Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

Eagles, McCoy agree on four-year contract

Comment

June 30

Camden Courier-Post

"The Eagles signed second-round draft pick LeSean McCoy to a four-year contract on Monday, leaving first-round pick Jeremy Maclin as the team's lone unsigned draft pick. McCoy, a running back out of Pittsburgh, is competing with third-year pro Lorenzo Booker for the No. 2 running back job, a significant role in coach Andy Reid's offense given the track record of major injuries to starter Brian Westbrook. Westbrook is currently going through rehab on his right ankle after undergoing surgery last month to remove bone fragments and treat tendon inflammation. He also underwent knee surgery earlier this year, and his availability for training camp is uncertain. Training camp for rookies and ..."

Eagles give McCoy 4-year deal

Comment

June 30

Philadelphia Inquirer

"LeSean McCoy agreed to a four-year contract with the Eagles yesterday, ensuring that Brian Westbrook's projected backup will be in training camp. The terms were not disclosed.A second-round draft pick, the elusive running back from Pittsburgh is seen as an insurance policy for Westbrook, who underwent ankle surgery June 5."I think he can do the same types of things that Brian can do," general manager Tom Heckert told the Eagles' Web site. "We think he's an all-around player, and we think he can step right in and help us out. He's a great receiver out of the backfield."The 20-year-old McCoy, the 53d pick overall, became the first second-rounder to agree to a contract. The Birds have come to ..."

Second-rounder McCoy gets 4-year deal with Eagles

Comment

June 30

Philadelphia Daily News

"When Brian Westbrook underwent ankle surgery that apparently will sideline him well into training camp, and keep him out of preseason games, it became extremely important for the Eagles to sign LeSean McCoy and get the rookie running back to Lehigh on time.That's not to say that holdouts among second-round draftees are common; in any case, the Eagles erased that possibility by agreeing to terms with McCoy and agent Drew Rosenhaus on a 4-year deal last night. Terms were not immediately available.Rosenhaus, who initially announced the deal on his Twitter feed, is the first agent to reach agreement on a pact for a 2009 second-round pick. Often, agents want to see what players clustered around ..."

Eagles give McCoy 4-year deal

Comment

June 30

Philadelphia Inquirer

"LeSean McCoy agreed to a four-year contract with the Eagles yesterday, ensuring that Brian Westbrook's projected backup will be in training camp. The terms were not disclosed. A second-round draft pick, the elusive running back from Pittsburgh is seen as an insurance policy for Westbrook, who underwent ankle surgery June 5. "I think he can do the same types of things that Brian can do," general manager Tom Heckert told the Eagles' Web site. "We think he's an all-around player, and we think he can step right in and help us out. He's a great receiver out of the backfield.""

Eagles' Baskett, Wilkinson off to island honeymoon

Comment

June 29

Philadelphia Inquirer

""Wussup everyone???? Its the new Mrs. Hank Baskett!!!!!!!!! ahhhh hahahahahha!! I cant believe im a married woman! yayyyyy." That was the short but perky post yesterday on the blog of Kendra Wilkinson, Playmate turned reality-TV star - the day after marrying the Eagles receiver. Oh, she also "just wanted to make sure u all" remembered to watch her show, Kendra, on E! last night. No details on the nuptials, though. No pictorial either. But it was "a wedding fit for a princess" at the L.A. Playboy mansion where she once lived, according to People.com. He wore white and so did she, plus more than $100,000 worth of platinum jewelry. Theearrings go for $47,000, the 2.5-carat platinum pendant ..."

Eagles assistant coach Otis Smith no longer with team

Comment

June 18

Philadelphia Daily News

"Eagles assistant secondary coach Otis Smith no longer is with the team, an Eagles spokesman confirmed yesterday.No further information was offered. Smith, a 13-year NFL cornerback who played for the Birds early in his career, joined the coaching staff as an intern in 2007 and was promoted in 2008. He worked under secondary coach Sean McDermott, who currently is running the defense while coordinator Jim Johnson takes a leave of absence during his cancer treatment.The Eagles recently brought in former Dallas defensive coordinator Brian Stewart to assist McDermott, mainly with the secondary. It's unclear whether that move had anything to do with Smith's departure. Smith worked all of the ..."

