Burgess Might Be Soaring With Eagles Again

Burgess Rumored to Eagles

By Lance Epstein

Last night reports surfaced saying the Eagles were going to pursuing restricted free agent defensive end Ray Edwards. Today, sources around the league have linked the Eagles and former Eagles' defensive end Derrick Burgess.

Burgess, (6-2, 260) has 264 tackles, 52 sacks and six force fumbles over his eight-year career.

Burgess, 31, began his career with the Philadelphia as he was drafted in the third round pick out Mississippi in 2001. His rookie season with the Eagles he played in all 16 games and registered 6 sacks. However, his next season ended early due to injury.

In 2004, Burgess returned from injury to record 2.5 sacks, but really made a name for himself in the playoffs. Burgess recorded 3 sacks in the post-season and one against Tom Brady in the Super Bowl.

The off-season saw Burgess signed five-year $18 million contract with the Oakland Raiders. In his first season with the Raiders, he exploded onto the national scene by recording 16 sacks. The next two seasons with Oakland, Burgess combined for 19 sacks in 30 games. Although in the 2008 season, Burgess only played in 10 games recording just 3.5 sacks.

Last off-season the Raiders decided to trade the two-time Pro Bowler to New England after he held out of training camp due to wanting an new contract (was in the last year of a deal and only receiving $2 million).

With the Patriots, Burgess converted from a defensive end in a 4-3 to a linebacker in a 3-4 defense for the first time in his career. Initially he struggled only getting two sacks in 12 games. However, the last four games of the year, he returned to form as he accrued three sacks.

If Burgess signs with the Eagles, he would be the second former Eagle to return to the franchise this offseason; the other being wide receiver Hank Baskett.

Burgess would be a nice addition to the Eagles defense. He will be 32 at the start of the season but still shows the burst that made him an effective pass rusher with the Eagles and Raiders.

Moreover, he can play the left defensive end position and help take pressure off of Trent Cole. Furthermore, Burgess would be a good bargain at this stage of free agency. Plus, the Eagles would not have to give up players or picks like they would with restricted free agent Ray Edwards.

Of course the signing Burgess would only be a one or two year stop gap, but still allows the Eagles to draft a defensive end high and bring him along at his own pace. If the Eagles make the move, it would be a nice upgrade to the defensive end rotation.

Of course on Tuesday, Burgess said he would love to move forward as a member of the Patriots.

Fargas Not Expect to Sign Today

Fargas Press Conference Quotes, Not Signing Today

By Lance Epstein

According to Philadelphia Daily News reporter Les Bowen the seventh-year running back Justin Fargas is not signing with the Eagles on Friday. Despite Fargas stating numerous times in his press conference his desire to leave Oakland and play for a Super Bowl contender.

Fargas, 30, as rushed for 3,369 yards and 10 touchdowns with the Raiders. In his tenure in Oakland, Fargas led the team in rushing for three straight years. He is a former 2003 third round pick out of the University of Souther California.

Fargas plans to make more visits that his agent has set up before making his final decision.

UPDATE: Jeff McLane twitter page a league sources says the Eagles are unlikely to sign Fargas.

Here are the quotes from the press conference.

On the situation between he and the eagles:

"First off I am just excited about the opportunity. I had a good experience in Oakland some tough years but that chapter of my career is over. I am excited about what is to come. The opportunity to come here and play for the Eagles, the winning tradition, great tradition, great city, first class organization it would be nice if we could work out."

How tough was it to be on Oakland over the last seven years:

"I have nothing bad to say about my experience in Oakland. There were some tough years, some up and downs. A lot of crazy stuff happened, I have seen a lot, but I gave everything that I had to that organization and I am just looking forward to giving that same heart and dedication to my new team."

What teams have you visited with so far and plan on visiting with:

"Went to Kansas City briefly. Cleveland before I came here. And a few other teams I am looking at. I am taking my agents lead on that but I am here now and excited about this opportunity."

Are you going to be here the rest of the day, stay at the complex:

"I have been here most of the day since this morning. Meeting with all the coaches, taking a tour of the facilities, doing a physical and everything. So it has been good."

On the Raiders saying he failed a physical and what he has told teams:

"Well, I missed some time at the end of the season; the last two games. I was questionable for the last one (game) and they held me out. From there, the exit physical I didn’t pass it because I missed the last game. But I went for a recheck up there in Oakland and they said I was fine and clear. When they released me I was told it was strictly about money. That is where it stands."

What was the injury:

"A bruised knee."

How much of change is it for him to go from Oakland’s offense to the Eagles where they ask the running back to receive and run with the ball:

"They (Eagles) definitely use their running backs here to do multiple things. Put them in different formations and I am excited about that opportunity. The main thing in Oakland was I was a stationary back. I was in the backfield as a running back but I definitely have the ability to come out of the backfield and run routes and catch the ball. I am excited about the chance to do more than I did when I was in Oakland."

