Skip to content
Eagles
Link copied to clipboard

Eagles Notebook: Kolb could become an ex-Eagle today

DOMINIQUE Rodgers-Cromartie couldn't say much yesterday, not knowing whether he really is bound for the Eagles, as many of us believe, or will be staying in Arizona. But the Pro Bowl corner told WIP Radio hosts Anthony Gargano and Glen Macnow that he would welcome the chance to learn from Asante Samuel, should the Eagles actually obtain him today in a deal for quarterback Kevin Kolb.

In recent weeks, Kevin Kolb certainly has seemed to expect to end up in Arizona. (Steven M. Falk/Staff file photo)
In recent weeks, Kevin Kolb certainly has seemed to expect to end up in Arizona. (Steven M. Falk/Staff file photo)Read more

DOMINIQUE Rodgers-Cromartie couldn't say much yesterday, not knowing whether he really is bound for the Eagles, as many of us believe, or will be staying in Arizona. But the Pro Bowl corner told WIP Radio hosts Anthony Gargano and Glen Macnow that he would welcome the chance to learn from Asante Samuel, should the Eagles actually obtain him today in a deal for quarterback Kevin Kolb.

Trades are allowed starting at 10 a.m. today, on the first day after the NFL lockout, and it will shock many observers if Kolb is still an Eagle by noon. There have been rumblings going back to the April draft about the possible marriage of a team that badly needs a franchise quarterback and a team that badly needs a standout starting corner. In recent weeks, Kolb certainly has seemed to expect to end up in Arizona, even hooking up with Cards wideout Larry Fitzgerald for a passing session.

Neither Kolb nor agent Jeff Nalley responded to requests for comments last night. Rodgers-Cromartie said it didn't matter to him whether he played in Phoenix or Philadelphia - again, it would be silly to root openly for the deal, then find he's staying.

"I just play it by ear, man, but whatever happens, happens," Rodgers-Cromartie said. DRC said he is friends with only one current Eagle, corner-returner Jorrick Calvin, his former Cards teammate.

He wasn't asked if he found the trade speculation surprising, or if he has asked the Cards about possibly being in play, after having been drafted 16th overall by them in 2008 and helping lead them to the Super Bowl after his rookie season.

"Aw, man, I'm going to win that," Rodgers-Cromartie said, when asked who would prevail in a footrace between himself and DeSean Jackson.

"That's what they say," DRC said, when asked about perceptions he is not a strong tackler. "But I know if it comes down to it, and I have to make the tackle, for me and him gettin' into it, he's going to come down."

Corner is the Eagles' biggest hole as they prepare to open training camp at Lehigh tomorrow afternoon. If they don't trade for Rodgers-Cromartie, they'll have to sign a free agent, such as Cincinnati's Johnathon Joseph or Pittsburgh's Ike Taylor, or even the top player on the UFA market, Oakland's Nnamdi Asomugha.

The Eagles are expected to target the defensive line, and a report in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution this week had them as frontrunners for Vikings free agent defensive end Ray Edwards, who was a big part of the Vikes' Super Bowl run following the 2009 season. Edwards was a restricted free agent that winter and his agent group was interested in linking him with the Eagles, who did not make a bid after Edwards was tendered at the first-round level.

Edwards spoke yesterday with ESPN 97.3 radio in South Jersey about the possibility of becoming an Eagle. Though he doesn't have to be as careful as Rodgers-Cromartie, Edwards didn't sound especially thrilled. He said he'll sign where he gets the most money.

Teams can start talking to unrestricted free agents today at 10 a.m., but they can't sign them until Friday, a setup that is ripe for chicanery. ("You're signing with who? But we agreed we had a deal 2 days ago!!")

"I don't think it's going to happen that quickly," Edwards said, when asked about the process.

Birdseed

Reports linked the Eagles to undrafted free agent running back Graig Cooper (5-10, 205), from Miami. Apparently, Cooper can also return kicks . . . Reports had former Conestoga High linebacker Mark Herzlich signing with the Ravens, but Herzlich, a Boston College star who came back from cancer last season, tweeted last night that he has not signed with anyone yet "and am still making my decision."