Smith out as Eagles assistant coach

Comment

June 18

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Otis Smith is no longer on the Eagles' coaching staff.A team spokesman declined to say why.Smith was the assistant secondary coach during the 2008 season, after serving as an intern in 2007. Secondary coach Sean McDermott has served as defensive coordinator during spring workouts while Jim Johnson battles cancer. However, the Eagles also recently hired former Dallas defensive coordinator Brian Stewart.Smith, 43, played 13 seasons in the NFL, including four with the Eagles (1991-94).Smith could not be reached for comment."

Manuel, McNabb hardly out of their league

Comment

June 18

Philadelphia Inquirer

columnist Phil Sheridan

"Maybe the motivation was to get out of the office for a day. Whatever the reason, thousands of them streamed from the parking lots into the Wachovia Center yesterday to get pumped up by Zig Ziglar and Steve Forbes, Colin Powell and Rudy Giuliani.Oh, yes. And Charlie Manuel and Donovan McNabb.Now the idea of the Phillies' folksy manager and the Eagles' un-folksy quarterback serving as inspirational speakers sets up almost as many jokes as there were attendees at the arena. Manuel has acknowledged his own discomfort with public speaking, and McNabb's news conferences have often been clinics in how to talk without actually saying anything. For most of this off-season, he avoided talking ..."

Eagles to sell one-game tix tomorrow

Comment

June 16

Philadelphia Inquirer

"OK, Eagles fans, it's the annual exercise in frantic frustration - the quest to get single-game tickets. The tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster, with online and phone sales only. By 10:30, if not sooner, almost every seat will be gone. Unless you want to sit by yourself at one of the lamer games, like San Francisco on Dec. 20. Then again, that suggests a popular strategy: Rather than get shut out, pounce on the less desirable games. Forget the New York Giants (Nov. 1, 4:15 p.m.) and the Dallas Cowboys Nov. 8, 4:15 p.m.), and maybe forsake the Washington Redskins (Nov. 29, 1 p.m.) and the return of Brian Dawkins with the Denver Broncos (Dec. 27, 1 p.m.). That leaves the New ..."

Details of the McNabb deal

Comment

June 16

Philadelphia Inquirer

"The details of Donovan McNabb's restructured contract with the Eagles are in and the two-year deal is worth $24.2 million, not including incentives that are categorized as not likely to be earned.The quarterback's new deal represents a $5 million bump in pay, according to a league source.Under the terms of the old deal, McNabb had base salaries of $9.2 million this year and $10 million in 2010. His base salary remains $9.2 million for this season and is now guaranteed. The Eagles will pay McNabb a $2.8 million roster bonus that is due Friday. He will also be paid a per-game bonus of $31,250, which adds up to $500,000 over 16 games.McNabb's base salary for next season will actuallyfrom $10 ..."

Single-game seats for Eagles on sale today

Comment

June 16

Philadelphia Daily News

"A limited number of single-game tickets to all the Eagles' 2009 home games will go on sale at 10 a.m. today through Ticketmaster.Fans may purchase tickets to regular and preseason games through Ticketmaster online at Ticketmaster.com or Charge-By-Phone (800-745-3000). Single-game tickets cost between $70 and $95, plus tax and convenience charges. There will be a limit of four tickets per person. Tickets will not be sold at the Lincoln Financial Field ticket office. In past years, single-game tickets for the entire season have sold out within hours, so fans are encouraged to purchase their tickets early. *"

McNabb could earn $24.2 million in next 2 years

Comment

June 16

Philadelphia Daily News

"Friday is the first payday for Donovan McNabb under the terms of his reworked contract; the Eagles quarterback is scheduled to receive a $2.8 million roster bonus, according to the numbers made available to NFL agents, local agent Jerrold Colton said.As reported earlier, McNabb stands to make about $5 million more overall than the $19.2 million he originally was scheduled to make under his 2002 contract. He also is believed to have about $1 million in incentives, but exactly how those work was not part of the data Colton received, he said.Colton said the Eagles fully guaranteed the $9.2 million McNabb was scheduled to make this season. In addition to Friday's $2.8 million, McNabb can earn ..."

