BROWN'S TRADE REQUEST NOT SURPRISING
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BROWN'S TRADE REQUEST NOT SURPRISING
Bob Brookover
Sheldon Brown is unhappy with his contract and wants to be traded.
Fish are fond of water.
Neither bit of news should come as a surprise.
The Eagles' response to Brown's trade demand, on the other hand, is surprising because they typically do not comment on such matters.
“It’s very unfortunate and counterproductive that Sheldon has chosen to go public with his feelings about his situation," the team said in a statement. "After thorough evaluation by himself and discussions with his family and agents, he chose to accept an extension of his rookie contract early that provided his family financial security for the rest of his life. It removed any concerns about health or performance that all other players in his draft class had to worry about. He has three years remaining on that contract and, after taking the signing bonus and his first two years of salary into account, we feel that Sheldon is being paid fairly. Focusing only on a player’s salary for a given year is not a valid analysis.
“There have been league MVP’s, Super Bowl champion quarterbacks, and perennial Pro Bowlers who have been in a similar situation. All of their teams have required them to wait until their contract expired or there was only one year remaining before any adjustment took place. It is only in the most extraordinary, in fact, less than a handful of circumstances in the last ten years that any players two new years into a contract with three years left have been adjusted. We don’t think this qualifies as an extraordinary circumstance.
“Sheldon’s comments under the circumstances actually serve to devalue him in a trade if we were willing to consider it; which we are not.”
It has been known for some time that Brown wasn't happy with his contract, but today's report from ESPN is the first public display of that displeasure.
Asked about his contract after fellow cornerback Lito Sheppard was traded to the New York Jets last month, Brown made it clear he felt he deserved a pay hike.
"I'll let my agent handle that," the veteran cornerback said. "I will say this: sometimes dependability is better than ability. If somebody has outplayed his contract, I think it would be the guy you can count on week in and week out."
On Brown's personal web site, he boasts that he hasn't missed a game since he started playing football in sixth grade. Don't have the records of his seventh- and eighth-grade seasons in South Carolina, but it says right in the Eagles' media guide that he has played 124 straight games in the NFL since being taken in the second round of the 2002 draft.
Attempts to reach Brown and his agent Jason Chayut have failed so far today. Brown's wife Jenny said the cornerback is in the Philadelphia area. It will be interesting to see if Brown shows up for the Eagles' mandatory minicamp a week from Friday.
Comments (56)
Dean1, signing Sheppard and Brown and Westbrook to extensions IS taking care of their own. Resigning Dawk and Runyon a few years ago is too. Same with Trent Cole and Patterson. If your definition of taking care of their own is resigning over the hill vets then I'm glad the Eagles DON'T take care of their own. I don't want the Eagles to be the new "over the hill gang". Has anyone noticed that in clips that are shown of receivers scoring against the Eagles it always seems to be Dawk and Brown getting there too late? Dawk was terrific. Not any more. Brown is average at best. Final word is root for the uniform, not the players.— tpizza- Mikez, you hit the nail on the head twice. Bravo to you. If the Eagles thought Dawkins could still play he'd be here. All the players he listed were done and gone shortly after they went to other teams. It'll be the same with Dawk. As for lonewolf, if he can't find a reason to bash DM he isn't happy. Brown wants a new contract, DM wants an extension. Completely different, but that small detail eludes his little brain. Just laugh at his posts and move on.— tpizza
"the Eagles don't take care of their own." No, the Eagles very clearly DO take care of their own when it makes sense for them to do it. They took care of their own when they sigend Brown and Sheppard to huge extensions with only 1 starting season under their belts. The fact that they don't throw money at aging veterans doesn't hurt those veterans...Every single player you've mentioned got paid, just not by the Eagles. So how were they harmed?— ChrisInVT- "We didn't need to do this now, but this deal was too attractive and too important not to get it done," Chayut said at the time. "They made him a multimillionaire, taking all the risk out of injury. He's set for life." That was his agent talking in '04 when he signed his extension. As I've said on numerous fan boards, the problem is with teams like SF and the Vikings signing mediocre athletes to huge contracts--was Nate Clements worth 80M over 8 years? Was Antoine Winfield worth 55M over 6 years???— eaglebobby1
