Pictures inside an Eagles fan's head...
The first week of March: season's changing, and so is your NFL team...a whirlwind of seasonal events to keep up with...but my bird-brain is struggling...current Eagle news is all mixed up with dueling images of regret in my head!
WR Jason Avant signs a 5-year deal for $18 million with $8 million guaranteed...This was a very smart move by the Eagles. At 27 years old, Avant is already one of the best slot receivers in the NFL, and it's time he got some national recognition. In my mind, he's the Eagles' version of Derrick Mason...great hands, great routes, good downfield blocking, and the ultimate "possession" receiver...and a classy guy to boot.
OL Stacy Andrews agrees to restructure his contract...Here was the opposite of the Avant deal: a potential All-Pro coming off a tough and troubled season...and Stacy's only real option to stay on the team was to agree to take a reduction in his 2010 salary, from $3 million to $1.15 million. I still have high hopes for this guy, but it's getting harder to believe in a happy ending.
WR Reggie Brown is traded to Tampa Bay for a 6th-round draft pick in 2011... Alex is probably thrilled by this news, but I for one am sad to see Reggie go. I know, he had that blockbuster rookie season five years ago, and then basically disappeared as the Eagles' 4th WR and Special Teams contributor...Nice guy, worked hard and always seemed to make the final cut with a super training camp...But seeing him go the Bucs for a very low return on investment is disheartening. I guess you could say Reggie was a 5-Year Plan that the Eagles stopped planning for...
Freddie Mitchell's BBQ restaurant is closed...I couldn't help myself, my thoughts somehow connected to FrEDEX with all the signing and trade drama surrounding the Eagles' wide receivers this week. I thought I'd call him at his Ribs Restaurant down in Florida for his comments on the highs and lows of being a featured wide receiver for the Eagles. Last time I heard from Freddie was last year during training camp, and he still believed he could play in the NFL. Only this time, there was a disconnect signal when I dialed the restaurant... Has anyone out there seen Freddie lately?
CB Tom Brookshier, 1931-2010... Loss of a great player, a very good broadcaster, and a good man. We posted an obituary earlier this year...a lot of younger fans who'd never known him wanted to see his image. Here he is at Franklin Field, vintage 1961...