You Talking to Me? McNabb vs. Eli Manning

Comment

June 15

Philadelphia Inquirer

"From: Gonzalez, John To: Ford, Bob; Fox, Ashley Subject: McNabb or Manning?Donovan McNabb has more money now, but, as we all know, that can't buy you love. On its list of the top 99 players in the NFL, FoxSports.com ranked McNabb six spots behind Eli Manning. Over at ESPN.com, our friend Matt Mosley put together his top 10 NFC East building blocks - players who could lead a Super Bowl contender for the next three years. Manning was No. 1 on Mosley's list; McNabb didn't make the cut.I was a little surprised by all that. If you were the Eagles' head coach and you had both Manning and McNabb on your roster, which one would be your starting quarterback for the 2009 season?From: Fox, AshleyTo: ..."

Eagles' Jack Ikegwuonu aims to get on track

Comment

June 15

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Jack Ikegwuonu wants both his legal and his leg problems behind him, and it's possible they could be in his rearview mirror by the time he arrives for the start of training camp late next month at Lehigh University. The Eagles' second-year cornerback is scheduled to finally get his day in court July 2 in DeKalb County, Ill., where he and his twin brother, Bill, were charged with residential burglary and criminal trespass Nov. 26, 2006. "It has lingered for a long time," Ikegwuonu said after a workout last week at the NovaCare Complex. "We've been unfairly prosecuted for three years, and it's really unfortunate that they decided to take this to court because no one but [the prosecutor] ..."

Celek insists he'll be the best tight end on the block

Comment

June 15

Philadelphia Daily News

"Brent Celek caught 19 passes in the playoffs, including 10 in the NFC Championship Game, then had the pleasure of spending the next 3 months listening to Eagles fans beat the drum for a tight end in the first round of the April draft.The Eagles didn't take one in the first round, passing on Brandon Pettigrew and trading up two spots for wide receiver Jeremy Maclin. But they did snatch up Cornelius Ingram in the fifth. And even Ingram, who missed all of last season at Florida with a knee injury but drew regular oohs and aahs at the recent spring minicamps with his athleticism and 4.6 speed, is running ahead of Celek in the opinion polls, though not on Andy Reid's depth chart."I'm just going ..."

Brian Dawkins says the pain of leaving Philadelphia Eagles is gone for good

Comment

June 14

Trenton Times

"What hurt worse than a fourth failure in five NFC Championship Games, hurt worse than anything, was having to leave the city of his "birth" after it became clear the Eagles weren't as serious about bringing him back as they may have indicated earlier. But Brian Dawkins, who will return to the region today as the celebrity host of the Burn Prevention Classic at Saucon Valley Country Club, said the pain is gone now. Only pleasant memories remain of his time with the Philadelphia Eagles. The golf tournament will be played Monday at Saucon Valley, where funds once again will be raised for the Burn Prevention Foundation. "I was born and raised in Philadelphia, as far as being a professional ..."

Donovan McNabb happy with pay raise without contract extension

Comment

June 13

Trenton Times

"The message the Eagles and quarterback Donovan McNabb delivered on Friday was perfectly clear: Two years is a long time, especially in the NFL, especially as the league approaches the final season of its collective bargaining agreement with the players' union. The end of the world as we know it could come as soon as the projected uncapped 2010 season arrives and the pro football landscape deteriorates into total chaos, with every man for himself and all that other nonsense. McNabb, agent Fletcher Smith and the Eagles' front office, led by president Joe Banner, all agreed not to worry about that for now and instead concentrated on rewarding McNabb with a new contract that established a ..."

Salary hike an ultimatum for McNabb

Comment

June 13

Camden Courier-Post

columnist Geoff Mosher

"By increasing his salary for the next two years, the Eagles guaranteed that Donovan McNabb will be among the NFL's highest-paid quarterbacks until 2010. Beyond that, it's uncertain what else is etched in stone. It's reasonable to assume the Eagles expect the 32-year-old McNabb to be their starter until the end of 2010, and perhaps beyond, if he can deliver a Super Bowl win. They ponied up the roughly $19 million he was slated to make and kicked in about $5 or $6 million more -- depending on which source you ask -- to ensure that his contract reflects current market value. Some view the pay hike as the organization's mea culpa for embarrassing the franchise star last November when McNabb ..."

