Roseman talks Samuel, free agency and the draft
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
Roseman talks Samuel, free agency and the draft
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- The Asante Samuel trade talk isn't expected to heat up until closer to the draft, but with several prominent teams in need of a starting cornerback it's become clear that there will be a market for the four-time Pro Bowler.
While Howie Roseman stopped short of saying that Samuel was on the trading block, the general manager hinted on Tuesday at the NFL owners meetings that the Eagles' depth at the position has cornerback-needy teams sniffing around.
"We [feel] like corner is a position of strength right now," Roseman said. "But at the same time when you talk to teams around the league, you’re talking about maybe some positions that you have a strength and maybe that they have a weakness. You try to see if that’s a match whether that’s cornerback or anywhere else.”
No one expects the Eagles to deal Nnamdi Asomugha or Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, though. Both prefer to press at the line of scrimmage, and the Eagles seem destined to favor this method because of their light-blitzing defensive scheme. The Eagles also still owe Asomugha a large chunk of guaranteed money while Rodgers-Cromartie will make around $7 million less than Samuel is slated to earn.
Samuel's $9.5 million base salary for next season would appear to be a giant obstacle, but the 31-year-old corner would not let a possible restructuring of his contract impede a deal from getting done, a souce close to the situation said.
The Eagles took a number of calls last August from teams interested in acquiring Samuel after the Eagles dealt for Rodgers-Cromartie and signed Asomugha. They even had a trade on the table with the Lions that fell apart late in negotiations. But Roseman declined to say if Samuel had received any recent attention from teams.
“We’ve promised Asante - or really all of our players - that we're going to make sure that we’re giving them all the information and they know about it," Roseman said. "We’ve been in constant communication with him and have apprised him of things that have been going on.”
The Lions still need a corner. The Buccaneers, Chargers, Titans and Browns are some other teams that could be interested in Samuel.
Roseman, in a wide-ranging interview, touched on a number of subjects with free agency slowing down and the draft nearing. Other than re-signing guard Evan Mathis, the Eagles have done very little in free agency. Their big acquisition was trading for linebacker DeMeco Ryans. But they still have a few holes, mostly behind the starters. The could use some depth at running back, safety, linebacker and on both lines.
“Our first goal coming into this off-season was making sure that we re-signed our own players, and then to see if we could get an opportunity to get a difference-maker," Roseman said. "We’re excited about what we’ve done here. That doesn’t mean that we don’t feel like we have other areas that we’re going to look to improve. You talk about specifics examples, some of these areas we’re hoping are addressed with our young players."
Roseman said that second-year running back Dion Lewis could back up LeSean McCoy.
“There’s no question," Roseman said. "This is a heck of a player, really productive in college. ... Every time he touched the ball [last year] you felt like there was a chance for something really positive to happen. You are talking about a position there that you’d like to have more players because obviously running back is a position that you want to have depth at."
Former Colts running back Joseph Addai has been mentioned as a possibility because he ran behind Howard Mudd lines for several seasons in Indianapolis. The Eagles, though, have nine draft picks and could be looking to use a number of late-round selections to address depth.
Here are some other topics Roseman covered during his interview:
-- Roseman didn't come out and say that Mike Kafka was Michael Vick's backup, but it sounded like the third-year quarterback will be given every opportunity to be the guy even with Trent Edwards entering the fold. "I think Andy [Reid] said ... we have high hopes for Mike Kafka to come in and step up. This is his first off-season as a player in Philadelphia. He’s a guy we really liked when we drafted him and we have high expectations for him.”
-- Still, some believe this will be the draft the Eagles expend a high pick on a quarterback so they can start grooming Vick's replacement. Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III are expected to be the top two picks in the draft. Ryan Tannehill is widely considered the next best and could go in the top ten. The Eagles have the 15th overall pick. After those three there is a group that includes Brandon Weeden, Kirk Cousins, Brock Osweiler, Russell Wilson, Ryan Lindley, B.J. Coleman and Nick Foles.
“It’s a good group after the first two," Roseman said. "What you’ll find is that everyone is going to have them rated differently because all these guys have different skill sets. Some guys are big with strong arms and not real mobile, and then you got some really good athletes, and you got some really tall guys and some really short guys. Very diverse group cast of characters here. I think teams like every other year they’re going to find ones they want and they’re going to want to make sure they get them.”
-- Some mock drafts have the Eagles taking a defensive tackle in the first round. It is considered by many experts to be a position of strength in this year's draft. Roseman agreed. "You might not see the run in the top of the draft like you normally do ... but there are players that we like throughout,” Roseman said.
-- Roseman agreed with the notion that more teams are looking to convert big cornerbacks into safeties. He said the Eagles came to the conclusion that there aren't as many NFL-ready safeties as there were a few years ago. The Eagles have one in Jaiquawn Jarrett, a 2011 second-round pick that struggled to get on the field last season. The lockout didn't help matters.