- He actually thinks he deserves a raise? Someone ask him the last time he was able to defend WR's like Burres and TO. These guy walked all over him. How many intercepts and knockdown pases has he made? Tackle yes he makes good doing that. However isn't it the main job of a CB to defend against the pass? He struggles doing just that.— Bubba
- Not saying that Sheldon is right or wrong in this instance. I'm just telling everyone WHY this is happening from the player's point of view. Look at the historical facts - the Eagles don't take care of their own.— Dean1
- When is 25 mil disrespect? He is not even the best CB on the team. He got eaten up in the title game. He got blocked out of a running play by Larry Fitz and then had his pants pulled down for a TD— scam
- HE'S JUST BEING A BIG BABY.......— legaleagle1994
- VinceMD - The Eagles are consistently WAYYYY under the cap. So, you're telling me that in '02, the Eagles wouldn't have had a better chance all-in against the Bucs in the NFC Championship game with Trot in the middle rather than the combo of fat, 300 lb., bad knee Levon Kirkland and useless Barry Gardner? Or do we forget how badly Barry Gardner got beat by Jurevicius on a simple crossing pattern that turned into a 70-yard killer (Dawk saved the TD by the way). And, I wouldn't describe Dawk's 2 yr, $7.2M deal as "breaking the bank" for the NFL Defensive Player of the Month in December...especially when the Eagles are $40M+ under the cap - $6M of the cap figure hit this season. Bottom line, this ownership group is cheap and shows no loyalty to its soldiers. You know what that breeds? Discontent, mutiny, and ultimately, ZERO TITLES.— Dean1
- It's weird how everyone freaks out at Sheldon Brown for going public with contractual issues while *at a voluntary minicamp* but at the same time cheers when our new LT does the same thing to force a trade to us. That happened less than 48 hours ago, how soon we change perspectives. And we are lobbying to get Boldin who is doing the same thing. Not saying what Brown is doing is right, it's horses***. But Peters and Boldin did the same thing and we welcome them with open arms and highest-paid-in-the-league money. Doesn't that seem a little hypocritical? And if the Eagles did it for Peters, Brown is bound to go public with it, since it works. Now watch the Saints or the Cowboys start poisoning the waters a little bit to stir up some trouble. I hope we don't trade him for a 3rd rounder nad pick Malcolm Jenkins with #21 now out of principle.— Canuck_Eagles_Fan
- Shut up and play ball.— frustrated 22
- I can't believe Sheldon. He signed this deal, which is a good one, so he should honor it. These athletes are overpaid and think they are bigger than the game. That is what is wrong with professional sports athletes today. If it continues this way, the fans are going to stop watching. Just shut up and play. If you are good enough you will get your pay day. They forget we pay their salaries.— grimm39
- Ah, yes, poor Sheldie, I couldn't live on $5,000,000 a year either.— jonnyB
- What are the details of Sheldon's current contract?— K_Ball
- Sports4Life - that's not correct. The Eagles are in no way handcuffed by the salary cap. They are so far under the cap, they'd have a hard time hitting it if they tried. At the start of free-agency, the Eagles had the 3rd most cap space in the league, w/ $48 million to spend. Weaver, Andrews and Peters put a dent in that, but there's still plenty of room.— djsaitta
- Sports4Life - that's not correct. The Eagles are in no way handcuffed by the salary cap. They are so far under the cap, they'd have a hard time hitting it if they tried. At the start of free-agency, the Eagles had the 3rd most cap space in the league, w/ $48 million to spend. Weaver, Andrews and Peters put a dent in that, but there's still plenty of room.— djsaitta
- law of averages. 124 strait games since 2002. sounds to me and sheldon that the eagles are getting ready to demote this guy. two new free agent defensive backs, last years #4 pick healthy and ready to go, new contract for hanson and big contract for samuels. handwriting is on the wall and sheldon knows it.— JACK V
- I agree with the birds here. you can't have it both ways, you can't get long term stability and renegotiate. did they ask Andrews for a refund? refresh my memory, how many trips to Hawaii did you make Sheldon?— birdfannnj
- I agree with the birds here. you can't have it both ways, you can't get long term stability and renegotiate. did they ask Andrews for a refund? refresh my memory, how many trips to Hawaii did you make Sheldon?— birdfannnj
- He hadn't missed a day off football at Lewisville High where he is from and where I now live. It is unfortunate about his situation. But he signed the contract and it isn't up for 4 years. Most extensions are done in the last year. But on the personal side, Sheldon is a very good community man who is very well liked here. I do know of a team near where he lives who could use his talent and it is only a 20 minute ride for him...— crohnkiller
