Hank's Happy; Fargas Hopeful
After agreeing to a one-year contract with the Eagles, wideout Hank Baskett told reporters at NovaCare today he was glad to be back in a familiar place, where he knows the offense and is comfortable with his role.
Hank's Happy; Fargas Hopeful
Les Bowen, Daily News Staff Writer
After agreeing to a one-year contract with the Eagles, wideout Hank Baskett told reporters at NovaCare today he was glad to be back in a familiar place, where he knows the offense and is comfortable with his role.
Baskett seems to be hoping that in leaving the Indianapolis Colts -- who did not tender him as a restricted free agent -- maybe he won't have to spend the rest of his life explaining what happened on that onside kick in the Super Bowl.
Baskett said he knew when the Saints won the game that the surprise onside kick to start the second half, which caromed off him, would be much-discussed, as one of the pivotal plays. But he said it became a much bigger deal than he or his then-teammates anticipated. Baskett said he felt at one point he had reclaimed the ball under the pile, but by the time it all got sorted out, the Saints had it back.
"It was a long battle," he said. "It seemed like we were under there about a half-hour."
Baskett, cut by the Eagles early last season to make roster room for Michael Vick, said he was impressed with Marlin Jackson's work ethic, particularly how the defensive back remained a part of the Indy locker room after his season-ending ACL injury. Baskett predicted fans would like Jackson, signed this week to play free safety for the Birds.
"He's a blue-collar guy, which definitely fits in in Philly," Baskett said.
Baskett played three years, plus last year's season -opener, with the Eagles, after being acquired in a trade with Minnesota for the unfortgettable Billy McMullen.
Later, the Eagles allowed free agent running back Justin Fargas to meet with reporters during his NovaCare visit. Fargas might be more of an impact signing than Baskett, but he hasn't signed, though he said he'd certainly like to do so. The team later indicated that Fargas will not be signed today, anyway.
Fargas has spent his seven NFL seasons in the Oakland madhouse. To him, Philadelphia is a bastion of stability and sanity, and never mind that he isn't a prototypical West Coast, pass-catching back.
"I've had five head coaches in seven years," he said. "I can adapt easily."
Fargas, a hard-running 6-1, 220, said he is "excited about the opportunity here."
He didn't have a definitive answer when asked how talks were going or if he expected to sign.
"I'm following my agent's lead," he said. Agent David Dunn has not responded to requests for comment.
Just In...You have to have a QB who can throw the fade for it to be a threat...— jss31- I'd be more than happy with Fargas as the back-up to Shady. He's got some size and he still has the open field speed.— beegal99
I hate this team. BTW - Curtis is a much better receiver.— Mr. Underhill- I sure would like to hear more about 'ol "White Lightning" passing from the scene. (Please excuse the pun.) When he was healthy he was a very good, reliable pass catcher. I hope the injuries are a thing of the past, but it seems like he will be shown the exit door fairly soon. Did he not make a comeback from last year's spate of injuries?— TBear
- So why did they cut Baskett and keep Reggie Brown last year? I'm going to guess it had something to do with Brown making more.— jkt
- Fargas might not be a bad signing. He runs hard. I don't see Baskett being all that great an addition. Kendra butterface.— socalphillyguy
- Bad moves once again. Nothing against Hank, but they really could have used Fargas much more than Hank. Guess Fargas wouldn't accept minimum wage. It's all about the money with the Eagles. Winning means very little as long as they make the playoffs they consider the season a success.— dapmman
- Relax - At best he is the number 4 receiver. He's a better option that Reggie Brown. Don't get worked up about it - we've got three quality receivers in Jackson, Maclin and Avant. The biggest problem with this team is the play calling. Reid needs to go.— jdogle1
- Of course Baskett is happy to back. He probably thought his NFL career was in jeopardy until Big Andy came along. The real laugher is hearing Spadaro on the Eagles website citing this signing as a great addition to the offense and special teams. Am I missing something, or wasn't this guy here before.— watsonmr
- Baskett is a good team player and fine as a 5th WR..With Jackson,Maclin and Avant as our key receivers why are people carping over a minor deal like this?— bradco
- the guy with two good knees, actual talent and a chance to help the team gets out of town without a deal. while a guy with bad knees, a guy who choked in the super bowl and a dog killing thug stay. nice work.— snakeplissken
- BOOOOOOOOOOO!!! I feel like we are going backwards. We havent improved 1 inch so far this offseason. some people say its not a bad move to have Hank as our #4 Well yes it is. The #4 reciever is primarily a ST player. Wouldnt you rather draft a guy in the 5th, 6th round of the draft who you believe you can develop into a special WR. He can play ST as a rookie (just like hank will do this year) and in a few years maybe turn into a really good WR. We already know what H.Baskett is hes nothin special. I love what they did last year drafting B.Gibson in the late round who might turn out to be a really good WR. I dont know why they dont go the same route this year. We are def moving backwards. Hank Baskett is not a good WR. I cant believe philly fans actiually like this guy. If he was 5-10 instead of 6-4 everyone would be just as upset as i am.— Joey0210
- Great, we sign the guy who couldn't handle the on-side kick that hit him in the hands.— txflyer
- I think the Eagles are looking like an average to slightly above average team. We have many holes.— hawk18
- I just want to see what michael vick can do to contribute this year.— charmaine