Now it's McNabb's turn to do right thing

Comment

June 13

Philadelphia Inquirer

columnist Phil Sheridan

"The Eagles did the right thing by Donovan McNabb. Now it's up to McNabb to do the right thing by the Eagles. To his credit, the franchise quarterback fully grasps what that right thing is."I think it's important that we focused in on what we have to do in order to achieve that common goal, and that's obviously to win a Super Bowl," McNabb said yesterday. "These two years are very important to me, because I believe that we can get the job done."From the day he was drafted with the second pick in 1999, McNabb has been treated by the Eagles as an elite quarterback. He certainly has been paid like one. By tweaking his contract to keep his pay scale among the top QBs in the league, the Eagles ..."

McNabb likes keeping a low profile

Comment

June 13

Philadelphia Daily News

"Before yesterday, Donovan McNabb hadn't discussed how he feels about offseason moves that made the Eagles younger, but potentially much more explosive offensively.The quarterback said he hadn't spoken, "because I felt like it wasn't needed.""There was nothing that I could have possibly talked about at that time," said McNabb, who last spoke substantively during Super Bowl week in Tampa. He declined to give news conferences during the just-concluded organized team activities, as he has done in the past. "I didn't know much about the guys that were drafted or were free agents. I don't think that you can really make a judgment on that after 2 1/2 days. Even after these 2 weeks, you're still ..."

Eagles Restructure Final Two Years Of McNabb Contract

Comment

June 12

New York Times

"The Philadelphia Eagles have restructured the final two years of the contract of five-time Pro Bowl quarterback Donovan McNabb, the team said Friday. McNabb, 32, was set to earn $9.2 million this season and $10 million next season but the new deal is worth $24.5 million, with another $1 million in incentives, ESPN reported. The Eagles reached the NFC title game last season but lost to the Arizona Cardinals, 32-25, leaving McNabb still searching for his first Super Bowl victory. "Last year, we were just that close," McNabb, a 10-year NFL veteran, told a news conference. "And I think we can get over that hump. I'm focused on winning the Super Bowl hopefully in these next two years. That's ..."

OTAs serve their purpose

Comment

June 12

Camden Courier-Post

"The real test doesn't come until next month, but the first stage of competition is complete. The Eagles wrapped up their two-week minicamp with Thursday's practice at the NovaCare Complex bubble, another session forced indoors by heavy downpours. The helmets won't come out until July 26, when training camp for rookies and selected veterans begins at Lehigh. Eagles coach Andy Reid said this year's camps served its two-fold purpose of integrating rookies and newcomers into the team's schemes and prepping Sean McDermott for the defensive coordinator post in case Jim Johnson is unable to return. Johnson missed the past three camps while continuing his treatment for cancer. "The obvious one is ..."

Johnson's return to coaching staff difficult to gauge

Comment

June 12

Camden Courier-Post

"Andy Reid speaks with Jim Johnson nearly every day, but the Eagles' head coach still can't say whether Johnson will resume his defensive coordinator post this season. In his minicamp wrap-up press conference Thursday, Reid said Johnson is still undergoing chemotherapy for metastasized melanoma and there was "not much change" since Reid last week left Johnson's status undetermined. "Some days are good days. Some days are not very good days," Reid said. "He is receiving chemotherapy, and pretty intense chemotherapy. "There are just some days that that stuff gets you, and then there are other days that he feels pretty good. I have a chance to talk to him about every day, and he's a battler." ..."

Eagles rework McNabb's deal

Comment

June 12

Camden Courier-Post

"Signs were there most of the week, and late Thursday night the inevitable happened. The Eagles and Donovan McNabb agreed to a restructured contract for the final two years of the quarterback's deal. Terms of the deal weren't announced but the Eagles likely guaranteed McNabb the roughly $19 million he was due over the next two seasons, keeping the five-time Pro Bowl player among the league's highest-paid quarterbacks. McNabb's contract expires after the 2010 season. What this likely means is that McNabb will be the team's starting quarterback for at least two years but probably no longer unless he delivers the franchise's first Super Bowl title and remains among the league's top ..."

