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I would too Jules, their are two problems.

#1. Lito would only come back if he was guarenteed to start opposite A.S (no platoon).

#2. Sheldon WILL NOT play saftey. Hugh said as much on WIP. Regardless of what he says in public, he let the Eagles know that he will not play saftey in any capacity.

So bringing Lito back would essentially bring two disgruntled DB onto your team. That bieng said, Lito would be in essentially what becomes a "contract year". He would want to stay healthy and be in a position to make big plays in an effort to prove to all teams that he is a stud.

Considering the Giants and Boys would frequently play 3 WR formations given their WR/TE corps, I think it would be reasonable to reconsider the nickel a new base package.

I hear what you are saying. If Lito is as injured as often this year, it won't be an issue. I think Sheldon as a free safety would really confuse opposition as to man/zone coverage and would be awesome for JJ's "scheming" and "exotic" blitz packages. Didn't realize he hates safety with a passion though.

My point isn't to insinuate that they shouldn't have signed AS before shopping Lito. Knowing that his trade value will automatically be diminished by bringing in AS (and knowing they'll have a disgruntled DB on their hands) shows they weren't happy with him. So now that his trade value's down, is the issue Lito's contract demands (not worth AS money, agreed) or the Birds asking for too much?

The consensus says Lito for a 2nd works, and you get a PB-DB and you could pay him in a way that both a) protects you from his injuries, and b) allows you to sign a capable DB for less than the market's showing. I'm just wondering if the Birds were asking for too much (Jax giving up a 1st seemed somewhat far-fetched, even before the report was debunked), or if Lito thought his value was much more than the market demanded.

You can't pay Lito.

Trent Cole signed a 5 year $27 million extension a couple years ago. Jared Allen just got 6 years $72 million.

Westbrook got 5 years $25 million with $9 million guaranteed. Larry Johnson got 5 years $45 million with $19 million guaranteed.

Christ...Tra Thomas might now one of the top 30 highest paid lineman (at any position) right now.

The problem with "correcting" contracts is you have to be extremely judicious or everyone will demand it.

If you say yes to Lito, how can you say no to Cole, Westbrook, and Tra (all more deserving, all more important to the team, and all more durable over the last couple years)?

There isn't enough cap room to make sure every player gets a raise if he somehow plays well or the market changes. You keep him if he promises he won't bitch too much and you dump him if you don't want to deal with it, but you can;t pay everyone who cries.

I am highly skeptical that J-Ville would give a 1st rounder for Lito, but think about the possibilities:

They could have 3 first round picks!

That could turn into 9 3rd rounders
or
24 4th rounders

Think about it!

FD, Westbrook is a special case. I agree that you can't pay someone based on a per year basis (and really, if you don't think you'll be happy with the contract, you shouldn't sign it.....Lito or CJ).

Westbrook is the exception to the rule, if only because without him, this offense is way below average.

I think he's the one that you can re-do and there will be a minimal amount of complaining in the locker room, but when Lito signed the contract, he should've known that he was being signed for less than what he could've become.

But there's no way you re-up Lito, especially since you can't count on him lasting a full season. In Westbrook's case, he's proven it lately.

I am puzzled that Lito has not drawn more interest. Despite his injury problems, I think he is good enough to start for most teams in the league. I don't think he is so old that teams wouldn't be willing to give up a one or two, plus something else, to get a player who can start right now. I wish I had the time to look this stuff up, but how many cornerbacks come out of the draft and start right away? Also, how many teams have cornerbacks that are better than Lito? By now, I would think Lido understands that he won't get really big money, so I would think that if he was traded the other team wouldn't be scared off by the prospect of having to pay him something way in excess of his current contract. I just find the lack of interest puzzling, and I wonder if there is something going on behind the scenes that we just don't know about.
At the same time, since this league is so pass happy, I wouldn't be surprised to see him on the field in a high percentage of plays with Brown and Samuel.

I think interest in him will pick up now that the draft is over. The bigger obstacle isn't injuries - it's the new deal he wants. He's likely let it be known and the Eagles are probably telling teams interested in trade that he wants A. Samuel money.

Something that works in his favor is that few DBs from Jim Johnson's defense leave and are exposed as "system players." Al Harris, Rod Hood, come to mind. They coach DBs well or can spot the bad ones and never let them see consistant time (like that guy the Eagles had last year who changed his name).

The rumor about the Jags is probably legit. They addressed their pass rush in the draft and need DB support to take out Indy. The closer the season is, the more anxious they'll get. A post June 1 trade is more likely for both teams. Gives the Jags time to look over their roster and realize they need help and gives the Eagles a slight salary cap break.

thing is....that the jags signed one of the top "free agent" DB, the cat from SD. Him and mathais make a solid backfield. I am not sure where the urgency comes from. I wouldnt be suprised at all to find out this is ALL from lamont smith. Lito is from J-ville, and clearly wants to go to a team down south.

