The Official 2005 Philadelphia Eagles Off-Season Guide Special
Note: UFA means Unrestricted Free Agent, RFA means Restricted which means his current team has the right to match any offer.
Quarterback 2004
Grade: A-
Donovan McNabb had an excellent season. He showed incredible improvement on his accuracy and cut down tremendously on his turnovers, except of course until the most important game, hence I couldn't give him an A+. Still, there is no need to worry about a QB for at least the next 3 seasons so QB is not something to target this off season. Koy Detmer may be overtaken by Jeff Blake next year as the backup though.
Available QB's (expect Dallas to sign one of these)
Drew Brees
Kelly Holcombe
Matt Hasselbeck
Gus Frerotte
Drew Bledsoe
Running Back
2004 Grade: B-
Brian Westbrook was tremendous the whole year. Westbrook (RFA) only missed one game due to injury with an average of 19 touches a game. This is a perfect number for Westbrook. Sign Westbrook long term this off-season, he is worth it. Dorsey Levens had his moments but clearly the Eagles need another RB. I don't think Shaun Alexander is the back either. Alexander is a # 1 RB who will need 25 touches a game. In the Eagles offense, this isn't feasible if they keep Westbrook. Quite frankly, if it's between Alexander and Westbrook, I will keep Westbrook. The player I think would be a perfect fit is Anthony Thomas, the A-Train. Thomas is out in Chicago because of the emergence of Thomas Jones. Thomas would be an excellent short yardage and goal line RB, a mini Jerome Bettis if you will. The Eagles will also need to address the FB position and find out if Jon Ritchie is going to be OK. But, the FB position in the NFL has just about become extinct.
Plan A - A-Train (UFA)
Plan B - Najeh Davenport (RFA, if he doesn't want starter playing time and minutes)
Plan C - Re-sign Correll Buckhalter to a one year deal.
Available RB's (all UFA's unless indicated)
Shaun Alexander
Edgerrin James
Lamont Jordan (RFA)
Chester Taylor
Rudi Johnson
Derrick Blaylock
Anthony Thomas
Najeh Davenport (RFA)
Wide Receivers
2004 Grade: C+
Terrell Owens gets an A but after that nobody really did a thing. It was one thing for Todd Pinkston to stink. It's another to show you have no heart to your teammates. Pinkston did that numerous times this year, the last of which was not playing the second half of the Super Bowl because of cramps, as your teammate is playing with a screw in his leg against doctors orders. Those events will probably make Pinkston a "cap casualty". Freddie Mitchell's mouth will also get him booted out of town. Greg Lewis will step into the role of 3rd WR, which leaves a void at the 2nd WR slot. The big name free agents all want # 1 money and the Eagles have other holes they need to fill to spend too much money here, it is very possible to find a solid # 2 without breaking the bank. The Plan for the 2nd WR:
Plan A - David Patten (UFA). If you can't beat 'em, take their players. Patten is a solid WR who would make a perfect compliment to Owens. He's 30 years old and shouldn't ask for too much money.
Plan B - Travis Taylor (UFA). This is really a roll of the dice. Taylor, the 10th pick of the 2000 draft has easily been a bigger bust than Freddie Mitchell. But Taylor has never had a decent QB and may turn out worth the risk. You could end up with a stud here.
Plan C - Charles Lee (UFA).
Plan D - Corey Bradford (UFA).
Other Free Agents:
Plaxico Burress
TJ Houshmanzadeh (Steelers?)
Troy Edwards
Mushin Mohammed (already being lobbied by Eagles players at the Pro Bowl)
Jerry Porter
Tai Streets
Offensive Line
2004 Grade: B
The line was much improved against the pass rush this year. Jon Runyan is due a huge salary and the decision will be made whether to keep him, cut him or extend him (which the Eagles rarely do). That will be a huge decision. Jermane Mayberry's stay in Philadelphia may also have come to an end. The Eagles offensive line will probably look like this next year: Tra Thomas, OPEN, Hank Fraley, Shawn Andrews, Jon Runyan....who is the open slot you ask?
Plan A - Marco Rivera (UFA). The Packers have had one of the game's best offensive lines for years now. Rivera is a key part of that.
Plan B - Mike Wahle (likely cap casualty). Wahle is the other guard in the Packers line. They won't be able to sign/keep both, the Eagles need to get one of them ($8 million signing bonus for each is likely)
Other Free Agents
Joe Andruzzi, Pats (UFA) if you buy the can't beat em sign em theory
Tom Nutten, Rams (UFA)
David Dixon, Vikings (UFA) old man can still play
Tight End
2004 Grade: B
L.J. Smith & Chad Lewis form a very solid tight end duo. There are only a handful of really good TE's in the league so getting an upgrade here isn't too likely in the offseason. Chad Lewis (UFA) is always a possibility to be let go, but don't count on it.
