LeSean McCoy Gets 5 Year $45 Million Dollar Deal
Gayle Saunders
Follow Him on Twitter
Eagles have locked up their young stud RB LeSean McCoy with a five-year, $45 million deal. The contract has $20.765 million guaranteed.
The deal made sense, once they hap the cap space after trading Asante Samuel. Mccoy was deserving of the contract and the Eagles front office obviously agreed. If its something the Eagles do best, that’s locking up young talent to long term deals. Mccoy will be under contract with the Eagles till the year 2017.
The Eagles have had a very productive and efficient offseason. They extended three of their Eagle players in DE Trent Coles, Tackle Todd Herremans and now McCoy. They have also signed DeSean Jackson and Guard Evan Mathis and traded for middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans. The Eagles even found a replacement for injured left tackle Jason Peters in Demetress Bell. Did I mention they also had a strong draft?
The Skinny: At age 24 years McCoy has plenty left in the tank for a good run with the Eagles. A three down back is hard to come by these days, and lets not forget he’s also a threat in the passing game. Eagles front office knew what they had when they let Brian Westbrook walk years ago as McCoy is every bit of what they expected. McCoy has averaged 1,648 scrimmage yards and 14.5 touchdowns in two seasons as a starter. Not to shabby.
USFL Adds Jeff Garcia to Board of Advisors
Gayle Saunders
Follow Him on Twitter
The returning United States Football League is adding former Pro Bowl Quarterback Jeff Garcia to the league’s board of advisors.
Garcia will serve on the player development branch of the USFL’s advisory board, joining Fred Biletnikoff, Jim Steeg, James Bailey and and Terrell Jones on the board.
The USFL is planning to field eight teams for its inaugural 14-game season in 2013, which will kick off in March and wrap up with a championship game in June.
Vince Young Signs 1 Year Deal with Bills
Gayle Saunders
Follow Him on Twitter
The Buffalo Bills have signed free-agent QB Vince Young to a one-year deal.
The former third overall pick signed for $2 million with an additional $1 million in playing time incentives. Young who turns 29 this year, had an up and down last season as the Eagles back up QB. He did have some flashes, but on the year he threw four touchdowns and threw nine interceptions in six starts for the Eagles.
“We think adding Vince to our roster will create more competition for the backup quarterback position,” Bills General Manager Buddy Nix told the team’s website. “He brings with him some unique physical abilities that most are aware of and that will make the competition interesting.”
The Skinny: Young will come in and compete with Tyler Thigpen and Brad Smith to backup Ryan Fitzpatrick. Young can give you a spark if he is thrown into a game, and it seems he still has the ability to make plays, it might not be the prettiest, but he gets it done somehow.
Eagles: Meet The 2012 Draft Class
ROUND 1: Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State
Cox, who left Mississippi State after his junior season, is considered the draft’s best gap-shooting, penetrating defensive tackle — the ideal three-technique player for the Eagles’ wide-nine scheme. In the wide nine, down linemen are required to attack quarterbacks full throttle instead of reading and reacting like most linemen do in 4-3 schemes. Cox, who is 6-4, 298 pounds, ran the 40-yard dash in 4.79 seconds at the Combine. The Eagles think he can move outside and rush the passer from the end position. The only knock on Cox is that he could afford to get bigger and that he suddenly surged in his junior year.
The Eagles have experienced, effective starters in veterans Mike Patterson and Cullen Jenkins, but DL coach Jim Washburn likes to rotate all of his linemen. Cox can start off in the rotation, entering in sub packages and nickel schemes, while he grasps and understands the team’s unique wide-nine scheme, especially the unconventional run responsibilities. He’s probably a year or two away from becoming a three-down lineman. Eventually, the Eagles hope he can develop into one of the game’s premier interior pass rushers.
ROUND 2: Mychal Kendricks, LB, California
Kendricks, one of draft’s fastest linebackers, played inside in Cal’s 3-4 scheme but is considered versatile enough to play middle or strong side. He ran the fastest 40 time among linebackers at the Combine and is known for being a big hitter with a nose for the ball, exactly the kind of traits the Eagles need for the wide-nine defensive scheme they deploy. Linebackers in the wide nine must be fast and explosive to get around blocks and get to the ball carrier. Scouts also like Kendricks’ ability to rush the passer, another bonus for the Eagles’ attack scheme.
Though he played inside last year at Cal, Kendricks will probably compete with incumbent Jamar Chaney at the strong side. Chaney, entering his third year and a former seventh-rounder, doesn’t have the credentials or resume to stake outright claim to the job, so an impressive camp by Kendricks could win it for him. If not, he can back up Chaney and middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans and take over either job in the not-too-distant future.
ROUND 2: Vinny Curry, DE, Marshall
The Eagles love disruptive playmakers on the front line, and Curry’s reputation fits the bill. Relentless off the edge, Curry’s knack for sacks and jarring hits on quarterbacks — he ranked second nationally with 21.5 tackles for a loss to go along with 11 sacks — is tailor-made for the team’s wide-nine scheme. He’s slightly undersized at 266 pounds and tends to over pursue off the edge, so he’s likely to be a liability against the run, but he can be an impact in the sub packages and pass-rushing schemes.
