Category Archives: rumors

Roseman, Reid won’t commit to Samuel

Posted on July 29, 2011 | Leave a comment

Howie Roseman and Andy Reid just got finished talking to the media after the stunning signing of Nnamdi Asomugha, but to no surprise, most questions focused on Asante Samuel.

Roseman was pressed multiple times, and while he would not outright say Asante Samuel would be gone, he did not do a good job convincing the media that he would stay.

“Dominquie Rodgers-Cromartie is out starting right cornerback” said Roseman.

Who will start on the left, Nnamdi’s position he has played for years at a Pro-Bowl level?

“We still have to figure that all out” said Roseman.

Needles to say, the Eagles did not give Asomugha $25 million dollars to play nickel, meaning that Samuel has likely played his last game as an Eagle.

Jay Glazer of Fox Sports, who broke the Nnamdi news, reports that the Cardinals are interested in Asante. After trading their 2nd round pick to the Eagles for Kevin Kolb, the Cardinals would have to include a player along with a later round pick to get the deal done.

Anyone who thinks the Eagles will take below market value for Samuel should ask Lito Sheppard, who was forced to play nickel for a year after many assumed he would be traded due to the signing of Asante Samuel a few years ago.

The New York Jets, who tried hard to sign Asomugha, are also rumored to be included in the Asante Samuel sweepstakes.

From hearing Roseman speak, it appears that a deal for Samuel could come sooner then later.

Stay tuned for more details to come as they emerge.

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Posted in asante samuel, Asomugha, Eagles, rumors

Eagles on Babin’s short list

Posted on July 27, 2011 | Leave a comment

An area of need for the Eagles is without question the defensive end position. With Brandon Graham likely out for the first few weeks of the season, the team is in search of an end to pair with Trent Cole.

Jason Babin, speaking to ProFootballTalk.com, sounds open to being that player.

Babin admits him and the Eagles have had "discussions"

“The Eagles are definitely one of the top three teams that were discussing situations with. Obviously Jim Washburn being the reason. And honestly, their an organization that likes to win.”

While it is not news that Babin would like to reunite with Washburn, it is noteworthy that Babin mentioned him and the Eagles were in discussions. Minnesota’s Ray Edwards and Babin are the only two big name defensive ends still available, so the Eagles may want to act fast if they hope to land either of the two.

It does not sound like Tennessee will be in the bidding for Babin, as the former Eagle nid not sound enthusiastic about returning to the Titans, and said that the statements the team have made their defensive style “concerning”.

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Posted in Eagles, Jason Babin, rumors

Eagles asking price for Kolb? Rodgers-Cromartie and a 1st

Posted on July 26, 2011 | Leave a comment

People around the league were shocked when Kevin Kolb was not moved today. Considered the face of the lockout, it was considered a no-brainer that he would be moved for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie of the Arizona Cardinals.

So as 10am came and went, with no Kolb trade being announced, fans began to wonder why their was no move. If the recent report by Tim Ring from Arizona is correct, the Eagles asking price may be the reason.

Ring reports that in addition to asking for Pro-Bowl cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, the Eagles are also demanding a 1st round pick from the Cardinals in exchange for Kolb. The Cardinals are reportedly willing to surrender a 2nd round pick, but are drawing the line there.

While the Cardinals can not enter next season without a new signal caller, the Eagles asking price is very steep if true. With other quarterbacks available- such as Kyle Orton and Matt Hasselbeck- it is very possible the Cardinals may decide the price is just to steep. Remember, that in addition to trading for Kolb, they will have to pay him a contract as valuable as the package they give up to get him.

The Eagles are playing a dangerous game by making the Cardinals sweat. They cannot risk losing out on Rodgers-Cromartie, with Ike Taylor heading back to Pittsburgh and Nnamdi Asomugha reportedly interested in joining the New York Jets.

But if they are able to flip the former 36th overall pick for DRC and a 1st, it will be a resume building moment for GM Howie Roseman.