Free Agents:
Jeb Prutzier - really came into his own late in the season for the Broncos
Bubba Franks - most of his best days are behind him
Jermaine Wiggins - looked good but probably a product of the offensive scheme
Anthony Becht
Itula Mili - yes this is how bad the core is and the Eagles like Mili
Cam Cleeland
Defensive Ends
2004 Grade: B-
Javon Kearse made his presence felt in many games, especially early on in the season. Unfortunately he showed signs of wearing down late in the year. Derrick Burgess came on real strong but is a UFA. The tandem of Kearse and Burgess can be a weapon but can also be proven a liability since they are speed guys and can be pushed around somewhat (see Super Bowl). As a UFA, Derrick Burgess may get a big offer from another team. This scares me. If Burgess asks for anything close to $4-$5 million/year and I would let him walk. Plug Jerome McDougle in and move on. Hugh Douglas (UFA) is likely gone but with his recent surgery, could be available cheap again. My scenario calls for the starters to be Kearse and a rotation of Jerome McDougle and one of:
a. Marques Douglas, UFA, Ravens. Douglas was an underrated part of the Ravens defense last year. He's also only 27 and really coming into his own. This can be an ND Kalu type pickup for cheap, but only Douglas is actually good. 6' 2" 290 lbs so it fits my big 2nd DE theory.
b. Bryce Fisher, UFA, Rams. Fisher replaced Grant Widstrom and did a very good job.
Other Free Agents
Darren Howard (UFA, Saints) - Saints are going to use their franchise tag on Howard and rightly so. He's the best DE available this year, sorry John Abraham.
John Abraham (UFA, Jets) - Just gets hurt too much
Reggie Hayward (UFA, Broncos) - a speed guy, someone will overpay for him
Jason Gildon
Defensive Tackles
2004 Grade: C
This position was close to getting a D or an F until the emergence of Sam Rayburn and the late season play of Corey Simon. Rayburn is a keeper. Hollis Thomas and Darwin Walker I couldn't care less about. Simon's play the 2nd half of the year was something that only made some people angrier that he skipped camp and came back not in playing shape. He was also hurt a lot of the year. I think the Eagles brass remembers when players don't come to camp, etc. Placing the franchise tag on Simon is just a slap in the face in my mind. They'll make teams believe they're going to sign him, then at the last minute pull the franchise tag and let Simon go. If you think there isn't precendence for this, the Eagles did this same exact thing to Jeremiah Trotter a few years back. Now, the only problem with this is whom to replace Simon with. DT is a very weak position in the NFL these days. Here's some options:
Free Agents (let me know when somehere here excites you, or you've even heard of)
Marcus Bell
Leonardo Carson
Devone Claybrooks
Chartric Darby
Eric Downing
Luther Ellis (in his 11th year)
Josh Evans
Jason Ferguson
Chris Hovan (has completely been terrible the last two years)
Junior Ioane
Cedric Killings
Lance Legree
Seth Payne
Derrick Ransom
James Reed (no not Ed Reed)
Joe Salave'a
Kenny Smith
Tony & Pat Williams
Yikes. Can I change that scenario to keep Corey Simon?
Linebacker
2004 Grade: B-/C+
Jeremiah Trotter gets an A. Dhani Jones gets a C. Nate Wayne & Mark Simoneau get F's. Keith Adams and Ike Reese (both UFA's) get B+'s in limited action. Trotter is an UFA and it seems pretty clear both sides are going to get something done. Dhani Jones probably gets one more year, even though I'd like to see him gone. That leaves one LB spot. Don't expect a big signing here, the Eagles will want someone with experience in this type of defense, whatever that means.
Free Agents
Kendrell Bell, UFA, Steelers - would be a great pickup
Antonio Pierce - stealing another Redskins MLB would be nice if Trotter signing doesn't happen
Chris Claiborne, UFA, Vikings - always hurt but he's still only 27
Ed Hartwell, UFA, Ravens - if the Trotter resigning doesn't work out, this would be a great signing at MLB
Defensive Backs
2004 Grade: A
This is the strong suit of the Eagles defense and it only can improve next year. Lito Sheppard, Sheldon Brown and Michael Lewis are all going to improve. Lewis is a little overrated but certainly can do the job. Dawkins still has 2-3 Pro Bowl years left. There probably isn't much to be done here in free agency or the draft.
Special Teams
2004 Grade: B+
Special Teams has really given the Eagles an advantage over many teams the last few years. David Akers and Dirk Johnson were excellent again this year. JR Reed looks like a real threat on kickoff returns. The Eagles probably need to find a full time punt returner, as it seems that Brian Westbrook isn't going to be the full time guy.