Talk about how hard he hits the hole and where that came from:

"I have always played the game the same way. Ever since I first started playing football. I really do not know how to play any other way but full speed and with all out effort. That is what you are going to get with me. I cannot be any other back. Every running back has their own style and the way they get the job done. I just have an aggressive style of running."

At 30 do you feeling like you still have a lot of mileage left considering backs at 30 usually hit a wall:

"I definitely have a lot of football left in me. I feel reenergized with this new opportunity before me. Like I said my chapter in Oakland closed but at the same time it has given me new life on my career. I am ready to have my best season ever and just make the most of my opportunity."

What has free agency been like:

"Well it has been a new process for me. I had the opportunity to explore free agency two or three years ago but I signed back with Oakland before free agency opened. So I didn’t go through the process. So it has been new. Kind of like college recruiting all over. A little bit. It is good to go see other organizations since I have only been apart of one for seven years. So it is good to see what else is out there. As far as the Philadelphia Eagles, I recognize that this is definitely a first-class organization. From the staff, players, coaches, facilities, everything is really nice here."

Where do you and the Eagles stand:

"Like I said I am following my agents lead. As far as what teams I am visiting and things like that. But I am excited about the opportunity here. Personally, I am hoping it will workout."

On the Eagles giving any indication of asking him to get back to them after his visits are complete:

"Yeah from what I understand they are excited about the possibility for me to be an Eagle. They feel like my style of play can fit in well here. This is known as a tough city , a tough team and I consider myself a tough running back. So it should be a good fit."

So why not just get it done:

Laughing by Fargas

Did he expect it to get a deal done when he was here:

"That would be nice. I have been on a lot of planes in the last few days and it can wear on you a little bit. But it is going to be tough to walk away from this situation because after seeing different teams and being here seeing how things are run here it is a special place. Hopefully it will workout."

On why Philadelphia is such a special place for players:

"One, it is a great city. The city has a lot to offer. From what I know and understand, the fans are the greatest fans; very supportive of the team, the expectations are high as they should be because Philly is a known winner. Always a contender. That is very important to me as far as going through this process and looking at other teams. I had seven tough years in Oakland and I want to compete for a championship. And that is an expectation here for the organization and from the fans here. So I want to be part of a winner."

On his role with the Eagles and what the organization told him:

"I will compete. I will compete to play with the other backs that we have. McCoy is a young back with a lot of potential. I think with some of my experience and things we could compliment each other. I can help him out anyway I can with my experience and by leading by example by the way that I work and approach the game. I get the chance to play with a Pro Bowl fullback in Weaver. As a tailback you have to be excited about that. A great offensive line, which should add to my production. It seems like a great opportunity."

On current Eagles players:

"I went to school and played with Mike Patterson and Winston Justice. You know the SC guys. I know a few others like Desean Jackson by just being in the Bay area while he was at Cal. Watching him play and watching how he developed as a pro has been exciting.

"I talked to Mike (Patterson) a little bit over the phone. He was telling me a little about the city and about the organization before I came out here."

On Jamarcus Russell struggles in Oakland:

"Jamarcus is a good player, great talent and just hasn’t had the success that I am sure he expected. The fans and the organization in Oakland had high expectation for him but I do not think he is done by any means. I wish him the best and the Oakland organization the best but I am moving on from there."

On the Oakland coaching situation(s) and how or if it took its toll on him:

"I don’t know. Seven years in Oakland I had five head coaches. And this will be my sixth coach and a news system so I can adapt easily. I think the key to developing a winning organization starts with stability at your head coaching position. You have had that here in Philly and been able to enjoy a lot of success. I am hoping to be apart of that."

Sheldon Brown on the Move?

Eagles Dangling Brown in Open Market?

By Lance Epstein

According to ESPN's television show "First Take," the Eagles are 'dangling' cornerback Sheldon Brown around the league for either a second or third round pick.

One of the reasons the show gave for dealing Brown is new acquisition of defensive back Marlin Jackson. The Eagles have reiterated that Jackson start at free safety but he can play either right or left corner as well.

However, I believe there are two other major reasons for considering trading the solid corner.

First, last year Brown made a big deal through the media about wanting a new contract. Anyone who follows the Eagles franchise knows they will not tolerate airing their dirty laundry out in the public. They are a tight lipped organization and rarely lets out information.

While it was a whole year ago, it rubbed many in the organization the wrong way. Also, it is not hard to believe that behind the scenes Brown is still demanding a new contract or to be traded. Andy Reid and the Eagles will refused to handout another contract to Brown when his current deal makes him a bargain and Brown is about to turn 31-years-old next Friday.

Second, go back and watch game tape of Brown down the stretch the last two seasons. In the 2008 playoff run and toward the end of the regular season, Brown was beat sounded down the field. During the regular season win at the Meadowlands, Domenik Hixon should have had a game changing 84-yard touchdown if he did not drop a wide open pass.

Then in the Eagles playoff run, he got torched by Minnesota wide receiver Benard Berrain for a long touchdown and then almost got beat by him again. The following playoff game against the Giants, Hixon again should have had a easy touchdown if Eli manning did not grossly under-throw his wide receiver. Finally, he along with the rest of the defense got lit up by the Cardinals.

