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Tuesday, October 14, 2008
EAGLES SIGN LINEBACKER, RELEASE HUNT

Tony Hunt had to see the writing on the depth chart.

In one week, he went from the Eagles' starting fullback to fourth-string tailback who couldn't get on the field Sunday at San Francisco even in the absence of Brian Westbrook.

And now he's the latest third-round pick to be released by the team.

The Eagles announced this afternoon that they had released the former Penn State star to make room on the roster for linebacker Tracy White, who had been released by the Green Bay Packers a week ago.

White, a six-year veteran originally signed by Seattle as an undrafted rookie out of Howard University, has been a reserve special teams player most of his career. He played in 21 games in his first two seasons with Seattle, 15 games with Jacksonville in 2005 and 32 games the last three seasons with Green Bay.

Hunt, drafted in 2007 as a tailback, carried the ball just 10 times for 16 yards and a touchdown as a rookie. The Eagles tried to move him to fullback two weeks before the start of this season, but the experiment was not working and the team decided last week to move Dan Klecko from defensive tackle to fullback. Since 2003, the Eagles have had seven third-round picks and four of them -- Billy McMullen, Matt Ware, Ryan Moats and Hunt -- are no longer with the team. None of the four ever made a significant contribution.

The three remaining third-round picks from that time period are linebackers Stewart Bradley and Chris Gocong and rookie defensive end Bryan Smith.

In other news from the NFC East, the Dallas Cowboys traded for Detroit Lions star receiver Roy Williams on the same day they learned that cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones had been suspended by the NFL indefinitely for an altercation with his bodyguard.

Kansas City tight end Tony Gonzalez remained with the Chiefs after the team had contacted a number of teams, including the Eagles, about trading him.

