Report: Roberston Visits Eagles

by JasonB on Apr 18, 2008 9:13 PM EDT in Philadelphia Eagles News

Robertson Philly bound?

Jet's DT Dewayne Robertson reportedly visited the Eagles and could be a trade target for the birds come draft day.

Jets defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson, a No. 4 overall pick in 2003, visited the NovaCare Complex recently to meet with the Eagles and take a physical, according to two league sources.

The Eagles can't comment on Robertson, who is still property of the Jets but became trade bait when New York switched to a 3-4 defensive alignment this off-season and signed Kris Jenkins to play nose tackle.

Robertson, listed by the Jets' Web site as 6-foot-1, 317 pounds, was also in conversations with at least four other teams, said one source, who couldn't confirm if the Eagles had made an offer to the Jets. The Eagles have 11 picks in the draft, which starts next Saturday, and could pick up more if they deal cornerback Lito Sheppard. The Denver Broncos are also reportedly seeking the sixth-year Jet's services.

Robertson recorded 4 sacks last year and could provide the extra inside pass rush the Eagles have been looking for. He'd also probably make Darren Howard expendable. Roberston became surplus to requirements in New York after they switched to the 3-4. He's too big to play end, but he's not quite big enough to play nosetackle. He's really built to play DT in a 4-3.

PFT looks at some potential pitfalls.

Working out a trade with the Jets should be a problem -- a third-round pick, a fifth-round pick, and a case of beef jerkey should get that part of the deal done. The problem is Robertson's contract. Less than two months from getting a free and clear release, Robertson has no real incentive to re-do the deal, unless his new team is ready to fork over the cash.

After signing the premier defensive player on the market in Asante Samuel, an 8 sack DE in Clemons, and possibly trading for a big bodied former 4th overall pick in Roberston... it's clear the Eagles are loading for bear on defense.

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Comments

very interesting

I like the idea of this however he may be a little too expensive as a backup. Bunkley and Patterson are going to be monsters this year!

by Jkreck on Apr 19, 2008 7:09 AM EDT reply actions

subject

Not so much a backup, per se. Andy Reid has said he wanted one more guy to rotate in and out, maybe this is it.

by yomjoseki on Apr 19, 2008 7:49 AM EDT reply actions

why

why do we even use our first round picks on players when we just sign other people to take their jobs a few years later

by andyb on Apr 19, 2008 8:48 AM EDT reply actions

Not sure I'd give up a 3rd...

Off the top of my head, Stewart Bradley, and BWest were 3rd rounders.
Throw on top of that that he's looking for more money than the Jets are willing to pay (think about their offseason so far) and I just feel that a third is too high. I'd part with our 4th rounder and throw in a 6 for good measure.
He'd be real nice to roll in and out with Patterson and Bunk though, and we could wave a fond adieu to Darren Howard...
J

by cavortingEagle on Apr 19, 2008 10:11 AM EDT reply actions

Yeah

It could make for a very scary D-line rotation.

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by JasonB on Apr 19, 2008 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions

yea

it would be a hell of a rotation but im with cavorting ... set the deal high around a 4th round pick at the most ... i wouldnt give anything lower

by NorthPhillyKid on Apr 19, 2008 11:23 AM EDT reply actions

Denver

Denver is going to outbid us anyway. They need him a lot more than we do!

by Jkreck on Apr 19, 2008 11:27 AM EDT reply actions

Truth

Shanny is on the hot seat out here. I think he'll overbid, but if he doesn't pull something off - and restore a bit of respectability to the team this year, he's done...

by cavortingEagle on Apr 19, 2008 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions

Apparently

The reason he's visited the Eagles is because the talks with Denver have broken down.

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by JasonB on Apr 19, 2008 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions

Denver

The link states that a 3rd+5th would get the deal done, but I have a feeling that the final price will be much lower than that. The Jets will most likely cut Robertson before his $3 million bonus comes due, and thus, they have little to no leverage.A 5th alone (4th at the absolute earliest) will be the final asking price, if it isn't already.
Hopefully Robertson's agent didnt simply arrange this visit to expedite the process of going to getting out of NY

by vliardi on Apr 20, 2008 12:10 AM EDT reply actions

Nossir, I don't like it

Robertson will want a lot of money for a guy who's unlikely to start. If you must have an expensive third DT, better to trade down and take somebody like Trevor Laws early in the second round.

I suppose this could just be due diligence in the event the Jets cut him before that bonus comes due, or they could be trying to convince him he'll never get that $3 million so he might as well take the best deal he can get.

by Tracer Bullet on Apr 20, 2008 9:14 AM EDT reply actions

Yeah

If the Eagles pulled the trigger on this deal, it'll be because they've worked out a contract on their terms.

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by JasonB on Apr 20, 2008 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions

Like it...

I like this move. As the original post said, it looks like we are getting loaded for bear. I love the idea of being able to rotate fresh bodies in and out and not loose production. It looks as though we are definitely going the route of causing major havoc on defense, which is exactly what I want to see. I think moves like getting Clemons and picking up Robertson will do alot to increase our turnover production this year. Not to mention that cornerback guy we signed :-) I hear he's pretty good.

Also, I think the one thing that really hasn't been touched on is what Robertson feels is important... winning and the shot at a SB or money. Yes, Denver might be able to outbid us for his services, but what team will give him a better shot at a trip to the SB? If all he wants is money, then have fun in Denver, I don't want him anyway.

by foos05 on Apr 21, 2008 8:43 AM EDT reply actions