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Eagles Rumor Mill - Stewart Bradley, Gibril Wilson, Defensive Ends

By JasonB
Safety Gibril Wilson
This was an interesting note from Jim Johnson at the combines, it appears that Stewart Bradley could be the starting middle linebacker going into this year.
"I think it's going to sort itself out," Johnson said. "The biggest thing is how fast Bradley can handle the middle linebacker. We'll still probably use Omar [at middle linebacker] in certain nickel situations. I just feel like it's a situation we haven't had before. I feel like I've got some guys I can move around. I can move Omar from strong-side to weakside or middle linebacker. He's an experienced linebacker," Johnson said.

So does Gaither become the utility man in the LB corps or does this mean Takeo Spikes is on shaky ground? Spikes is due a pretty decent amount of money next year, and with guys like Gaither and Jordan on the roster at his spot you have to wonder what his chances are of making the team? I think he's definitely going to come to camp, but he'll have a fight on his hands. Especially if the Eagles grab a LB at some point in the draft.

JJ also goes on to say that he plans on working Chris Gocong into the pass rush a lot this offseason.

We're seeing more and more rumblings that the Eagles are after Giants' safety Gibril Wilson.

...it seems more likely, and perhaps even more logical, that they are going to make a strong attempt to sign New York Giants safety Gibril Wilson.

It's more likely because Samuel is considered the premier defensive player on the open market, and he is going to command a top contract - probably at least $12 million per season with a $20 million signing bonus - and there's going to be a line of teams bidding for his services.

Wilson, a 26-year-old free safety, doesn't figure to get nearly as much money as Samuel and probably fits better with the Eagles in terms of need.

The best thing about Wilson is that he already knows the Eagles' defense having played under the JJ disciple, Steve Spagnuolo. I actually think he's a guy the Eagles would try to sign very early on. One of those deals were they get him in town and don't let him leave, rather then let him play the Eagles and Giants against one another. I could see them offering him a pretty solid "take it or leave it" deal up front that forces him to decide.

At the combine Joe Banner revealed that the Eagles are in multiple trade discussions(who isn't right now?) and the speculation is on what they'll do at defensive end. Could a trade for Julius Peppers be in the works?

Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers might be on the Eagles' radar. The 28-year-old had 23 1/2 sacks his first two seasons, but managed just 2 1/2 last year. He is slated to make $14 million next season, and the Panthers are wavering on whether to sign him to a ridiculously expensive long-term deal, have him for one more season or trade him while they can still get something in return.

More likely, the Eagles would target Titans defensive end Antwan Odom, who is due to become a free agent, or Bengals sack artist Justin Smith. Odom, who had just 4 1/2 sacks in his first three seasons, broke out for eight last season. Smith, an eight-year veteran, is coming off a disappointing two-sack season after averaging just under seven sacks for his first six seasons.

Odom is interesting name because I don't think he'd break the bank, but Smith is a guy I'm not interested in. He's an average at best player who I think is going to demand big bucks. I'd rather see us spend that money elsewhere than give a bunch of money to a guy that's not much better than Darren Howard or Juqua Thomas.

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