The Eagles have invested two second round picks at the safety position the last two years (Nate Allen in 2010). Roseman said that wouldn't preclude the team from drafting a safety early. Still, he said that the Eagles believe Jarrett should benefit from a full off-season.
"Obviously we think that guys that haven’t had an off-season are going to take a jump," Roseman said. "It’s hard to play fast and be physical if you’re not fully ingrained in what’s going on on either side of the ball."
-- The Eagles appear set at defensive end with Trent Cole and Jason Babin as the starters and Darryl Tapp, Brandon Graham and Phillip Hunt as the guys off the bench. Graham, coming off knee surgery, is the wild card. “I think we have a good set of defensive ends," Roseman said. "We’re trying to build up depth with good players. I think that’s a separate question than anything about Brandon Graham. We’ve talked about this in the off-season here, we have high expectations for Brandon.”
-- With the acquisition of Ryans, Jamar Chaney is no longer the middle linebacker. Roseman was asked if that meant that he was moving back to strong-side. "He’s a versatile guy," he said. "He really can play all three positions. I don’t think we’ve gotten to that because right now we’re in the talent acquisition phase of the off-season.”
-- Joselio Hanson ended last season as the nickel cornerback after Samuel injured his ankle and Rodgers-Cromartie moved outside. Hanson is still under contract, but Roseman was asked if either Brandon Hughes or Curtis Marsh could play in the slot. "I think Brandon has some experience playing nickel. He got a lot of experience last year in training camp," Roseman said. "Curtis not as much because he was a rookie coming into a quick off-season and I think that you want to make sure that you’re playing to his strengths."
Give Kafka a break. He was only in his second season and without the benefit of a normal off season. Of course they had to get a veteran to backup Vick. That's not a knock on Kafka.— soulman386- "...some believe this will be the draft the Eagles expend a high pick on a quarterback so they can start grooming Vick's replacement"...
Yes, let's draft for the future...especially early. Cuz the Eagles don't need any help...our (8-8) team last year was fantastic!...
I don't care what position we draft at #15...but being that high coming off an 8-8 record...he'd better start or contribute very heavily.
— THE-KID (WI) - He should just flip a coin since Reid can't pick a difference making first round player. Just look at his 10 year record.— farley
- Kafka has a rubber band arm. He cannot play in the NFL with that arm. Edwards needs to be the backup and they should draft a QB in the 2nd round.— fammarlin
- I didn't read this article. I scrolled down to make the following comment: "He didn't say a thing".— eaglefaninAZ
- I'm not so sure they shouldn't give a Kafka a look and oppurtunity. He looked decent rallying the Birds against ATL on the road in the 4th quarter trying to come back and maybe could have had a shot to win if Maclin didn't drop the pass that hit him in stride, Wide Open. Good mobility for his size too..Trade Asante 'The Business Entity' and reload with young hungry guys who'll stick their nose in and tackle too.......— PhillyMike5959
- draft wilson in the fourth.next year get the big name qb that will take over the franchise. if vick turns the ball over like last year, hes gone— HDemetriou
- There aren't many teams out there that need a corner who can't tackle. Samuel is past his prime and won't be the big bait Roseman thinks he is.— Ron T
- Pee Wee Roseman, Joey Nickels, Gold Standard, Dream Team....times yours. What could possibly go wrong?— kelprod2
- Kafka I like, but he doesn't throw the long ball. That's vital with our WRs. He's got the height, all he has to do is bulk up the arms and he's a potential ace. I like a QB in round 2, also London Fletcher if he'll learn Sam & doesn't want the moon. 3rd or 4th round, Burfict, who's got it all, just needs to learn discipline from pros like Ryans & Fletcher.— rad205
- Looked really hard all of last season but I didn't see any "big play ability" coming from DRC last season. You kind of get the feeling that if BDawk had still been on the team DRC would have come to practice with a shiner for laying off on some of those plays. The guy just doesn't show any hustle - kind of a clean jersey type of guy?
Asante brings it every game and has every year he's played in the league - KEEP HIM!
Go Eagles!— Laughingaloud123 - Can Samuel play second base?— snj7195
- YES - and allocate the savings to strengthening the rest of the team— Lerze777
- Man, management can't get rid of Asante fast enough, can they?! Here's the problem with their plan: Domonique Rodgers-Cromartie SUCKS! Are you serious? He's a great ATHLETE, true enough. But he isn't HALF the player Asante is. Granted, Asante's not perfect by any means. But believe this: We will be very sorry once Asante is gone. Straight up.— 5NOT4
- Brfct?! He will flop in the pros.— Warhound
- "Asante brings it every game and has every year he's played in the league - KEEP HIM!
Go Eagles! — Laughingaloud123 "
After reading statements and comments like these I really question the intelligence of fellow eagles fans..I've never seen a more opportunistic " ME 1st" player than Samuel..You ever watch a game? The matador whiff arm tackling, the excessive gambling on plays? The absolute reluctance to tackle properly and consisitently dive in head first, blow the tackle and then hurt himself? Ridicolous comment....
