Maclin lands; Eagles sign two
Jeremy Maclin was scheduled to arrive at Philadelphia airport from St. Louis at 10:30 a.m. this morning, so the recently-signed wide receiver should already be on the ground. The Eagles are hoping their top draft pick is at Lehigh in time for today's afternoon practice. That means he should be available to the press sometime around 4:30 p.m.
Maclin lands; Eagles sign two
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
BETHLEHEM, Pa. -- Jeremy Maclin arrived at Philadelphia airport from St. Louis at 10:30 a.m. this morning. The Eagles top draft pick then drove an hour north landing at Lehigh in the early afternoon. He won't participate in this afternoon's special teams practice, but he will be available to the press following the practice at 2:45 p.m. He'll get to work tomorrow morning.
The team and Maclin finally came to terms on a five-year deal late last night. Maclin is expected to earn $15.5 million with $9.5 million of that guaranteed. He missed the first eight days of training camp and has some time to make up.
Roster moves
The Eagles, as expected, announced the signing of linebacker Matt Wilhelm this afternoon. A two-year starter with San Diego, Wilhelm was released by the Chargers a few weeks ago. He is expected to contend for the middle linebacker spot left vacant after Stewart Bradley tore his anterior cruciate ligament on Sunday. Joe Mays is currently running with the first team, but Omar Gaither is expected to be given a fair shot at the job. The Eagles also signed defensive end Jason Babin, a former first-round draft pick of the Houston Texans in 2004. Babin, who has also played for Seattle and Kansas City, has 15 career sacks in five seasons.
In order to make room on the roster for Maclin, Wilhelm and Babin, the Eagles released defensive tackle Jervonte Jackson, cornerback Courtney Robinson and wide receiver Marcus Thigpen.
Camp notes
Jason Peters was absent from practice and wasn't even on the field working out with the training staff. The tackle suffered a quad spasm last week and missed the first three days of full-squad practice. He returned Sunday, but must have had a setback. Tackle Shawn Andrews (back) was also not out on the field. Ellis Hobbs was also missing. The cornerback had a stinger on Sunday.
Running back Brian Westbrook (ankle), defensive end Victor Abiamiri (pectoral muscle), defensive tackle Trevor Laws (hamstring) and safety Victor Harris (ankle) continued to work out with the training staff today.
Cornerback Asante Samuel is completely back from his hamstring pull. He participated in the live hitting portion of practice.
Well idiot is a bit strong - words that should be used for Joe Banner. Nah just kidding Joe.— sportsdead- traveling light...i guess he didn't have enough $$$$ for extra luggage charge....hhahahha— xrajux
- Hey man...cool picture— MFPhils
Breaking up the Jacksons, harsh. Who's next, the Andrews Sisters?- knmcmahon, you need to think before you write. There are no nonstops from St. Louis to Allentown. It takes @ 3 hours in flight to Phila. and then an hour or so drive to Bethlehem. If you take the one-stop to Philadelphia and you are lucky there is no delay you will get there at the same time. I hope for the public's sake you don't work in transportation.— Bob1
- I think Maclin shouldve already been in Lehigh so he could practice right after signing....Gimme a break, he had already missed multiple days of camp....another 1/2 day doesnt matter.— paul66
- Derrick Brooks is available because he can no longer keep up. Great player, great person, lots of savvy and definite Hall of Famer, but his tank is near empty. Gaither and Mays will be alright. Neither is as good as Bradley, but they're both better options than today's version of Mr. Brooks (respectfully).— dapmman
