CAN HEAR CLEARWATER CALLING
The Eagles released quarterback A.J. Feeley to make room for a defensive tackle Antonio Dixon, a team source told The Inquirer today.
The team claimed Dixon, a 6-foot-3, 322-pounder let go by the Redskins yesterday, off waivers. Washington signed him in April as an undrafted free agent out of Miami where he wasn't a full-time starter.
The Eagles kept Feeley on their roster as of final cuts last night at 6 p.m. But it was expected that the team did so because they hoped to trade the 32-year-old backup. Apparently, a deal could not be struck so the Eagles parted ways with Feeley, who had two stints in Philadelphia.
Feeley could not be reached for comment this afternoon. Earlier today, however, when he was asked about making the 53-man roster and his being the subject of trade rumors, Feeley responded via text message: "Certain things I can't control, so I don't worry about them. Bottom line, I am just excited about helping the Eagles win."
He will probably be best remembered for guiding the Eagles to a 4-1 record and the playoffs after Donovan McNabb broke his leg late in the 2002 season. Feeley was traded to Miami in 2004, where he was given an opportunity to start. He struggled and two years later landed back with the Eagles.
Feeley, as a vested veteran, doesn't have to pass through waivers. He can sign with any team of his choosing. The Patriots look like a certain fit. New England only has only two quarterbacks at the moment -- Tom Brady and Brian Hoyer, a rookie out of Michigan State.
Michael Vick, meanwhile, will remain on the commissioner's special exempt list, although that could change at any moment. Feeley's departure means the Eagles have just two quarterbacks on their 53-man roster. They may be willing to just carry two for the first two games of the season as Vick serves out his two-game suspension.
Dixon's addition gives the Eagles ten defensive linemen with four being full-time tackles: Mike Patterson, Broderick Bunkley, Trevor Laws and Dixon. In four preseason games, the 24-year-old Dixon registered eight tackles.
UPDATE: The Eagles announced they have re-signed four players to their practice squad: WR Danny Amendola, G Paul Fanaika, G Mike Gibson and TE Rob Myers. The team is expected to announce the addition of four more to its practice squad tomorrow.