Posted by Bob Brookover @ 4:37 PM  Permalink | 46 comments
46
Comments   
Posted 07:40 AM, 10/24/2008
JimSeitz
I agree with what appears to be the concensus. If our linebackers are so good, why do we need a guy cut by the Packers? Hunt was not given enough time at ANY one position to establish himself. None of this makes any sense regarding the apparent weaknesses we need to address now to be competative now and in the postseason. We ned a productive TE (Gonzales) and another big play receiver( Roy Williams) or at least one of the two. I just don't get the thinking here at all. I also agree that not getting Gonzales was the biggest of the three mistakes made. I am very dissapointed and am tired of the BS we get from the front office instead of getting moves that really improve the team.
Posted 07:57 PM, 10/20/2008
Kevin O.
Greg Lewis is way underrated. Comes in, never complains, and always catches on or two big catches per game. Caught the big catch in the Super Bowl. Never many catches, but always big ones. Everyone is always looking to cut this guy.
Posted 03:12 PM, 10/16/2008
Gigs1777
We got Tracy White!!!!!!! This move will definitely put us over the top. Pedal to the Metal!!!
Posted 12:02 PM, 10/15/2008
philbirds6470
Why wouldn't they give Tony more time to learn the fullback postion.I mean,we got nothing for him.Tracy White? huh? what?
Posted 11:43 AM, 10/15/2008
Captain Splendor
Shabba, how many superbowls has Dallas won in the last ten years? All of their "moves" haven't won them a single playoff game.
Posted 09:04 AM, 10/15/2008
spj108
Tony Hunt will get picked up by someone and be a very good short yardage back able to convert in key spots, which is exactly what we don't have. B West's days are numbered with all of his injury problems so they better use both picks on backs this april.
Posted 09:00 AM, 10/15/2008
Lemur
I think not getting Tony Gonzalez is more of an outrage then not getting Roy Williams. They have zero TE's and all they had to do was give up a 2nd round pick to get on of the best all around TE's in the league. They value draft picks way to much
Posted 06:46 AM, 10/15/2008
ec420de
In case none of you ever noticed, Tony Hunt stunk, he couldn't block,catch or run. How can anyone say he is any good, you must not have ever watched an Eagles game.
Posted 01:50 AM, 10/15/2008
BrettMyers39
Shabba Rommel- WOW your the same putz who was complaining about the Phillies management/front office....looks like you've moved onto the Eagles now huh since you won't be enjoying a Phillies World Series appearance.....get over yourself you loser.....
Posted 01:37 AM, 10/15/2008
herc09
I believe White played a little fullback in Pop Warner. Maybbe we can convert this linebacker into a pro bowl FB. Hey its worked for the eagles before. Oh that's right it didn't work. I think Michael Bush would have looked a little better in an Eagles uni instead of Hunt. Boy wouldn't it be nice to have a legitimate big back during our short yardage woes.
Posted 12:46 AM, 10/15/2008
modok512
"Dallas just signed Roy Williams. Go figure. That is the difference between a team that wins Superbowls and a team that talks about it. Eagles management and coaching missed another oppty." How many superbowls have the cowboys won since Jimmy Johnson's players have left oh that's right none as a matter of fact since 2000 the eagles have 7 more playoff wins than the cowboys none and the trade for williams is just another example of why the cowboys will continue to be mediocre in the future with Jerry Jones at the helm. It is style over substance Jones runs the team like a sports-writer or a fan They traded 3 draft picks including a first rounder for redundancy at the most over-rated position in football, wide receiver. The Cowboys will need to upgrade their offensive line and secondary next year they have just made that much more difficult.
Posted 10:50 PM, 10/14/2008
mountain
Fatboy won't trade a 3rd rounder for Tony Gonzalez, drafted Loser J Smith instead of Witten, and will probably draft a blind mole in the third round next year - after he trades away the 1st round pick for two more 3's. Reid has got to go.
Posted 10:44 PM, 10/14/2008
montymiller
lets relax...roy williams aint all that...id rather trade for boldin in the offseason
Posted 10:19 PM, 10/14/2008
Scobie1
When will this front office hirer someone that will teach them how to draft?? Oh wait, if we drafted someone that turned out to be really good then they would have to pay him, never mind. Hunt will get picked up by some one and will end up looking like a first rounder there. This doesn't know what to do with a fullback in the offense anyway.
Posted 09:45 PM, 10/14/2008
Bake McBride
Hunt is far better than Booker, but why diss Moats? The guy had a 160 yard rushing day against the Giants when the Birds were 5-10 or whatever they were in '05, then he broke his ankle. He at least had some speed. I still don't know what Booker has, except brown undies when he's running between the tackles.
Posted 09:40 PM, 10/14/2008
gordy
