Archive: July, 2011
Les Bowen, Daily News Staff Writer
BETHLEHEM -- Every year, before Lehigh starts, I tell myself not to get too caught up in what first-round picks say about not wanting to miss training camp.
But if ever somebody was emphatic about being here, it was this year's first-round pick, Danny Watkins, pegged as the Eagles' starting right guard. Watkins, who grew up in Canada pretty much ignorant of the ways of the NFL, didn't even know until a few weeks ago that he wasn't allowed to participate in training camp without a contract. He vowed this would not be a problem.
The Eagles, you might have heard, are hard-nosed negotiators. That's one reason they have the cap room and the overall cash to do some of the amazing things they've done this past week. And surprise, surprise, we've been at Lehigh since Wednesday, and Watkins isn't here yet.
Les Bowen, Daily News Staff Writer
BETHLEHEM -- Nnamdi Asomugha can't practice with the Eagles yet, but he met with the media following Sunday morning's practice and spoke engagingly about the future he envisions.
Asomugha, 30, the top free agent prize in the NFL, signed a five-year deal with the Eagles Friday, stunning the football world.
He said today he had the Eagles in mind as a prime destination from March on, but they didn't seem to be heavily invested until the last day or so before he signed. He said he was as surprised as reporters covering the team were that he ended up an Eagle.
Les Bowen, Daily News Staff Writer
BETHLEHEM -- Where to begin?
Here at the center of the NFL universe, all of a goshdarned sudden, huge stories just seem to be just wandering down from the low hills surrounding the practice fields and chasing us, instead of the other way around.
We had interviews with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Jason Babin, Vince Young, Andy Reid and Joe Banner this morning. Nnamdi Asomugha apparently is scheduled for tomorrow.
Les Bowen, Daily News Staff Writer
The Eagles have announced a five-year deal with the top free agent on the NFL market, corner Nnamdi Asomugha, who joins Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, the corner they acquired yesterday from Arizona, and Asante Samuel in what is the NFL's most prolific and best-paid corner corps. More to come
Les Bowen, Daily News Staff Writer
BETHLEHEM -- The Eagles have announced a five-year deal with the top free agent on the NFL market, corner Nnamdi Asomugha, who joins Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, the corner they acquired yesterday from Arizona, and Asante Samuel in what is the NFL's most prolific and best-paid corner corps. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the Asomugha deal is for $60 million, $25 million guaranteed.
Whether the three-cornered defense will stand is, of course, a huge question, one the Eagles didn't answer resoundingly in a news conference that began shortly after 7 p.m. at Lehigh.
General manager Howie Roseman, asked if he envisioned lining up all three corners on opening day in St. Louis, gave an answer that began with "We're excited to get Nnamdi."
- Poll: Was signing Asomugha a good move? (5204 votes)
Les Bowen, Daily News Staff Writer
BETHLEHEM -- Reporters finally got a chance to talk to new defensive coordinator Juan Castillo today, for the first time since the draft. Lotsa stuff to cover, but first up was his surprising decision to make fourth-round rookie Casey Matthews the Birds' starting middle linebacker for the very first practices of Matthews' pro career.
"He's a football player. He's smart. He has that 'it.' We feel, as the middle linebacker, we want a guy who can get everybody lined up and be a leader," Castillo said after a teaching-paced morning session. "He's grown up, really, being a leader," as part of such a famous football family. The Eagles had major problems blocking Casey's brother, Clay, in a couple of meetings with the Packers last season.
"Everybody needs a first chance," said Castillo, who lobbied hard to move from o-line to defense this season. "He's a natural leader. He was the one calling the defense yesterday. Pretty smart guy."
Les Bowen, Daily News Staff Writer
BETHLEHEM -- Michael Vick sees Vince Young, the quarterback the Eagles apparently are signing to a one-year deal, as the victim of some "tough breaks" since being drafted third overall in 2006 by the Tennessee Titans.
The NFL Network reported early this morning that Young had reached agreement with the Birds to replace traded QB Kevin Kolb as Vick's backup.
Young, 28, was released by the Titans yesterday. There was some confusion about whether the waiver process had been observed, but it turned out that under the new CBA, as a veteran with four years vested, Young was not subject to waivers.
Philly.com Sports
The Daily News' Les Bowen and philly.com's Sheil Kapadia dissect the Kevin Kolb trade between the Eagles and Cardinals.
Paul Domowitch, Daily News NFL Columnist
I spoke with new Eagles defensive end Jason Babin this afternoon. Here’s part of my interview with him:
(how big a factor was Jim Washburn in you signing with the Eagles) Coach Wash was a big part of it.
(not being re-signed by the Eagles after the 2009 season) They said we really don’t have room for you, but we really like your ability. I told them that I felt in my heart I could be a starter in this league, and the clock was ticking.
Les Bowen, Daily News Staff Writer
After a whole bunch of waiting, it is what we thought it was, to mangle a paraphrase from former Cardinals coach Denny Green.
The Eagles have confirmed that the trade of Kevin Kolb to the Cardinals is happening, for corner Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a second-round pick. ESPN 97.5 radio reporter Adam Caplan says Kolb has agreed to a $63 million contract extension with Arizona, over 5 years, about $20 million guaranteed.
Eagles corner-kick returner Jorrick Calvin was a Cardinals rookie last year, before being traded to the Eagles Aug. 30 Rodgers-Cromartie recently mentioned Calvin as his only friend on the Eagles. Calvin was happy to hear the trade confirmed.