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Posted in Eagles, kevin kolb, rodgers-cromartie, rumors

Report: No Kevin Kolb deal today

Posted on July 26, 2011 | Leave a comment

Yesterday, fans and members of the media joked about how many minutes past 10am Kevin Kolb will be traded.

Now it looks like he might not even be traded at all today.

According to Paul Domowitch of the Daily News, there will be no Kevin Kolb trade announcement today. While this does not mean a trade cannot or will not happen, it is not the first time today the idea of Kolb not being moved has arisen.

Whats the hold up?

Some people around the league believe that with Kyle Orton of the Denver Broncos now reportedly available, the Cardinals may go down that road instead of Kolb.

It is also possible that the Seattle Seahawks, a division rival of the Cardinals and also in need of a quarterback, have jumped into the race and the two are not trying to outbid each other. Seattle has a vested interest in seeing the Cardinals not get their quarterback of the future, and may over pay to prevent it.

It also may be that the Eagles asking price is simply to high, and are not as sold on trading Kolb as many believe. If the offer of Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, a Pro-Bowl player at a position of need for the Eagles, is not enough to pry Kolb away from the Eagles, what is?

Like any report, this could change any minute. So stay tuned for developments as they come.

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Posted in Eagles, kevin kolb, rodgers-cromartie, rumors

Eagles interest in Plaxico grows

Posted on July 26, 2011 | Leave a comment

NFL free agency is upon us, and with is comes more fire on the rumor that Plaxico Burress is coming to the Eagles.

Anthony Gargano, the 610WIP host who reported the Eagles initial interest in Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, is reporting that the Eagles are among the three teams most interested in the 6’7 wideout. The two other teams are the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins.

It remains to be seen how much money the Eagles will be willing to give Burress, as the Jets and Dolphins have more need at the position- which presumably would also mean more money.

The Jets are in danger of losing both Braylon Edwards and Santonio Holmes, who were reportedly both contacted by the Washington Redskins. The Dolphins have Brandon Marshall, but lack a true number two threat to pair with him. The combination of Marshall and Burress would be very dangerous.

If Burress did decide to cometo Philadelphia, it would be for two reasons: stability and Michael Vick. Vick and Burress are reportedly close, and Vick has publically endorsed the signing.

With Vick in the building, it will be interesting to see if the Eagles call him up to the bosses office to get his input.

Make sure to follow @EliotShorrParks on Twitter for all of the latest breaking news.

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Posted in Eagles, Plaxico Burress, rumors

Would Eagles sign Posluszny?

Posted on July 26, 2011 | Leave a comment

There seemed to be nothing but question marks surrounding the Eagles linebackers last year. Would they make plays? Can they cover the tight end? Who is starting this week?

The fact that 3 of the prominent members of the linebacking crew are free agents this year- Stewart Bradley, Omar Gaither and Akeem Jordan- only makes the position more of a question mark going into the season.

That is why one name to keep your eyes on for the Eagles would be Paul Posluszny, linebacker for the Buffalo Bills.

A graduate of Penn “Linebacker U” State, ‘Poz’- as he is nicknamed- has had a so so NFL career after big expectations coming out of college. Poz has decent numbers in his 4 year career- 3 sacks, 4 interceptions, just under 300 tackles- but had never quite reached the level of play fans hoped for.

That is why Poz is now available, and it is no guarantee the Bills will keep him. Given the mass exodus that could be Eagles linebackers, it is possible Andy Reid and Joe Banner could give him a look.

One knock on Poz has been his durability after he missed 13 games his rookie season. But he has recovered to play in 42 of the last 46 games. That is more then Stewart Bradley can say, who has missed most of the last two seasons.

Another red flag is the lack of big plays- sacks, interceptions- Poz has made. If the Eagles want a linebacker who can’t make plays, they could just save their money and keep who they have.

Whether or not the Eagles go after Poz remains to be seen, but he is certainly someone to keep in mind as the team looks to fill it’s holes before training camp starts.

