Eagles move to keep Harrison, Rocca

The Eagles showed their interest in keeping running back Jerome Harrison by tendering him at a second-round level yesterday.

Harrison, a fifth-round pick out of Washington State, was acquired by the Eagles in a trade with Cleveland for Mike Bell during the season. He ran for 239 yards and a touchdown on 40 carries in eight games. He also had eight receptions for 43 yards.

The Eagles also tendered punter Sav Rocca to give them the right of first refusal should he receive another offer. Rocca, 37, was undrafted and joined the NFL after his career playing Australian Rules football. He was tendered at the same level last year.

Of course, none of this might matter, because it seems unlikely that the rules will be the same once a new collective bargaining agreement is reached.

The moves bring the total of potential restricted free agents - at least under the current system - tendered to six.

Wednesday, the Eagles tendered linebacker Stew Bradley at second-round compensation, guard Max Jean-Gilles at fourth round (his draft round) and cornerback Dimitri Patterson under the right of first refusal (Patterson was undrafted). Exclusive-rights free agent Eldra Buckley also was tendered.

Under the current system, if another club signs a player to an offer sheet, the Eagles have 7 days to match the offer. If they choose not to match, the Eagles will receive a pick in the round the player was tendered.

The Eagles did not tender linebackers Ernie Sims, Omar Gaither and Akeem Jordan; offensive linemen Nick Cole and Reggie Wells; and defensive backs Antoine Harris and Ellis Hobbs, who is said to be mulling retirement. *