Sam Farmer of the LA Times buried what seems like a pretty significant story in the "tidbits" section of his column this week. He cites two sources that say Andy Reid threatened to quit this year if he was not given more control over personnel. As Executive VP Of Football Operations, Reid's title gives him final say on personnel moves, but at least according to the report, that power had eroded.... but now it's back.
Two NFL insiders, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the topic, said that Philadelphia Coach Andy Reid was ready to walk away from the Eagles if he didn't get more personnel control, and now he has it. We've seen a flurry of decisive moves by the Eagles in recent weeks, including finally cutting a blockbuster deal with receiver DeSean Jackson; extending two good soldiers, defensive end Trent Cole and right tackle Todd Herremans, outbidding the Ravens to keep guard Evan Mathis; and trading for Pro Bowl linebacker DeMeco Ryans.
This is a story we'll likely never get confirmation on and frankly I don't really buy Farmer's implication that the Eagles' moves so far this offseason are "proof" that Reid is "back" in control. Everything they've done has been pretty sensible and par for the course for the Eagles, plus all indications are that it was Howie Roseman that got the DeMeco Ryans deal done. Andy said as much at the press conference.
Farmer also says that Reid was interested in getting in on the Peyton Manning sweepstakes.
Something else about the Eagles: Reid wanted to jump in the Peyton Manning sweepstakes, despite the signing of Michael Vick to a six-year, $100-million contract last season. Talks never got too serious, the insiders say, because Manning didn't like the idea of playing against his brother Eli, quarterback of the New York Giants, at least twice a season.
I'm sure almost every team considered getting in on Manning, who is arguably the best free agent to ever hit the market. I have no idea how the Eagles could have made it work money wise, but that certainly would have been a splash and also more in line with the way the team acted last offseason, when Reid supposedly wasn't "in control..."
It's an interesting story at the least and it will be curious to see if more corroboration comes out. Thanks to KJ Brophy for the find.