Cspangler, let's see what did we do with our 1st pick last year... Oh that's right we traded it away, how about our first the year before that, oh ditto. but how about our third last year, hmm Bryan Smith can't make the team so they put him on the I.R. and the third from the year before that, oh that's right WE JUST CUT HIM! I believe you called me an idiot on another post because I Criticized your boy L.J Smith (How's he doing by the way) your the idiot. You can honestly say that you would take Reggie Brown over Roy Williams? Take a look at who's throwing to him, his O-line (Both arguably the worst in the NFL) and the fact he's doubled teamed. You're a sheep so therefore your opinion has no value. 1 game below .500 since the S.B.
Posted 09:34 PM, 10/14/2008
phillybruce
Why would the Eagles want to get Roy Williams when we have recievers like ummmmm like ummmm .So why did'nt we get Roy Williams?
Posted 09:21 PM, 10/14/2008
The Wanker
Lurie cares about one thing.....$$$$$$$$$$$$ in his pockets!
Posted 09:18 PM, 10/14/2008
Bama
I hope Hunt hooks on with another team and becomes a star, just to prove once again what a poor judge of talent fat Andy is.
Posted 09:08 PM, 10/14/2008
CSpangler
Who's the moron who thinks we "let" the Cowboys haev Roy Williams? The Cowboys gave up a ton to get a mediocre Williams. What has the guy done lately? Plus Detroit was shopping him meaning that Calvin was way ahead of him. Come on you cant go around giving away your 1st 3rd and whatever else for a 5th WR who has underachieved.
Posted 08:56 PM, 10/14/2008
gordy
justatc1; I will go on the record of saying Reno
Posted 08:26 PM, 10/14/2008
low2behold
Buckhalter had career high numbers w/Klecko as the FB vs the 49ers. Personally, I Cant wait to see what Westbrook does behind Klecko's blocking. However, I think I wouldve traded Hunt before I released him.
Posted 08:19 PM, 10/14/2008
didderbops
We get a nobody linebacker, the Cowboys get Roy Williams. No wonder we are slipping further and further into mediocrity.
Posted 08:16 PM, 10/14/2008
CupCRAZE23
I am no longer an Eagles fan until And Reid resigns and/or is fired. I don't mind mistakes every once in a while, but all Andy Reid is is constant mistakes not only every game day, but during situations like having an oportunity like obtaining a calibar WR like this. They have 2 1st round picks in 2009, you know they are going to trade one of them for multiple picks. Therefore, until Andy Reid is gone, I am not currently a fan of the Philadelphia Eagles.....GO STEELERS!
Posted 08:10 PM, 10/14/2008
ag
i dont understand the hunt move at all. he played well the few times he had an opportunity at RB. I dont understand this signing either. Is one guy really going to make that much more of a difference on special teams? Now the boys signed Williams, wow - if nothing else, they are sending a message that they want to win this year. It really makes a sane Eagle fan question if our FO really wants to win a SB at all costs. Seems like they are content building for the future as usual - Good for business, bad for the psyche of a die hard Birds fan.
Posted 08:04 PM, 10/14/2008
psuwelsh
I am very diappointed (yes, a PSU fan, too). Hunt CAN run and was not given any chance at all. Booker has been terrible, Buck and W'brook are a play away from injury. This will be costly in the long run. I agree with those who say don't trade #1 picks for more #3's.
Posted 07:41 PM, 10/14/2008
komplex2005
Question of the Day?? Did the rest of the NFC East improve and the Eagles could possibly start planning their vacations? The front office baffled me on this one. I would have definitely pulled the trigger to obtain a wideout. I don't know about this one. But on the flip side, I have questioned eagles moves in the past and it turned out pretty well for the team (when garcia took over for mcnabb, i didn't expect him to perform the way he did; but reid swore by it) we will see
Posted 07:32 PM, 10/14/2008
davetheherman
Why is the headline "Eagles Release Hunt" when it should clearly read "Eagles Front Office Bl*ws and Fail To Get Pro Bowl Receiver Again And He Instead Goes To Hated Division Rival Cowboys" Joe Banner, Lurie and Tom Heckart need to go. I admit I don't know exactly what goes on within this organizations transactions but I don't think we can blame Andy for this. Roy Williams should be wearing green, period. This is B**lsh*t. I'd rather have Tony Hunt than a guy who will be a back up to three young starters in Gaither, Gocong and Bradley. WHAT ARE THEY THINKING????!!
Posted 07:31 PM, 10/14/2008
davetheherman
Why is the headline "Eagles Release Hunt" when it should clearly read "Eagles Front Office Bl*ws and Fail To Get Pro Bowl Receiver Again And He Instead Goes To Hated Division Rival Cowboys" Joe Banner, Lurie and Tom Heckart need to go. I admit I don't know exactly what goes on within this organizations transactions but I don't think we can blame Andy for this. Roy Williams should be wearing green, period. This is B**lsh*t. I'd rather have Tony Hunt than a guy who will be a back up to three young starters in Gaither, Gocong and Bradley. WHAT ARE THEY THINKING????!!
Posted 07:27 PM, 10/14/2008
starman
As well stated before, this team is put together to sell hot dogs peanuts, nachos, and eagles shirts. The organization looses not one penny on ticket sales and concessions. But they let the likes of Roy Williams doom them not becoming NFC contenders. After Buddy Ryan, Ritchie Kotite, Ray Rhodes and now this idiot Andy Reid, I have decided to stop being a cash cow for the Eagles.