Agreed, FD about "reworking" the contract. Just thought maybe they could give him some more guaranteed cash up front or something. Be nice to know that your secondary is completely locked up for 3-4 years.

I am mostly critical of the FO, but not on this count.

NCSF, agree with all you said.

I think the thing about this which bothers me the most is that Lito on the team now becomes a cancer. If they can't move him, but keep him active, he's going to be problems (not as bad as TO, but it can't be helpful). Sure, it would be great to have 3 probowl caliber corners on a team. The team needs him moved more for chemistry then draft picks or players.

I dunno.

His personality- thus far- isnt that of an a-hole.

They will (If they chose/have to keep him) have $$$ to give him a SLIGHT restructured deal IF THEY HAVE TO KEEP HIM (which i dont think they do or will, btw)...

Dont give me the list of others who will want more money or a new deal.
Aside from Westy- theyre not in Lito's shoes.

And I assume the deal with 36 gets done soon enuff (meaning within the next yr).

But Tra Thomas will Bitch?
Dawk?
Runyan?

No shot.

They all know theyre done.

Brown may not wanna be a nickel,but from what ive heard he is steadfasty refusing (NOW) to play S--- how much you wanna bet that changes when he is moved to Nickel CB (in my perfect world where lito takes LCB) and realizes that his stats will suffer so he 'graciously' moves to Safety.

When that occurs (IF)-- the Eagles will have the best secondary in football.

I dunno.

His personality- thus far- isnt that of an a-hole.

They will (If they chose/have to keep him) have $$$ to give him a SLIGHT restructured deal IF THEY HAVE TO KEEP HIM (which i dont think they do or will, btw)...

Dont give me the list of others who will want more money or a new deal.
Aside from Westy- theyre not in Lito's shoes.

And I assume the deal with 36 gets done soon enuff (meaning within the next yr).

But Tra Thomas will Bitch?
Dawk?
Runyan?

No shot.

They all know theyre done.

Brown may not wanna be a nickel,but from what ive heard he is steadfasty refusing (NOW) to play S--- how much you wanna bet that changes when he is moved to Nickel CB (in my perfect world where lito takes LCB) and realizes that his stats will suffer so he 'graciously' moves to Safety.

When that occurs (IF)-- the Eagles will have the best secondary in football.

They coach DBs well or can spot the bad ones and never let them see consistant time (like that guy the Eagles had last year who changed his name).

You mean Kingford James? The guy who they touted as being good enough to replace Sheldon Brown, stirring up all this controversy, and then later finding out that, like charcoal, all he was good for was getting lit up? James did see consistent time before pretty much everyone realized he was a defensive liability.

Not disagreeing with your point (completely) - they've been right about CB more often than not (Hanson improved last year, seemingly).

And I assume the deal with 36 gets done soon enuff (meaning within the next yr).

But Tra Thomas will Bitch?
Dawk?
Runyan?

No shot.

You can't do Lito first...definitely not before Westbrook.

If you're re-working deals, it's:

1. Westbrook
2. Cole
3. Lito
4. Every other player on the team now that the floodgates are opened.

I think if we've been paying attention at all the past few years we know they aren't giving him a single dime (nor should they). The only guy I could see them re-doing is Westbrook because he has a legitimate gripe on some levels and he's their best player. If you redo him, you can still say no to everyone and they'll get it.

If you give Lito more money, the locker room won't be happy. They'll all think they've done more to earn it than him because they are out on the field and practicing every week while he's rehabbing and in street clothes.

I think they'll try to deal him and if they can't get value, they'll tell him "Look...your value isn't what you thought it was on the open market. Go out there this season, tear it up, and earn your trade/new deal".

I'd be fine with that as long as he is sold on it. If he's going to hold out all training camp and all that nonsense, I'd rather not deal with it.

I will preface this by saying I am NOT defending the F.O. here, but what gets me pissed off is the fact that a guy like Westbrook signs a contract that at the time seems fair. 1 year later, Larry Johnson signs an extension for way more than Westbrook did. Suddenly, what was a "fair" deal a year ago, becomes an unfair deal today.

Let's face it, salaries will continue to go up and this league cannot give a player a new contract every time another player on a different team signs a more lucrative extension.

If Champ Bailey becomes a FA next year (for example) and gets more than Asante, can Asante come back and ask for a new contract?

The answer is simple: No way in hell--especially since the Asante contract has now become the standard by which all FA CBs expect to be compensated.

I know the Birds like to lock guys into long contract based on their "potential", but those players could simply choose to not sign the deal, not take the signing bonus money and hope to strike it rich in free agency. That is why Samuel is the highest-paid CB in the league right now. He choose NOT to sign an extension, took the franchise tag for a year and tested the free-agent waters.

Westbrook, Lito and Cole can go pound sand. If you as a player think that you will "outperform" the contract that a team presents to you, just say no.