Quarterback 2004
Grade: A-
Donovan McNabb had an excellent season. He showed incredible improvement on his accuracy and cut down tremendously on his turnovers, except of course until the most important game, hence I couldn't give him an A+. Still, there is no need to worry about a QB for at least the next 3 seasons so QB is not something to target this off season. Koy Detmer may be overtaken by Jeff Blake next year as the backup though.
Available QB's (expect Dallas to sign one of these)
Drew Brees
Kelly Holcombe
Matt Hasselbeck
Gus Frerotte
Drew Bledsoe
Running Back
2004 Grade: B-
Brian Westbrook was tremendous the whole year. Westbrook (RFA) only missed one game due to injury with an average of 19 touches a game. This is a perfect number for Westbrook. Sign Westbrook long term this off-season, he is worth it. Dorsey Levens had his moments but clearly the Eagles need another RB. I don't think Shaun Alexander is the back either. Alexander is a # 1 RB who will need 25 touches a game. In the Eagles offense, this isn't feasible if they keep Westbrook. Quite frankly, if it's between Alexander and Westbrook, I will keep Westbrook. The player I think would be a perfect fit is Anthony Thomas, the A-Train. Thomas is out in Chicago because of the emergence of Thomas Jones. Thomas would be an excellent short yardage and goal line RB, a mini Jerome Bettis if you will. The Eagles will also need to address the FB position and find out if Jon Ritchie is going to be OK. But, the FB position in the NFL has just about become extinct.
Plan A - A-Train (UFA)
Plan B - Najeh Davenport (RFA, if he doesn't want starter playing time and minutes)
Plan C - Re-sign Correll Buckhalter to a one year deal.
Available RB's (all UFA's unless indicated)
Shaun Alexander
Edgerrin James
Lamont Jordan (RFA)
Chester Taylor
Rudi Johnson
Derrick Blaylock
Anthony Thomas
Najeh Davenport (RFA)
Wide Receivers
2004 Grade: C+
Terrell Owens gets an A but after that nobody really did a thing. It was one thing for Todd Pinkston to stink. It's another to show you have no heart to your teammates. Pinkston did that numerous times this year, the last of which was not playing the second half of the Super Bowl because of cramps, as your teammate is playing with a screw in his leg against doctors orders. Those events will probably make Pinkston a "cap casualty". Freddie Mitchell's mouth will also get him booted out of town. Greg Lewis will step into the role of 3rd WR, which leaves a void at the 2nd WR slot. The big name free agents all want # 1 money and the Eagles have other holes they need to fill to spend too much money here, it is very possible to find a solid # 2 without breaking the bank. The Plan for the 2nd WR:
Plan A - David Patten (UFA). If you can't beat 'em, take their players. Patten is a solid WR who would make a perfect compliment to Owens. He's 30 years old and shouldn't ask for too much money.
Plan B - Travis Taylor (UFA). This is really a roll of the dice. Taylor, the 10th pick of the 2000 draft has easily been a bigger bust than Freddie Mitchell. But Taylor has never had a decent QB and may turn out worth the risk. You could end up with a stud here.
Plan C - Charles Lee (UFA).
Plan D - Corey Bradford (UFA).
Other Free Agents:
Plaxico Burress
TJ Houshmanzadeh (Steelers?)
Troy Edwards
Mushin Mohammed (already being lobbied by Eagles players at the Pro Bowl)
Jerry Porter
Tai Streets
Offensive Line
2004 Grade: B
The line was much improved against the pass rush this year. Jon Runyan is due a huge salary and the decision will be made whether to keep him, cut him or extend him (which the Eagles rarely do). That will be a huge decision. Jermane Mayberry's stay in Philadelphia may also have come to an end. The Eagles offensive line will probably look like this next year: Tra Thomas, OPEN, Hank Fraley, Shawn Andrews, Jon Runyan....who is the open slot you ask?
Plan A - Marco Rivera (UFA). The Packers have had one of the game's best offensive lines for years now. Rivera is a key part of that.
Plan B - Mike Wahle (likely cap casualty). Wahle is the other guard in the Packers line. They won't be able to sign/keep both, the Eagles need to get one of them ($8 million signing bonus for each is likely)
Other Free Agents
Joe Andruzzi, Pats (UFA) if you buy the can't beat em sign em theory
Tom Nutten, Rams (UFA)
David Dixon, Vikings (UFA) old man can still play
Tight End
2004 Grade: B
L.J. Smith & Chad Lewis form a very solid tight end duo. There are only a handful of really good TE's in the league so getting an upgrade here isn't too likely in the offseason. Chad Lewis (UFA) is always a possibility to be let go, but don't count on it.
