, with Rodgers-Cromarite coming in just behind him with a score of 81.

Is Rodgers-Cromartie the talent that Asomugha is? No. But he is younger and cheaper, which is music to Joe Banners ears.

Whether or not the Eagles will make the move- of if the offer is even on the table- is unknown. But if they do, they will have addressed the right cornerback position in a major way.

 

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Posted in rodgers-cromartie, rumors