Posted 07:14 PM, 10/14/2008
elbinkogrande
Tracy White ??? A real puzzlement here. I thought this team liked its young LB's - Mays, Jordan, Studebaker, etc. Go fig.
Posted 06:59 PM, 10/14/2008
SteveS11
Thomas Tapeh also hookwinked Childress into signing him. Its starting to look like Brad Childress is not a very good judge of player talent.
Posted 06:48 PM, 10/14/2008
samafja
I can't believe we let another proven wide receiver go and not only go but go to the cowgirls. Who in the heck is Tracy white, just another great move by the front office. We will never get to the big game by making bad moves before and during the season. However that is Philly for ya!!!!!!
Posted 06:25 PM, 10/14/2008
justatc1
let's play devil's advocate- who would you guys rather have, booker or reno mahe?
Posted 06:23 PM, 10/14/2008
echosmyron
Amen, Shabba. I don't understand why teams don't trade more. Getting a proven talent like Williams for draft picks is a great deal. Jerry knows how to make things happen although I will say that Jerry is also trying to keep momentum going into next season so people will fork over ridiculous amounts of money for seats to his new stadium next year.
Posted 06:22 PM, 10/14/2008
gordy
Tony Hunt is 10 times the running back then Booker could ever hope to be, why didn't they cut him, oh that's right fat boy pulled the trigger on him and will NEVER admitt to a mistake. This organization is more smug and arrogant then the Bush admistration! Don't worry Fat boy will trade our first round to Dallas because they just traded theirs away. I HATE THIS FRONT OFFICE!
Posted 06:04 PM, 10/14/2008
Shabba Rommel
Dallas just signed Roy Williams. Go figure. That is the difference between a team that wins Superbowls and a team that talks about it. Eagles management and coaching missed another oppty.
Posted 05:52 PM, 10/14/2008
JimCollins
The Front Office should start trading their third round picks away, since they don't know how to use them.
Posted 05:49 PM, 10/14/2008
Dierte
Hunt can't block and not that great at running the ball, and certainly can't catch it...chances are that all you people crying over this decision are bandwagon PSU fans. Get over it, this is the NFL...
Posted 05:25 PM, 10/14/2008
Lemur
The fact that they cut another 3rd round pick is a perfect example of why they should stop trading their 1st round picks so they can aquire more 3rd round picks that they value so much.
Posted 05:22 PM, 10/14/2008
Lemur
When Klecko is on the field the defense knows the ball is not going to him. At least with Hunt in there the defense has to worry about him a little. Is Klecko going to be that much better than hunt at FB? He was moved to D-Line in the preseason for a reason. If you are going to cut Hunt at least pick up a FB. Andy loves nice guys who hustle like Klecko and G-Lew but that doesn't always cut it at the NFL level.
Posted 05:18 PM, 10/14/2008
FurlongKid
We traded McMullen straight up for Hank Baskett. That's a significant contribution -- McMullen hoodwinked Brad Childress into believing he was worth trading for.
Posted 05:14 PM, 10/14/2008
FurlongKid
We traded McMullen straight up to the Vikes for Baskett -- Baskett would be a worthy third rounder. So McMullen made a "significant contribution" by convincing Brad Childress that he was something worth trading for.
Posted 05:10 PM, 10/14/2008
tampaPhillyfan
Right with you Lemur. Hunt just needed a little time. Now we just play with Klecko? Whats even more dumb is that we allowed the boys to sign Roy Williams.
Posted 05:05 PM, 10/14/2008
bobbyacro
I hate this front office. Thanks for the non-factor white
Posted 04:49 PM, 10/14/2008
Lemur
So dumb and pointless. With Curtis coming back they shoud have cut Greg Lewis instead. Or just not cut a 3rd round pick for a special teams player who couldn't even stick with the Packers.
About Birds' Eye View Blog

Bob Brookover, left, is in his seventh year of covering the Philadelphia Eagles after spending 15 years covering the Philadelphia Phillies for the Inquirer and two other newspapers. The 45-year-old Brookover lives in Delran with his wife Francine and roots for Notre Dame and Michigan State, the two schools attended by his children, Justine and Ryan. When Notre Dame plays Michigan State, he cheers for the school of the child he likes more at that particular moment.

Jeff McLane, right, joined the Eagles beat in April 2009 after two years of covering colleges, namely Penn State football. Before that he covered high school sports for The Inquirer. Before that he worked in the mailroom (not quite). Informed that his father is no longer covering the Lions, McLane's eldest, three-year-old son said, "You mean Simba, Scar and Mufasa, Daddy?" His two-year-old son -- excited about the move to the Eagles -- said, "Go, Deigo, Go!" or something like that. His wife of five-plus years, however, had a different take on the new job. "Another five years is in question," she said. Check out McLane on Twitter and Facebook for instant updates on the Eagles.
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