I agree, Nova.

My only point was if you give Lito money, how can those guys not have a case?

It's like buying your fuckup son an Aston Martin and leaving his pair of straight "A" brothers in a couple of '87 CRX hatchbacks.

You have top stonewall all of them.

Agreed.

If they give one player a deal, you have to pay them all--including Westbrook.

I think that he is the MVP of this team and I think that he is paid less than some other top-tier RBs in the league, but he signed a deal. I don't care how "special" you are.

Bass, as I understood NCSF's point to exclude Kingsford, but was pointing out all the other successes.

As for payments, other than Westbrook, I agree with Seth. Outside of him, none of the others can gripe about shit. Cole isn't J. Allen or even close.

Not saying a precedent of yearly salary increases necessitates restructuring everyone's contract. Just saying for the Birds and their needs, he would be a great keep. Not everyone is in that category. Consequently, their ability to bargain is severely constrained. That is the context I view the issue.

If he's going to hold out all training camp and all that nonsense, I'd rather not deal with it


f-d is Joe Fuckin Banner!




I knew it all along.

Yeah, right. I'm saying dump him for a second round pick in 2009, not cut him.

This is C-L-A-S-S-I-C Banner.

Dawkins likes Lito, hates situation

The Eagles' long-tenured safety doesn't expect his friend to remain.


By Bob Brookover
Inquirer Staff Writer

Brian Dawkins provided an honest answer to a difficult question.

"In the right situation, that would be an awesome situation," the Eagles' six-time Pro Bowl safety said yesterday during an interview at the NovaCare Complex. "This is not the right situation."

Dawkins was talking about the Eagles' trio of cornerbacks who are scheduled to be in the same place for the first time when the team meets Friday night. That's in preparation for the post-draft minicamp, which starts the following morning.

This weekend's camp, which includes two practices each day Saturday and Sunday and one Monday, will provide the first glimpse of how Asante Samuel, Lito Sheppard and Sheldon Brown could be used by defensive coordinator Jim Johnson if they are all still around when the season begins.

It also could provide the first public comments from Sheppard, who is unhappy with his contract situation but has chosen to remain silent since the Eagles signed Samuel. Sheppard did not return a phone call yesterday.

"The way it has played out, I don't see those three guys being here at the same time," Dawkins said. "It's a tough situation to be in, and this is somebody I'm close to and I consider a close friend. I don't like it for him. Whatever happens, I hope it works out best for Lito. I hate that this is happening to him."

There were no indications yesterday that a trade was in the works. In fact, a league source said there was absolutely no truth to a story that said Sheppard's agent, Lamont Smith, was trying to interest the Jacksonville Jaguars in a trade for 2009 draft picks. The source said the Jaguars have expressed no interest in Sheppard.

The Eagles entertained trade offers for Sheppard before the draft, but the best offer they received was a pick in the middle of the second round. The team decided he was more valuable to them than a second-round pick.

Dawkins believes the Eagles could have handled Sheppard's situation better than they have.

"You understand there's a business side of things, but . . . business can be handled in a better manner," the safety said. "I just don't see how it can work out here. I really don't."

Eagles president Joe Banner disagreed with Dawkins' take on the situation.

"I'm not sure what Brian is talking about or if he knows what exactly has happened," Banner said. "I don't really agree that three guys of this caliber can't play together. There are certainly plenty of situations where three quality players at the same position have played together. Look at Randy Moss, Wes Welker and Donté Stallworth with the Patriots last year."

Eagles coach Andy Reid said after the draft that he intended to talk to Sheppard before the start of this weekend's camp, but that conversation has not yet taken place.

While this weekend's camp is mandatory and players who do not attend can be fined, all off-season training activities after this one are voluntary. The Eagles have had players in contract disputes attend the mandatory camp, then sit out the voluntary ones.

I think that he is the MVP of this team and I think that he is paid less than some other top-tier RBs in the league, but he signed a deal. I don't care how "special" you are.

I disagree with this. If you perform, there is precedent to pay you and incentive for the slackers to try harder. Reward performance.

I don't feel strongly about reworking Lito's contract, just think it'd be useful for the team to not worry about the secondary for 3 years. His performance has been spotty secondary to injury.

Are they FOR REAL on the EMB?

I mean, COME ON MAN!

Here's their poll heading into this wknds mini camp:

Best On-Field Storyline For Mini-Camp?

A) First impressions from rookie class
B) QB picture -- does Kolb move up?
C) New look at LB
D) Free agents and how they fit
E) The progress of the offense



Nah, Lito and his presence or absence will hardly warrant a Camera crew, let alone maybe 8 of them and a slew of questions/interview requests.

That place is God awful sometimes.


Kolb's goin to move up in a wknd post draft camp.
Got it.

How the offense looks?
IN SHORTS versus AIR?

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