BillyV's Blog

3/1/08

You have to give the Eagles credit. They jumped into the (free agent) pool and made a big splash.  On the first day of free agency, they signed the player they (and many others) considered the top player available, CB Asante Samuel. 

Today’s signing, the second in two days, is a lesser name; DE Chris Clemons, who wasn’t even a starter for Oakland last year.  Then again, the fact that he managed eight sacks in a reserve role makes the Eagles think he can help improve their pass rush significantly. 

Andy Reid didn’t seem especially happy at the news conference announcing Clemons’ signing. Maybe he was thinking about the many other players who signed with other teams today. Players like Chicago receiver Bernard Berrian, who is headed to Minnesota or former Eagle Donte Stallworth who left New England for Cleveland.  If Reid agrees with the rest of us that the Eagles need an upgrade at WR, then he’s got to be disappointed that the two best free agents are now gone.  (Not that there’s any indication that the Eagles were actually targeting either one, or that Reid does agree they need one.) 

Keep in mind, though, Javon Walker was just cut by Denver, and Randy Moss still hasn’t re-upped with the Patriots and, according to the Boston Globe, is now going to start listening to offers from other teams.  The Eagles, though, will likely never sign a potential problem child like Moss after their experiences with T.O.

But back to the players they did sign.  I think Clemons is a good move, because they need more of a pass rush, but they didn't have to get a superstar because they already have a decent left defensive end in Juqua Thomas, who gives you lots of hustle, and they have 2nd round pick Victor Abiamiri, who could be a stud. (We don’t know, because Reid didn’t play him—even when the Eagles were 5-8 and out of the running.)  Andy intends to use them all, saying "if we can get four good [guys] in there, cranking it up and going, then that’s what we want."

 

As for Samuel, obviously, he is a great player, but with free safety Brian Dawkins about to turn 35, I think the Eagles needed a safety much more than a cornerback.  Speculation is they may  1)move Sheldon Brown to safety, which I think would be a mistake or  2)try to trade Lito Sheppard.  We’ll have to see what they do before we really know how to judge the Samuel signing.  I can't think of a possible third choice, because Giants' safety Gibril Wilson signed with Oakland, Cincinnati's Madieu Williams signed with the Vikings and beyond that, the crop of free agent safeties is not very good.  

 

 

But Samuel's signing does show that the Eagles are serious about making moves after an 8-8 season.  They got the top guy they targeted, and they're paying him $57 million over 6 years. After what the Phillies did this off season, targeting second-tier players as usual, over-the-hill guys like Geoff Jenkins and never-reached-the-hill guys like Chad Durbin, while letting one of their best players, Aaron Rowand, walk away, the Eagles can’t help but look good by comparison.