Erik Ainge still part of Jets set at QB

Comment

June 12

Portland Tribune

columnist Kerry Eggers

"Which left me to wonder: What about Erik Ainge? Oregon's Gatorade player of the year in 2003 out of Glencoe High was a fifth-round draft pick of the Jets last season, and what little news we got about Danny Ainge's nephew wasn't good. Erik Ainge, coming off a big senior year at Tennessee, never got onto the field as a rookie, sitting behind veteran Brett Favre, Clemens and Brett Ratliff. In late October, Ainge went on injured reserve with a stress fracture of the right foot. While in the IR list, Ainge was hit with a four-game suspension for violating the NFL steroid and substance abuse policy. Ainge returned to the team in December and finished the season on the Jets' roster, but it ..."

Wondering about McNabb's new deal

Comment

June 12

Philadelphia Inquirer

"It's hard to see what difference Donovan McNabb's restructured contract makes to the Eagles' future. McNabb was under contract for the next two seasons under the previous pact and is under contract for the next two seasons under the new, more lucrative, one. Unless there is a provision guaranteeing one or both seasons, the Eagles can still part ways with McNabb without penalty, if they wish. Given the complete mystery of how Kevin Kolb would perform given a clear shot at the job, that seems unlikely. Kolb, who also is under contract for the next two seasons, seems highly unlikely to unseat a healthy McNabb. And both will be finishing their contracts in 2010. So if the Eagles' idea was to ..."

New defensive chief learning ropes

Comment

June 12

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Eagles coach Andy Reid said that one of the most important things about the workouts his team completed yesterday at the NovaCare Complex was getting secondary coach Sean McDermott acquainted with the role of defensive coordinator. "If that's how it is in the fall, then at least he's had a little bit of exposure to it," Reid said. "If Jim [Johnson] comes back, then I think Sean is even better for it, and the other coaches are, too." Reid also gave anon Johnson, the Eagles' longtime defensive coordinator, who has taken a leave of absence while he undergoes treatment for cancer. "There's not much change from the last time I mentioned it," Reid said. "Some days are good days and some days are ..."

Jean-Gilles seeks deal, hires Rosenhaus

Comment

June 12

Philadelphia Inquirer

"As the Eagles continue to sign rookies to four-year contracts - they are on the verge of signing tight end Cornelius Ingram - one player who signed such a deal three years ago is looking for an extension. And he's gearing up by acquiring the services of agent Drew Rosenhaus. Max Jean-Gilles confirmed yesterday that he has retained Rosenhaus Sports as his representative. Rosenhaus, who represents Terrell Owens among many other NFL players, announced his new client on Twitter, the Internet messaging site. "With the position that I'm in, I just needed someone with more experience," said Jean-Gilles, who was previously represented by Impact Sports. Jean-Gilles is in the last year of a ..."

New defensive chief learning ropes

Comment

June 12

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Eagles coach Andy Reid said that one of the most important things about the workouts his team completed yesterday at the NovaCare Complex was getting secondary coach Sean McDermott acquainted with the role of defensive coordinator."If that's how it is in the fall, then at least he's had a little bit of exposure to it," Reid said. "If Jim [Johnson] comes back, then I think Sean is even better for it, and the other coaches are, too."Reid also gave anon Johnson, the Eagles' longtime defensive coordinator, who has taken a leave of absence while he undergoes treatment for cancer."There's not much change from the last time I mentioned it," Reid said. "Some days are good days and some days are ..."

McNabb, Eagles in accord on restructuring of contract

Comment

June 12

Philadelphia Inquirer

"The Eagles put the finishing touches on a restructured deal with quarterback Donovan McNabb last night after completing their final off-season camp at the NovaCare Complex in the afternoon.While McNabb was being honored as a father of the year by the American Diabetes Association of Greater Philadelphia, Eagles president Joe Banner and agent Fletcher Smith agreed to restructure the final two years of the quarterback's contract."We are thrilled that this all worked out," Banner said in a statement released by the team. "He is a great football player, a great person, and someone who gives back to the community. We are lucky to have him in Philadelphia."The details of the deal were not ..."