Curry will start his career looking up on the depth chart. The Eagles are loaded at defensive end, with Pro Bowl starters in Jason Babin and Trent Cole backed up by 2010 first-round pick Brandon Graham, veteran Darryl Tapp and second-year pro Philip Hunt. Curry will battle with Tapp and Hunt for a backup job, and if he’s not ready, the team won’t panic. If he impresses, Curry can compete for snaps in the four-man rotation and try to make his impact on third down and second-and-long.
Round 3: Nick Foles, QB, Arizona
Foles’ improved footwork in the pocket, decision making and ability to step into his throws in his senior season should help his transition to the team’s West Coast offense. He’s big (6-5, 243) and moves around well for his size. The coaches like his toughness and his ability to complete smart passes under duress. He doesn’t have experience in the West Coast offense and doesn’t have superior running skills, but he’s not a concrete statue either.
Not anytime soon. Foles is the epitome of a developmental quarterback. Before he can even compete for a backup job, he’ll have to grasp and digest an entirely new playbook and offensive scheme. At best, he will compete with backups Mike Kafka and Trent Edwards for a backup job this year, but he’s more likely to be No. 3 and get most of his reps on the scout team.
ROUND 4: BRANDON BOYKIN, CB, Georgia
Boykin has high-end speed and quick feet, making him an ideal slot corner and return specialist, the latter of which the Eagles could use immediately. Boykin can also challenge for the starting nickelback spot with veterans Joselio Hanson and Brandon Hughes. He doesn’t have great hands or ball instincts, which also makes him more suited for the slot than the outside. Boykin’s athleticism is off the charts and many scouts pegged him as a second- or third-round pick, so grabbing him late in the fourth could be a steal.
ROUND 5: DENNIS KELLY, OT, Purdue
The massive Kelly (6-8, 321) was a surprising pick, given his tremendous size. Offensive line coach Howard Mudd’s unique and active blocking schemes favor smaller, quicker linemen, but the team needed to address depth here. LT Jason Peters recently underwent Achilles surgery that will probably sideline him for the season and RT Todd Herremans turns 30 this season. Kelly can be groomed under Mudd and compete for a starting job down the line.
ROUND 6: MARVIN MCNUTT, WR, Iowa
Because of his size, body control and versatility, scouts felt McNutt would be an ideal fit for the West Coast offense, which is the Eagles’ scheme. A converted quarterback, the 6-foot-2, 216-pound McNutt can be an effective red-zone target and playmaker across the middle. He can compete with Riley Cooper for the one of the last WR spots on the roster and eventually develop into a No. 2 or No. 3 receiver.
ROUND 6: BRANDON WASHINGTON, G, Miami (Fla.)
Another upside pick who has more size and bulk (6-2, 320) than OL coach Howard Mudd prefers, Washington has the chance to peak under Mudd’s tutelage after a disappointing college career. He couldn’t hack it at left tackle at Miami and eventually moved inside, where he excelled in pulling formations. He’s athletic but must add strength and refine his technique.
ROUND 7: BRYCE BROWN, RB, KANSAS STATE
Looking for depth behind LeSean McCoy and Dion Lewis, the Eagles take a flier on Brown, who played only one full season in college. He spent his freshman year at Tennessee but transferred to Kansas State to join his older brother Arthur when head coach Lane Kiffin left for Southern Cal. As a transfer, Brown sat out in 2010 but then left the team last season after rushing only three times for 16 yards.
Falcons Bring Samuels Back to Their Nest
Gayle Saunders
Follow Him on Twitter
Falcons finally get the deal done and Asante Samuel goes from being an Eagle to a Falcon. The Eagles in return receive a late-round draft pick. Asante Samuel signed a 3 year deal for 18.5 Million dollars.
Its believed that the pick is a sixth round pick in the 2012 draft and now the Falcons only have 5 draft picks remaining in this years draft. From the looks of it Asante Samuel will take the left cornerback spot and Brent Grimes will slide to the slot, while Dunta Robinson will be on the right side.
The Skinny: The Falcons have a great looking secondary and with Samuels still a playmaker it solidifies their secondary. Im sure Mike Nolan will make use of a playmaking corner like Asante. Lets not forget that in four of the past five seasons he averaged 6.5 interceptions. Now the Falcons can focus on upgrading their pass rush.
Asante Samuel trade to the Atlanta Falcons on hold!
Gayle Saunders
Follow Him on Twitter
The Philadelphia Inquirer is reporting that the problem thats arising with trading Asante Samuel to the Atlanta Falcons is his contract and not the compensation for the Eagles.
At the moment its being reported that both sides have agreed on a late round pick in this years draft. Even though Samuels is willing to take a pay cut there might be a problem getting him to lower his demands.
The Skinny: Even though Asante is willing to restucture, it doesnt mean he’s going to sell him self short, knowing the Eagles are trying to move him by Thursday makes the situation even tougher. As an Eagle fan i’m gonna miss this guy, but after a year of the rumors of trading him, its best that it get done sooner than later. Good luck Asante!