- MIKEZ....you are right on. If the Eagles gave new contracts to Duce, Trotter, Vincent, etc. we would be taking some big cap hits for cutting them! Same with Kearse last year. We let him go and he said the Eagles are going to regret letting go of a pro bowl player. Well? I don't think anyone at the end of this coming year is going to be speaking of what a great year Dawkins or Tre Thomas had. I love Dawk....but Denver broke the bank for his position.— vincemcd
- I agree with Superbowless Eagles. None of these stiffs (like Dawk, Tra, Runyan) have won squat with the Eagles, yet you lemmings just keep whining to keep them.— thingfish
- Seems like the Eagles won't budge... now we will see what kind of man Sheldon is. Will he suck it up and fight for the team or hold out and hold the Eagles hostage?— OppoJack
- I love these guys, what does it mean to out play a contract, when he signed he and the Eagles expected him to be just what he is a solid corner and he is being paid as one. Come on Sheldon make a pro bowl or then you can talk, but till then shut up and play ball. I hope the Eagles make him play the entire contract!— luke5513
- MikeZ, you are nothing but a shill for the Eagles, and you dont know what the man is talking about. YOU are the idiot. Its about respect and they didnt bother to make Dawkins a decent offer, and these guys, Sheldon included, deserve to get what they can because the Eagles can and will cut them at anytime, their contracts are not guaranteed.— igglegreen
- This is the biggest flaw with the Eagles. They negotiate with football players as if they are accountants. While their position is logical, football players aren't logical. They all think they will play 12+ years for example. The result: the Eagles perennially have a roster full of disgruntled players. I guess they would rather be right than champions.— jtj06
- Who cares, another without a ring, keep stuffing the Linc like the sheep that you are!— Superbowless Eagles
- Salleries? Concider? you lose alot of credibility when you are illiterate. Just saying.— thingfish
- 25 mil is under paid? Why don't the players agree to a pay cut so ticket prices can come down? I mean seriously, we're paying roughly the same amount in salleries as Pitsburg is, yet our product isn't as good. Our players are overpaid compared to the Steelers, Giants, and NE so they should concider taking a pay cut. I can't wait to boo you Sheldon. Just shut up until you win a super bowl. On the other hand, maybe a Brown/Boldin trade wouldn't be so bad.— drog
- As much as I love Sheldon Brown as an Eagle he has no right griping about his contract. He is a solid, durable, sure tackle corner and I love watching him hit receivers and running backs, but he is not an All Pro nor is he a Pro Bowler….he is a well paid average corner. If the Eagles front office were to renegotiate Browns contract they would be renegotiating everybody’s contract on the team who is a solid player. Wasn’t it Sheldon who once told Lito to just shut up and play? GREED….isn’t it Amazing??? Greedy players vs. GREEDY Owners this is the game I don’t like to watch….Wake me when its over!!!— PhiNChi
- As much as I love Sheldon Brown as an Eagle he has no right griping about his contract. He is a solid, durable, sure tackle corner and I love watching him hit receivers and running backs, but he is not an All Pro nor is he a Pro Bowler….he is a well paid average corner. If the Eagles front office were to renegotiate Browns contract they would be renegotiating everybody’s contract on the team who is a solid player. Wasn’t I Sheldon who once told Lito to just shut up and play? GREED….isn’t it Amazing??? Greedy players vs. GREEDY Owners this is the game I don’t like to watch….Wake me when its over!!!— PhiNChi
- I like how the Eagles responded, it shows strength.— furio
- Apparently the guy hasn't had a reality check since the sixth grade either.— dasher
- Totally agree with what the Eagles said. Tired of seeing these guys who want to sign long-term deals, take the upfront bonus money, and then become free-agents every season.— JimG
- IMO the salary amount is a non-issue. He could make more or make less and would still be financially secure. That statement was pandering to the fan base. Both sides are being unreasonable here. From a purely contractual standpoint, the contract was fair (agreed to) when signed. It is what it is, for the length of the contract. That contract can contain a clause for renegotiation if the CBA changes, and apparently it didn't. Would players be willing to take a lower salary if the CBA number dropped? From a trade standpoint, the Eagles don't have to trade him, but why would you want somebody on your team that didn't want to be there? They punish players (they punished Lito) and in doing so diminished his trade value, because they have the power to do so. and in essence, secured the advantage of appearing to be what they despise. Brown is bound to his contract, and if players can be held accountable for 'conduct detrimental to the team', the teams should also be accountable for 'conduct detrimental to the player'. I dont believe Brown should get the renegotiation, but the Eagles are power tripping here....again.— VIK