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Posted in Eagles, rumors

Ray Edwards an Eagles target?

Posted on July 25, 2011 | Leave a comment

Free agency is set to start any minute depending on who you ask, and according to a report from the Atlanta-Journal Constitution, defensive end Ray Edwards of the Minnesota Vikings is expected to be a target of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Edwards fits the description of a player the Eagles typically have interest in- young, tremendous potential he hasn’t reached, and cheaper then other top notch free agents.

Ray Edwards is young and talented- but also not proven

Edwards has been successful playing opposite of Jared Allen in Minnesota, but that might be more of a red flag then a good thing. It’s easy to put up numbers when other people on your line force a double team. Trent Cole is a top notch pass rusher, but he is not on the level of Jarred Allen. Would Edwards be able to put up the same numbers if he did not see single blocking on every play?

These are the kinds of questions the Eagles hopefully have already answered amongst themselves, because the whirlwind that is the NFL offseason is set to start.

UPDATED: Mike Missanelli of ESPN Radio 97.5 is reporting that Edwards is going to be house hunting in the area on Thursday. If this is true, can’t imagine he’ll be making the commute from Philly to another NFL city. Strong indication Edwards may be the first piece to come in for the Eagles.

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Posted in Eagles, rumors

Vick on Favre: It’d be an honor

Posted on July 24, 2011 | Leave a comment

Howard Eskin of 610WIP started what has become an annual NFL tradition last night: the Brett Favre watch.

Eskin reported last night that the Eagles may have interest in bringing in the future Hall-0f-Famer, in a back up role.

Since the report, Eagles reporters Tim McManus and Jeff McLane have shot down the report, saying that they have no heard the Eagles have any interest.

But that did not stop Michal Vick, the current Eagles starting quarterback, from taking to Twitter to support any potential Favre move.

Clearly, have Vick on board with any potential Favre signing would be big. Vick has been nothing but a great teammate and locker room guy since his arrival, so it’s no surprise that he doesn’t have any problem with Favre possibly being brought it.

Here is some footage of Vick talking about Favre, which I shot during with Garry Cobb of Gcobb.com.

Is bringing in Favre a smart move? It would make sense in many ways- proven winner, knows offense, comfortable with Reid.

But it would not solve any long term quarterback problems, if Vick were to go down. Favre showed last year he can’t handle a beating any more- and unless the Eagles offense line improves, he is in for one.

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Posted in brett favre, Eagles, Michael Vick, rumors

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

Plax: Coming to Philly would be an honor

Posted on July 8, 2011 | Leave a comment

Plaxico Burress continued his campaign to come to Philadelphia today, taking the time to speak on 97.5 the Fanatic earlier today. Among the topics discussed was the possibility of playing with Michael Vick.

Burress wears his colors proudly and sends a message whenever he can

Needless to say, Burress loved the idea.

“It would be a dream come true,” said Burress to the Fanatic. “We played against each other in high school, we’re pretty much from the same area — everybody back home would go absolutely bananas. To just have me, him, DeSean and those guys lining up on the same offense on Sundays, it would really be exciting.”

While there is no doubt that Burress would excited about the possibility, it’s hard to imagine DeSean Jackson would be. Despite the fact the two hung out a few nights ago, Jackson is playing for a contract. Having Burress come in would take touches away, and if Burress can be close to the player he used to be, might ultimately make Jackson expendable.

Burress went on to say how much love he has for Philadelphia, a sentiment that many former New York players seem to have had recently.

“I’m a big Philly fan. Every time I’m in the city they show me nothing but love,” said Burress in his interview with the Fanatic. “When I used to go in there and compete against them I knew I had to play at an elite level or else the fans would run me out of the building. There’s a lot of respect for the city as a whole.”

With his love campaign ending, Burress made sure to put the final touches on it.

“For me to be able to come there, play with some of the guys that I love, a great coach in Andy Reid and a great owner in Jeffrey Lurie, it would really be an honor.”

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Posted in Eagles, Plaxico Burress, rumors