One Bird not leaving the nest

This article was originally published in the Daily News on March 12, 2004.

Hey, who says the Eagles never sign their own players once they reach unrestricted free agency?
The Birds fortified the interior of their defensive line yesterday by reaching agreement with defensive tackle Paul Grasmanis to a 3-year contract.

It seems very likely that Grasmanis will be the lone returnee among the eight Eagles unrestricted free agents, even though linebacker Carlos Emmons and running back Duce Staley - whom many fans might rather have seen return to the fold - already are gone, to the Giants and Steelers, respectively.

Grasmanis, 29, was a fourth-round draft pick of Chicago in 1996 and has played 4 years for the Eagles. He tore his left Achilles' tendon in the second game last season, against New England, and was placed on injured reserve.

"Paul has been a great contributor to this football team over past few years and we're glad to have him back under contract," coach Andy Reid said. "He'll come back strong after his Achilles' tendon surgery last year. We look forward to getting him back on the field this year. "

Grasmanis was unavailable for comment yesterday, but last week, when the Eagles signed defensive end Jevon Kearse, Grasmanis said he looked forward to coming back here and playing with Kearse. The Eagles did not release terms of Gransmanis' deal.

Agent Cliff Brady said he did not want to comment on the dollar amount until the contract is signed, which won't happen until Monday, after Grasmanis returns from vacation.

Linda Bodley, agent for Eagles free-agent cornerback Troy Vincent, said Vincent was resting yesterday at his property in North Carolina - but was not visiting the NFC champion Carolina Panthers, whom he'd lobbied for a job. Bodley said Vincent hopes to decide in the next day or two; Cincinnati seems a likely destination.

The Eagles' other free-agent corner, Bobby Taylor, did not return phone calls yesterday from the Daily News.