Free Agents:
Jeb Prutzier - really came into his own late in the season for the Broncos
Bubba Franks - most of his best days are behind him
Jermaine Wiggins - looked good but probably a product of the offensive scheme
Anthony Becht
Itula Mili - yes this is how bad the core is and the Eagles like Mili
Cam Cleeland
Defensive Ends
2004 Grade: B-
Javon Kearse made his presence felt in many games, especially early on in the season. Unfortunately he showed signs of wearing down late in the year. Derrick Burgess came on real strong but is a UFA. The tandem of Kearse and Burgess can be a weapon but can also be proven a liability since they are speed guys and can be pushed around somewhat (see Super Bowl). As a UFA, Derrick Burgess may get a big offer from another team. This scares me. If Burgess asks for anything close to $4-$5 million/year and I would let him walk. Plug Jerome McDougle in and move on. Hugh Douglas (UFA) is likely gone but with his recent surgery, could be available cheap again. My scenario calls for the starters to be Kearse and a rotation of Jerome McDougle and one of:
a. Marques Douglas, UFA, Ravens. Douglas was an underrated part of the Ravens defense last year. He's also only 27 and really coming into his own. This can be an ND Kalu type pickup for cheap, but only Douglas is actually good. 6' 2" 290 lbs so it fits my big 2nd DE theory.
b. Bryce Fisher, UFA, Rams. Fisher replaced Grant Widstrom and did a very good job.
Other Free Agents
Darren Howard (UFA, Saints) - Saints are going to use their franchise tag on Howard and rightly so. He's the best DE available this year, sorry John Abraham.
John Abraham (UFA, Jets) - Just gets hurt too much
Reggie Hayward (UFA, Broncos) - a speed guy, someone will overpay for him
Jason Gildon
Defensive Tackles
2004 Grade: C
This position was close to getting a D or an F until the emergence of Sam Rayburn and the late season play of Corey Simon. Rayburn is a keeper. Hollis Thomas and Darwin Walker I couldn't care less about. Simon's play the 2nd half of the year was something that only made some people angrier that he skipped camp and came back not in playing shape. He was also hurt a lot of the year. I think the Eagles brass remembers when players don't come to camp, etc. Placing the franchise tag on Simon is just a slap in the face in my mind. They'll make teams believe they're going to sign him, then at the last minute pull the franchise tag and let Simon go. If you think there isn't precendence for this, the Eagles did this same exact thing to Jeremiah Trotter a few years back. Now, the only problem with this is whom to replace Simon with. DT is a very weak position in the NFL these days. Here's some options:
Free Agents (let me know when somehere here excites you, or you've even heard of)
Marcus Bell
Leonardo Carson
Devone Claybrooks
Chartric Darby
Eric Downing
Luther Ellis (in his 11th year)
Josh Evans
Jason Ferguson
Chris Hovan (has completely been terrible the last two years)
Junior Ioane
Cedric Killings
Lance Legree
Seth Payne
Derrick Ransom
James Reed (no not Ed Reed)
Joe Salave'a
Kenny Smith
Tony & Pat Williams
Yikes. Can I change that scenario to keep Corey Simon?
Linebacker
2004 Grade: B-/C+
Jeremiah Trotter gets an A. Dhani Jones gets a C. Nate Wayne & Mark Simoneau get F's. Keith Adams and Ike Reese (both UFA's) get B+'s in limited action. Trotter is an UFA and it seems pretty clear both sides are going to get something done. Dhani Jones probably gets one more year, even though I'd like to see him gone. That leaves one LB spot. Don't expect a big signing here, the Eagles will want someone with experience in this type of defense, whatever that means.
Free Agents
Kendrell Bell, UFA, Steelers - would be a great pickup
Antonio Pierce - stealing another Redskins MLB would be nice if Trotter signing doesn't happen
Chris Claiborne, UFA, Vikings - always hurt but he's still only 27
Ed Hartwell, UFA, Ravens - if the Trotter resigning doesn't work out, this would be a great signing at MLB
Defensive Backs
2004 Grade: A
This is the strong suit of the Eagles defense and it only can improve next year. Lito Sheppard, Sheldon Brown and Michael Lewis are all going to improve. Lewis is a little overrated but certainly can do the job. Dawkins still has 2-3 Pro Bowl years left. There probably isn't much to be done here in free agency or the draft.
Special Teams
2004 Grade: B+
Special Teams has really given the Eagles an advantage over many teams the last few years. David Akers and Dirk Johnson were excellent again this year. JR Reed looks like a real threat on kickoff returns. The Eagles probably need to find a full time punt returner, as it seems that Brian Westbrook isn't going to be the full time guy.
posted by Monday Morning Mehta at 8:47 AM
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