Eagles offseason definitely hasn't been more of the same

Comment

June 12

Philadelphia Daily News

columinst Sam Donnellon

"AS THE ball settled into DeSean Jackson's hands 50 yards downfield, Donovan McNabb celebrated with a bump-and-grind dance. A trick play that looked as if it were designed on a side street had worked, mostly because Jackson ran right past the wannabe defensive backs who bit on the play, and caught the ball down by his knees in full stride.Yeah, this was just the last day of Organized Team Activities. Yeah, no one wore pads, and no one hit. And, yeah, Byron Parker, a free agent, will not make anyone forget Brian Dawkins anytime soon.But McNabb was in midseason mode nonetheless.Maybe it was just that Donovan was just being Donovan as Andy Reid said afterward - on his good Eagles days. "He ..."

Eagles, McNabb agree on new contract

Comment

June 12

Philadelphia Daily News

"Eagles president Joe Banner confirmed last night that the team has agreed to a reworking of the final 2 years of quarterback Donovan McNabb's contract.Terms were not immediately available. McNabb began the offseason wanting some answers about his role going forward, and wanting his contract addressed. Agent Fletcher Smith was supposed to be in town yesterday evening to see McNabb honored as a "Father of the Year" by the local chapter of the American Diabetes Association. "Donovan has played a large part of this team's success over the last 10 years," said Eagles chairman Jeffrey Lurie. "He has been a professional in every sense of the word."Ready to rollAndy Reid indicated that when the ..."

Eagles defense tackling tough subject of coordinator Jim Johnson's absence

Comment

June 12

Philadelphia Daily News

"IT'S THE unacknowledged elephant in the Eagles' locker room, and everyone shuffles past it, eyes averted.Andy Reid at least acknowledged its presence yesterday, in wrapping up 2 weeks of full-team organized team activities. The Eagles disperse now until rookies report to training camp on July 26.Asked tothe status of defensive coordinator Jim Johnson, Reid said: "Some days are good days, and some days are not-so-good days. He's receiving pretty intense chemotherapy. There are just some days that stuff gets you, and there are other days that he feels pretty good. I have a chance to talk to him about every day. He's a battler."Johnson is taking a leave of absence while being treated for ..."

Eagles give McNabb a new deal

Comment

June 12

Camden Courier-Post

"The Eagles have restructured the final two years of quarterback Donovan McNabb's contract, the team said tonight. Terms of the deal have not been announced. McNabb's contract was slated to expire at the end of the 2010 season. "Donovan has played a large part of this team's success over the last 10 years," Eagles chairman Jeffrey Lurie said in a press release. "He has been a professional in every sense of the word." "We are thrilled that this all worked out," said Eagles president Joe Banner. "He is a great football player, a great person, and someone who gives back to the community. We are lucky to have him in Philadelphia." Entering his 11th NFL season, all as an Eagle, McNabb is the ..."

Questions surround Eagles

Comment

June 11

Camden Courier-Post

columnist Martin Frank

"The Eagles will conduct their final workout of these Organized Team Activities today no closer to answering the questions that have dogged them during this tumultuous offseason. For now, they're putting on a big happy face and preaching that all is well and that nothing will rain on their parade to come down Broad Street. They're insisting that quarterback Donovan McNabb is happy as he tries to get the final two years of his contract guaranteed; that running back Brian Westbrook can be the Brian Westbrook of old despite offseason surgeries on his knee and ankle; that starting cornerback Sheldon Brown's contract dispute won't affect anything; and that the sudden departure of Asante Samuel, ..."

Peters learning new way to get in the way

Comment

June 11

Camden Courier-Post

"After trading for Jason Peters in April, Andy Reid called his newest offensive lineman the "best left tackle in football." But even the best have room for improvement. Almost immediately after signing Peters to a six-year deal, the Eagles' head coach directed Peters to offensive line coach Juan Castillo's office, where the two discussed wholesale changes in his technique. Peters has spent the past two weeks of minicamp adjusting from the blocking style that earned him consecutive Pro Bowl appearances in 2007 and 2008 to Castillo's preferred method. "It's not easy. It's almost like you've been programmed to do it this way," Peters said. "Now it's almost like you have to start over and do it ..."