— PhillyMike5959 - Redo Asante's contract and keep him. Trade Dense Rose Cromartie for what you can get. Won't happen but I wish it would. Still can't get the vision of him jumping around flapping his hands like a girl after missing a play out of my mind. One of the few times I can recall a trade actually being BAD for both teams involved. Zona got the Baconator, we got the pig.
As for a QB Reid cannot afford to use a high pick on a bench player with the holes on the team but I think he will anyway. Not sure how that addresses the back up QB spot unless Edwards/Kafka are it. DT, QB, LB, CB 1st 4 picks. Washburn gets the big prize this year after his pal Mudd got it last year.— tpizza - Get Kirk Cousins with a 2nd round pick if he looks like he won't be available in the 3rd round. He's a great kid and works hard. He also didn't do too bad in his senior season with MSU. He seems like the type of QB you could develop into a decent starter.— Watching and Waiting
- I agree with tpizza, restructure the contract and keep Asante— Geno D
- Just draft offense in the early rounds. Reid et al are god awful at drafting high on defense, a guaranteed miss every time! Yes to Brock Oswieler No to Vontaz Birfect— yourdaddy!
- PhillyMike5959 - Count yourself among the clueless haters. It's ridiculous! Check these stats, son: NFL Interception Leaders 1999 - 2011: Ed Reed 57, Charles Woodson - 54, Champ Bailey - 50, Asante Samuel - 45. This just in: Interceptions. Change. Games. So, first get a clue, then come back and see us....— 5NOT4
- What a genius.— PhillySubsMac
- Brock Osweiller would be a nice addition to the Eagles QB crop! 6'7.5 240 lbs, strong arm, athletic and coachable.— Eaglehaslanded
- If the Eagles draft anything but a DT, LB or CB/Safety with the 1st 3 picks, then their motto for 2012 should be "We're Great, at 8 and 8". If they move up to draft a QB, this would make as much sense as having an Offensive Line Coach take over your Defense. This would smell of Reid saying to Jeff, "Give me 3 years to develop this Kid" (assuming it's Tannehill). Is this Arrogant Andy's backup plan if they go repeat with another "GREAT" 8 and 8 again? The Insanity Continues!— younged
- Trade Samuel and grab Addai...let's not make this more complicated than necessary...after all, Andy is too stupid to handle anything complicated. Jeez.— sj1926
- I swear if they draft QB and give Reid another extension. I'm done keeping up with this team.— Ace-Philadelphia
- Asante is a future HOF'er believe it or not. Career INT's are a major selling point for CB consideration. Do not trade him. Work out a manageable restructure. Trade DRC if you can get something for him.— Mr Mel
Comment removed.- When did business guys who love football begin to make evaluations on talent? Even Billy Bean in baseball was a former player. It is difficult for me to hear non-athletes speak about a game and personnel when they never played...ever. Just seem odd in that it is very common now in pro sports.— hawk18
- Dion Lewis is "is a heck of a player, really productive in college. ... Every time he touched the ball [last year] you felt like there was a chance for something really positive to happen". Yeah, Roseman, like when you buy a lottery ticket. What a freaking lie.
— Bob1 - How can a 8-8 team not need any new starters?— Ssteve115
- I think the Eagles should trade out of the 1st round, take a run and shoot QB in the 2nd round and the spend the rest of the draft on undersized linemen and "reaches" at every other position.— scootch
- What a joke...this entire article and not one reporter asked Howie if he lost the power struggle with Reid?
— scootch - 5not4 save your breath brother. You are not going to help PhillyMike5959 out of his Hobbit trailer. I’m going to suggest to him that he get a B-12 shot and some considerable sunshine, maybe even breakout his old Freddie Mitchell jersey and put on a Terrell Owens dance video to help make him feel better. Maybe even call Todd Pinkston up to see if maybe he’s free for a cup of coffee.
Hey he may be clueless but at lease he funny!
— Laughingaloud123 - Temple's Bernard Pierce could be available for the Eagles to draft, in order to fortify the running back position!— Cornwall Citizen
- DRC made me sick last year. I cannot watch him give up on any more plays. Atleast Samuel gave a little show when trying to stop someone DRC just plan quit on a few plays.— urbnasty
- Andy has done better with 6th round picks than 1st round picks.McNabb,J.Mac and Simon,Maybe Watkins has been his best to date.I Think AR is a great coach but please let someone else pick the 1st round pick for you.come on how do you take Freddie Mitchell over Reggie Wayne.That was the day i knew AR was a bad Drafter.— ackid38
- I agree with fairly. I don't follow college football, but i read the draft stories a lot. For the last 10 years!!, I can't remember the Eagles drafting someone whom the sports writers felt would be a good choice for the birds. Everyone scratches their heads and says "Huh? Who's THAT??"
I think it's about time Andy and Hoiwe start listening to the writers!!— doc35
