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Let's get to the links...
Three free agents the Eagles could consider - JimmyK, Philly.com
If you clicked this article thinking that big names like Jairus Byrd or Brian Orakpo were going to be profiled, apologies in advance. The following three players are more of the "prudent spending" variety, but could fill smaller roles on the team. We'll profile more players leading up to free agency, so don't be alarmed by the absence of a safety. These just happen to be three players that stood out for various reasons.
Offseason outlook: Running backs - Zach Berman, Inquirer
One name to watch is Oregon’s De’Anthony Thomas, and it’s not solely because he thrived under Kelly during his first two seasons with the Ducks. Thomas would be appealing because of his versatility. He can play in the backfield, in the slot, and in the return game. You saw the different ways the Eagles used DeSean Jackson, who predicted he would be used in Philadelphia like Thomas was at Oregon. The Eagles never seemed to find a way to maximize Damaris Johnson. Thomas could be that type of player for the Eagles. Kelly looks for speed and dynamic ability, which Thomas offers. The team could use an improvement in the return game after ranking the bottom third of the league in both punt returns and kick returns. Thomas had five return touchdowns at Oregon.
Draft Strategy, Part 1 - Tommy Lawlor, Iggles Blitz
Not all drafts are created equal. Some drafts have more stars. Others have more depth. Sometimes the team has very specific needs that must be addressed. Other times the team can focus on finding the best players. Each year the personnel people for a team have to map out a strategy for how to attack the draft. We obviously don’t know what Howie Roseman is thinking right now, but one idea he should consider is trading back to acquire more picks. Why? There are a record number of underclassmen in this draft. That means there will be more good players than usual in this class. It also means there is a decent chance that next year’s draft class will be a bit light, since so many guys who would have been key Seniors won’t be there.
Banner or Roseman? Lurie made right call - Reuben Frank, CSN Philly
It was the summer of 2012, and Eagles owner Jeff Lurie had a decision to make. Lurie knew that lifelong friend Joe Banner, the first person he hired after buying the Eagles in 1994, and Howie Roseman, Banner’s one-time prodigy, could no longer co-exist. There was a clear divide in the Eagles’ front office, Roseman pulling one way and Banner pulling another way. The situation was untenable, and Lurie was soberly aware that for the Eagles to return to the form that saw them draft well, sign quality free agents and win a ton of football games and make deep postseason runs in the early part of the decade, he was going to have to make a choice. Howie or Joe. One had to go, the other would stay.
Looking at the Trail that Former Browns Safety David Sims Left Behind - Chris Pokorny, Dawgs By Nature
After seeing that the Indianapolis Colts signed David Sims earlier today, that got me to wondering -- what ended up being the outcome of the trade between the Cleveland Browns and the Philadelphia Eagles two years ago? If you recall, Sims was a training camp stud at the safety position who fans thought was going to make the final roster. Instead, Tom Heckert traded Sims to the Eagles for a conditional draft pick. The straight up terms of the deal eventually ended up with Cleveland giving Philadelphia a 7th-round pick, and Philadelphia giving Cleveland a 6th round pick. That 6th round pick is the one we are going to associate with Sims. Now, get ready to go on a crazy journey to see where that pick is today.
Terrell Owens says Donovan McNabb was jealous that Eagles fans liked him more - ESP, NJ.com
"I think he felt kind of slighted at how honestly, at probably the way the team, well actually the city, just embraced me while I was there considering when he got drafted they [Eagles fans] didn’t want him there and things like that," said Owens.
Sizing Up IR Impact For 2014 - Dave Spadaro, PE.com
A season of proper nutrition, sports science, the right kind of training and, admittedly, good luck mixed in helped the Eagles stay relatively healthy in 2013. A few players coming back in '14, though, could help the cause.
Westminster dog rankings, 2014: Another tough year for Spaniels - Spencer Hall, SBN
6. Boxer. HEY HEY HEY WHATTA WE DOIN' LOOK THERE'S YOUR FACE I LICKED IT THERE'S YOUR FACE I LICKED IT THERE'S YOUR FACE I LICKED IT