Eagles producing questions, not answers

Comment

June 11

Camden Courier-Post

columnist Martin Frank

"The Eagles will conduct their final workout of these "organized team activities" today before reconvening in late July for training camp, no closer to answering the questions that have dogged them during this tumultuous offseason. For now, they're putting on a big happy face and preaching that all is well and nothing will rain on their parade to come down Broad Street. They're insisting that quarterback Donovan McNabb is happy as he tries to get the final two years of his contract guaranteed; that running back Brian Westbrook can be the Brian Westbrook of old despite offseason surgeries on his knee and ankle; that starting cornerback Sheldon Brown's contract dispute won't affect anything; ..."

Absent corners give others chance

Comment

June 11

Camden Courier-Post

"Andy Reid isn't pleased that starting cornerbacks Sheldon Brown and Asante Samuel aren't at camp this week. But the repetitions that would normally be theirs have been shared by a committee of corners, including two reserves -- Dimitri Patterson and Trae Williams -- that otherwise wouldn't have had the chance. "At first you're a little nervous, but I feel pretty comfortable making the jump," Williams said after Tuesday's practice. "As long as you're in the playbook and you know what you're doing it'll come easy to you." For each, this last week of minicamp is an early showcase before the true fight for their roster spot in training camp. It's an uphill battle, given that cornerback is one ..."

Eagles' Reggie Brown driven to rebound

Comment

June 11

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Last season, Reggie Brown went from dinged up to demoted to ultimately deactivated.By the end of it all, after he was benched for the NFC championship game, the Eagles wide receiver was disillusioned."I guess they felt like they had a good thing going," said Brown, who didn't dress against the Cardinals in favor of Greg Lewis. "I really didn't get any clear-cut answer about that. So I just pretty much let it go."Saying it is nice, but judging from his effort this spring, Brown apparently has dropped any lingering discontent. During minicamp, the former second-round draft pick has caught most everything thrown his way. Whether he can remain with his only organization - uncharacteristically ..."

Rosenhaus says tight end Ingram to sign with Eagles

Comment

June 11

Philadelphia Daily News

"Hanging out in the NovaCare parking lot yesterday, soaking up the ambience, was agent Drew Rosenhaus, who said he was waiting to confer with a couple of clients.This made confirming reports that Rosenhaus had reached agreement on contract terms with the Eagles on behalf of fifth-round rookie tight end Cornelius Ingram much easier than if we'd had to subscribe to his Twitter feed.The team apparently is waiting until today to announce the signing, because it needs to trim someone from the roster before adding Ingram - when you're an unsigned rookie, you don't count toward the limit, but once your contract is registered, you do. The Eagles had already signed five of their eight draftees this ..."

Samuel decides to skip Birds' voluntary camp

Comment

June 10

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Asante Samuel volunteered to take the week off. The Eagles' well-compensated cornerback did not show up yesterday as the team resumed the full-squad camp that started with four workouts last week. No direct statement was made by the team about Samuel's absence, and because this camp is voluntary, the Eagles cannot take any disciplinary action. A team spokesman said coach Andy Reid was disappointed by Samuel's decision. Attempts to reach Samuel's agent, Alonzo Shavers, were unsuccessful. Although it is not unusual for NFL players to skip voluntary camps, it is typically something that is done by a player who is unhappy with his contract situation. Sheldon Brown, the Eagles' other projected ..."

Reid wary but optimistic on Westbrook

Comment

June 10

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Andy Reid said he knows what can happen to star NFL running backs when they reach age 30 and their catalog of injuries starts to match the length of an 8-year-old's wish list at Christmas.The decline can be swift and cruel, but Reid said he did not believe that would occur with Brian Westbrook."Brian was on a mission this year to come back, and he still is," Reid said. "When I mention that he was in phenomenal shape, I mean he really was in incredible shape, and that will help him get through this. You have to understand how tough Brian is and how much he loves football."Westbrook could be sidelined through the preseason after undergoing surgery to remove bone chips from his right ankle ..."

Eagles' fullback Weaver learned on the job

Comment

June 10

Philadelphia Daily News

"THE EAGLES' signing of free-agent fullback Leonard Weaver was greeted with loud hosannas from the fan base.Enough of this trying to convert guys from other positions into fullbacks! Finally, a real fullback, with a pedigree! A guy who really knows the ins and outs of blocking!Except, 4 years ago, Weaver was a former small-college tight end trying to learn the fullback position after being signed as an undrafted free agent by Seattle. And less than 2 years ago, Weaver was called into then-Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren's office to be told that if his blocking didn't pick up, he was going to be cut.Weaver has looked solid in the organized team activities that started last week and end ..."