Pre Draft Visits: Philadelphia Eagles
By Gayle Saunders
Follow Him on Twitter
League rules allow each team to bring in 30 players for predraft visits. No on-field work is allowed. The visits are simply an opportunity for the players to sit down with the coaches, as well as the personnel people, for any additional questions, football or otherwise.
Not every player accepts every invitation he receives, so teams don’t always get the first 30 players they requested. But coaches often will look at video with players to get a sense of their football awareness, or put them to work, marker in hand, on the dry-erase board to see how they dissect certain game situations.
One important fact to note from last years draft is, 21 of the NFL’s 32 1st round selections had confirmed pre-draft visits and/or workouts with the NFL teams they were selected by. So there is a good shot that the players below will get drafted if they’re on the board during the teams draft selection.
Below we’ll be updating the chart of pre-draft visits, if you have a player visit you’d like us to add to the chart leave a comment and I’ll add it. Thanks for your help in advance!
LAST UPDATED 4/20/12
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Philadelphia Eagles
Ryan Tannehill -QB from Texas A&M
Nick Foles – QB from Arizona quarterback
Kirk Cousins – QB from Michigan State
Robert Griffin III -QB – Baylor
Chris Rainey -RB from University of Florida
Robert Turbin -RB from Utah State
Michael Floyd – WR from Notre Dame
Stephen Hill – WR – Georgia Tech
Damaris Johnson -WR from Tulsa
Orson Charles -TE from University of Georgia
Levy Adcock -OT from Oklahoma State
Josh Oglesby – OT from Wisconsin
Dennis Kelly -OT from Purdue
Gino Gradkowski – G/C from Delaware
Jeff Allen – T/G from Illinois
Ben Jones -C from Georgia
Ryan Miller – G from Colorado
Cordy Glenn -OL from Georgia
Ben Jones -OL from Georgia
Michael Brockers -DT from LSU
Dontari Poe -DT from Memphis
Luke Kuechly -LB from Boston College
Bobby Wagner -LB from Utah State
Trumaine Johnson -CB from Montana
Omar Bolden -CB from Arizona State
Ron Brooks -CB from LSU
Janoris Jenkins – CB from North Alabama
Jordan Bernstine – S from Iowa
Janzen Jackson -S from McNeese State
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Asante Samuel: Trade Should Happen Before End of April
Gayle Saunders
Follow Him on Twitter
Philadelphia Daily News insists the Eagles will part ways with CB Asante Samuel before the end of April.
The Skinny: Look for the Eagles to get the deal done before the draft. The Eagles love draft picks to play with and the more ammo they have draft day, the better chance they have at controlling the draft and getting their prospects. Right now Samuel is due $21.3 million over the next two years., but anyone taking on Samules services will ask him to restructure.
Yeremiah Bell Draws Interest from 3 Teams
Gayle Saunders
Follow Him on Twitter
According to the Miami Herald, Drew Rosenhaus said there are 3 teams interested in Bells services. New York Jets, New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles.
After the Miami Dolphins released Yeremiah Bell, there was rumors that they could re-sign the veteran for another go around, however with Dolphins bringing in Tyrell Johnson, Drew Rosenhaus has announced on his weekly TV gig that there will be no reunion between Bell and the Dolphins.
The Skinny: Yeremiah Bell is solid player, but with his salary the Dolphins had to let him go. Even though he’s lost a step, he can still provide help for CBs. He is smart on the field and a great tackler. It’s not yet known which of the above mentioned teams are serious players for Bell. I could see the Eagles making a play for his services. The Eagles didn’t like Laron Landry’s price tag, but bringing in a reasonably priced veteran like Bell could also help with the maturation of Nate Allen and Jaiquawn Jarrett.
Eagles Gets Nice Insurance Plan In Demetress Bell
Gayle Saunders
Follow Him on Twitter
The Philadelphia Eagles have found their replacement for injured Jason Peters. Enter Demetress Bell. Its funny to see that the Eagles signed the same exact guy who replaced Jason Peters when he left Buffalo for free agency.
Bell has signed a 5 year 35 million dollar deal. Knowing the Eagles the deal is probably performance based and front loaded. Originally a 7th round pick, bell has come along way to where he is now. Before signing with Philly Bell had interest from multiple teams, such as the Packers and Steelers. The Eagles have had Bell on the radar for quite sometime even before Peters injury.
Eagles GM Howie Roseman said in a statement regarding Bell.
“Demetress is a guy we’ve followed since he joined the league,” He’s a big, athletic left tackle and he has quite a few games of experience under his belt with Buffalo. He’ll excel with our style of play on the offensive line.”
The Skinny: With the kind of injury Jason Peters sustained there is a good chance he may not return to form next season. Signing Bell gives the Eagles a good insurance plan if Peters recovery takes a turn for the worse. Either way you look at it, the Eagles got one of the best left tackles on the market, and if he can make it through the season healthy, the Eagles got a great signing in Bell given the circumstances. The Eagles can now focus on the draft and focus on what to do with Asante Samuel.
Loading ...