- Let me ask you a question, Green-Aid drinkers. Do you think Sheldon would have done this if he hadn't seen Dawk been treated like garbage in his meeting with Joe Banner, et. al. Dawk would have taken LESS to stay here than Denver offered. Oh, and MIKEZ, you think Dawk is washed up?? Who was the NFL Defensive Player of the Month in December, idiot? Also, don't you think the outcome of the Tampa game in 2002 would have been a bit different if Trot was leading that defense instead of Levon Kirkland? How about if the front office actually paid up for a WR in 2003 when Ricky Manning single-handedly destroyed the Trash and Stinkston? I'm a diehard Eagles fan to the core...been a season ticketholder my entire life. Bottom line though, this organization hasn't won SQUAT and is all about the bottom line. They don't care about you, me, or any of the fans. They care about how much $$ is in their pockets at the end of the day. Do I fault the average businessman for that - absolutely not. It's the American way, and it's what we're about as a country. But these guys take greed to a completely different level - Joe Banner would sell his mother for a $5 profit. I'm not telling you that I agree with what Sheldon is doing, but I completely understand his position.— Dean1
- "I'll let my agent handle that," the veteran cornerback said. "I will say this: sometimes dependability is better than ability. If somebody has outplayed his contract, I think it would be the guy you can count on week in and week out." Good on you for showing up to work, Sheldon. Whatchou want? A cookie? Shut up, sit down, play ball like you're legally obligated to because ... you are.— nhphilly
- Vincent, Dawkins Sheppard all have something in common. If the team can cut then the player can ask for more than 25% of Samuels salary— scphillyguy
- Also, I have a comment for lonewolf-69. Comparing McNabb's contract and Sheldon Brown's situation is one heck of a reach.— MIKEZ
- Way to go boys, honour system gotta love it.Throw sheldon out next please!— philly69
Comment removed.- We spent so much on the offensive line and on Asante, we are handcuffing ourselves. Even so, Sheldon gets paid quite fairly. He is decently paid and is a decent, solid cornerback.— Sports4Life
- he got paid his money already, we've got a lot of needs to fill and can't renegotiate a deal for every player. he told the inquirer when lito was unhappy that he "just goes out there and plays" so i hope he continues to do this. the eagles have a history of dumping veterans at the right time to build up young prospects. dawk is a whole different story than trotter, duce and troy and i think he personally deserved more, but you can't compare sheldon to dawk quite yet.— aam13
- I'm looking at Dean1's post and the guy is an idiot. They didn't toss anyone away like trash. They pay players who can still play and there isn't one guy we let go that had anything left in the tank. They didn't trash Dawk Denver paid a ridiculous amount of money for a 35 year old player and every other name you bring up was washed up when released. The Eagles are not obligated to run a retirement home on the field. I loved Dawkins but his days are over here as a player. You just want to gripe about the Eagles with nothing to back it up.— MIKEZ
- Jocko - yes, I am tired of players whining about contracts they signed, especially contracts that give a player guaranteed money that sets them up for life...good comment.— psuwelsh
- Tosses away valuable veterans like trash once their deals are up? You're kidding, right. You mean like the "valuable veterans" leave any organization via free agency when their deals are up? That may have been the most moronic thing I have ever read, Dean1.— thingfish
- Normally, I'm right there with those wanting athletes to live up to their deals. That said, this organization has proven time and again that it tosses away valuable veterans like trash once their deals are up. The Eagles front office has shown a completely lack of loyalty, specifically this year to Brian Dawkins. Sheldon Brown has witnessed this first hand with the likes of Dawk, Troy Vincent, Trotter, Duce, etc. The list goes on. I have no problem with Sheldon's stance at all.— Dean1
- Man, is that Sheldon laying out Bush in the playoff game. That's one of the best hits I've ever seen.— fgdavis
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- Locking guys into long term deals has not worked out for the Eagles, overall. Seemed like a good idea at the time.— reek3232
- Is anyone else tired of these clowns opting for security and upfront bonus money and then whining a few years later that they have "outplayed the contract" (whatever that means)?— jocko
- Trade him with a package for a 2nd round draft choice. Some team will take his whining. But, enough of that for the Birds.— KGKoons
- Trade him, tired of these pampered athletes. He should not have signed the extension.— evince
- I also believe if Mr.Brown had outplayed his contract the Eagles would have looked into a raise for him just as they have for Mr. Westbrook.— geno
- If the Eagles stay put he can leave at the end of his contract...that is how it works.— psuwelsh
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