Watkins: "Huge weight lifted"
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
Watkins: "Huge weight lifted"
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
BETHLEHEM, Pa. -- Danny Watkins waited 26 years, what was another five days?
Apparently, it was a lot.
“This is a huge weight lifted off my shoulders, that’s for sure,” Watkins said after he and the Eagles agreed to a four-year contract on Monday. “Ever since I got in Philly I’ve been chomping at the bit to get in.”
But Watkins had to wait as his representation and the Eagles had a five-day standoff during training camp. The issue was the number of guaranteed years. Watkins’ agent, Joe Panos, wanted all four years guaranteed. The guard ended up only getting three.
The total value of the deal is worth a little less than $7.9 million, an NFL source said.
“I don’t know much about the business aspect of football,” Watkins said. “I trust [Panos] and I left it in his hands. He asked me if I was OK with it and I said, ‘Yeah, ‘I’d like to get in there.’”
Panos is a former Eagles guard.
Watkins reported to Lehigh University Monday night after the deal was consummated and will be available to practice Wednesday. Penciled in as the team’s starting right guard, the 26-year-old rookie has missed time learning new offensive line coach Howard Mudd’s teachings.
“I got to come in and compete,” Watkins said. “Nothing’s guaranteed that I’m going to be a starter by any means.”
But will he be able to pick up the blocking technique and the Eagles’ offense in time for the start of the season without the benefit of off-season workouts.
“I’ve only been playing four years and I felt like I picked the sport up pretty good,” Watkins said. “I don’t think I’d be where I am if I wasn’t a quick learner.”
Watkins didn’t start playing football until he was 22. While attending Butte College in Oroville, Calif. to study fire sciences a coach had him come out for football. Two years later the former firefighter from Kelowna, British Columbia was an All-American at Baylor.
The Eagles selected him with the 23d pick in the first round in April, but he had to wait three months to join the team because of the NFL lockout. He drove up here last Wednesday on the day players were to check into their dorms, but was sent home because he didn’t have a contract.
He also tried to get into the NovaCare Complex as the rest of his teammates were up at camp, but he was turned away there, too.
Now he’s officially an Eagle.
“I’m here to learn,” Watkins said. “And it’ll be an honor and privilege to get in front of [Eagles quarterback Michael] Vick and let him work his magic.”
Atta boy!!— cous76- Good, now get DeSean in here!— Geno D
- dang about time for the fireman to play— Scorcher33
- RT maybe to start?— MidGreen
- nothing like a team with uber high hopes penciling in a rookie lineman who's missed an already abreviated pre-season...and on the blind side no less...— guru26
Comment removed.- Kid Watkins is another positive, upbeat player with a winning attitude and will thrive now that the clubhouse cancer is gone.— Astro Jones
You signed your first round pick. What do you want - a cookie?— sweet.sassy.molassy- Good news. Now Mudd gets to set the o line.— mikemaddog
- I'm glad that molassy has his chance to talk, since he'll vanish once the season starts.— HandNik
- A day off?? Cmon man! The season is right around the corner they need to be in there working!!!!— citysims
- Glad he is in, at 26 he is not the usual rookie.
May be a huge addition, will be fun watching.— factsfirst - It looks like the Eagles aren't in a position to negotiate with DeSean until the Asante deal is finished/trade made.— Hearts
- The Fireboy is signed........Whoooo Hoooo! Time to use the hoses and put out all the Fires! Thats about all he will be doing this season!— MRD