Now, look at this past season. While playing with a partial hamstring tear for most of the season, he still got beat. Miles Austin must be giving him nightmares in his sleep with his double moves. Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton picked on Brown consistently. Even the 49ers threw to Brown's side of the field with success.

Yes, some of Brown's issues this year dealt with the hamstring problem (his first major injury concern of his career, but he is getting older and these types of injuries become more frequent.

While Brown is a great team leader, the Eagles can get value for him. There is no way they would b able to get a second rounder for him, but there is no reason to think the Eagles cannot get the same type of deal that the Chargers got for Antonio Cromartie ( third this year that could move to a second next year).

Remember early off-season reports from Philadelphiaeagles.com reporter Dave Spadaro about new GM Howie Roseman being aggressive and a outside the box thinker. With the draft being deep at the cornerback position, it does make sense that the Eagles might be looking to get younger.

Baskett Signs 1-Year Deal With Eagles

Baskett Excited to Be Back

By Lance Epstein

The Eagles have made it known in the past that you can always go home again. Today was no different as the Eagles and wide receiver Hank Baskett have agreed to a 1-year contract.

Last season, the Eagles had to released Baskett because of the numbers game. Baskett signed with the Colts but viewed the experience as a seven month vacation away from the Eagles.

"It feels good. It feels like I went on a little vacation and came back home," Baskett said. "It's good. This has been home to me and it's good to come back and be welcomed back."

The 27-year-old wideout and special teams ace spoke at length with Andy Reid about what his role on the team would be and was assured to be both a wide receiver and used on special team. Unlike his time with the Colts where he was used sparingly at wide receiver; catching only four balls for 28 yards.

"Special teams is something that's me, I'm always going to do that," said Baskett, the special teams MVP for the team in 2007. "We talked about the whole offensive role and all that and we were building up something pretty nice before I left and (coach Reid) said we're going to come in and continue that.

"We have a great receiving corps here and I felt like being a part of that nucleus since I got here and we've built something and now I'm back and I'm glad I get to go on and take this receiving corps to the next level. We have great individuals but as a group we've been proven to be very deadly."

Another reason for Baskett's willingness to return to the nest was his familiarness with the community and area. Baskett also stated that he chose the Eagles one-year deal over the possibility of a multiyear deal because of the familiarity with the Eagles. This was a huge factor in his decision because he and his wife, Kendra Wilkinson (former Playboy playmate) recently had a boy, Hank Baskett IV, in December 2009 .

"We just had the son and all that, and the fact is that if we went somewhere else I would have to go there, be gone the whole time, learn the whole system all over again, have to find doctors, hospitals and all that," Baskett said with a smile. "But yet we already have all that established here and it's a fit where Coach Reid ... wouldn't be bringing me back if he didn't want me to come in here and contribute."

However, the main reason for Baskett signing with the Eagles, who he spent four out of his five NFL years with, was that Reid and the franchise showed extreme interest in him as soon as free agency began.

"There were a couple teams who had shown some interest but my agent and I had been in contact with the Eagles pretty much since day one and that just shows that I was really wanted back here and that makes me feel good because everyone knows that I left with no hard feelings and the Eagles, the coaches, everybody let me know that they weren't releasing me on bad terms," Baskett said,. "Everybody told me that you never know when I could be back here, so it's a good feeling that they showed interest from day one."

GM Howie Rosemen spoke highly about the type of teammate and person Baskett is and his role with the team.

"Hank adds solid depth to our wide receiving group, plus is a productive special teams player," Roseman said in a statement. "He is a good teammate and obviously is a positive influence in the locker room and is a high-character person. We're excited about welcoming he and his family back to the Eagles.”

More importantly, getting the 6-foot-4, 220 pound Baskett back in the fold finally gives the Eagles the size at wide receiver that their three main wide receivers lack. Desean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin and Jason Avant are good wide receivers but Baskett's size makes hi a consistent red zone threat.

Moreover, this contract could mean veteran wide receiver Kevin Curtis, who is owed a hefty roster bonus on June 1, could be on his way out of Philadelphia.

Other Notes:

While Baskett was only a teammate with new Eagle Marlin Jackson for seven months , he explained the person, teammate, hard worker and reason why Jackson is a perfect fit in Philadelphia.

"The guy has a tremendous work ethic, I'll tell you that. When he was out there rehabbing, this and that, he was one of those guys that's the first in and the last to leave. He's very professional. I remember he wrote a letter to the team about, after he got injured, just saying what kind of a leader he was and what he said in that letter just let the team know that this guy, he may not be out there on the field with us but he's definitely there with us and he's going to be pushing us. He's not a guy who gets hurt and took off. No, he was in there pushing, helping the younger guys with stuff and he's a great leader.

"He's a blue-collar guy, which definitely fits in here in Philly. This is a town and team that expects guys to be in here and ready to work. We're not the guys who are flashy and flamboyant and all that. We come in here to work and to get the job done and that's always how it's been here and that's one reason I really like being here because people here don't mind working a little."