Samuel decides to skip Birds' voluntary camp

Comment

June 9

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Asante Samuel volunteered to take the week off. The Eagles' well-compensated cornerback did not show up yesterday as the team resumed the full-squad camp that started with four workouts last week. No direct statement was made by the team about Samuel's absence, and because this camp is voluntary, the Eagles cannot take any disciplinary action. A team spokesman said coach Andy Reid was disappointed by Samuel's decision. Attempts to reach Samuel's agent, Alonzo Shavers, were unsuccessful. Although it is not unusual for NFL players to skip voluntary camps, it is typically something that is done by a player who is unhappy with his contract situation. Sheldon Brown, the Eagles' other projected ..."

Cobb on the Eagles

Comment

June 9

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Do you remember 2004 when Donovan McNabb was throwing the ball down the field to Terrell Owens and Todd Pinkston? Well, I think we're going to see more of that this season. This fits McNabb. It's not a coincidence that this offense is being tailored to fit No. 5. He is not really a dink-and-dunk type of quarterback. He is at his best when he's letting them go downfield. At practice [yesterday], McNabb was letting it rip downfield play after play. The Eagles seem to be making it a point to let McNabb throw the ball on deep and intermediate routes. They have the speed to let one receiver run the safeties, which opens up the intermediate area for a receiver coming from the other side of the ..."

Curtis set on reaching full health

Comment

June 9

Camden Courier-Post

"After catching a handful of Donovan McNabb passes in practice, Kevin Curtis spoke optimistically about catching a few more before training camp -- and then many more this season. Coming off of groin surgery in the wake of sports hernia surgery last September, Curtis practiced with the first-team offense and participated in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills for the first time this spring on Monday. The Eagles' third-year receiver had been limited for most of the minicamps, working mainly on his conditioning. At times Monday afternoon, Curtis contorted his body into funky stretches to keep his groin area stretched. Even though he is back on the field, his body still isn't accustomed to this much ..."

McCoy: Injury not a big deal

Comment

June 9

Camden Courier-Post

"LeSean McCoy said Monday he was "a little nervous" when he slipped and sprained his thumb Friday at practice. It turns out the rookie running back had nothing to fear. Some athletic tape and a makeshift splint was all he needed to get back onto the practice field for Monday's minicamp. McCoy took part in the entire practice and said he felt no major effects from the left thumb sprain. "It felt good," he said. "It wasn't that big a deal." The injury happened inside the team's practice bubble Friday since rain had forced them indoors. During a red-zone drill, McCoy caught a pass on the right flank and slipped as he turned upfield. He used his left hand to brace his fall, but the thumb bent ..."

Eagles receiving corps going on deep end

Comment

June 9

Philadelphia Daily News

"BRANDON GIBSON and Jason Avant are almost exactly the same size - the Eagles list Avant at 6-feet, 212, Gibson the same height, 2 pounds lighter. They both seem to catch everything thrown near them. But they really aren't the same guy, offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg explained yesterday."Jason has such a great feel inside. Gibson might be able to acquire those type of skills," Mornhinweg said following yesterday's OTA session at NovaCare. "However, I think he's doing an excellent job on the outside right now. We may be able to use them in some of the same specialty roles, because of their size and strength."Gibson, the sixth-round rookie wideout from Washington State, and Avant, the ..."

'Family matters' keep Samuel from volunteering

Comment

June 9

Philadelphia Daily News

"Asante Samuel went from "assertive" to "absent."Samuel, the most vocal Eagles defender in last week's OTA drills, opted to take advantage of the "voluntary" part of the voluntary minicamp, a team spokesman said. He was not present for yesterday's practice. A team source said Eagles coach Andy Reid was disappointed, but such absences are not unheard of among veteran players who feel they got enough work in the first week, or who have pressing personal business.The Eagles did, however, give Samuel a $57 million contract as a free agent last year, and you would think that might guarantee perfect attendance. The team was already functioning without its other starting corner, Sheldon Brown, who ..."

Eagles News