Eagles Transactions
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December 28
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The Eagles fired head coach Ray Rhodes.
December 23
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Eagles wide receiver Irving Fryar announced he will retire at
the end of the 1998 season.
December ??
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The Eagles signed punter Nicker Gallery to the practice squad.
December 10
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The Eagles placed running back Charlie Garner on injured reserve.
*** His broken ribs wont heal into time to contribute in the final
three games.
The Eagles signed fullback Mike Reed from the practice squad to
the active roster.
*** Promoted for the second time this year.
December 9
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The Eagles signed defensive tackle Edward Jasper to a one-year
contract.
*** The injuries at defensive tackle give him another shot at
proving himself to the Eagles.
The Eagles signed wide receiver Harvey Middleton to the practice
squad.
*** Seems to have recovered from the hamstring injury that hampered
him all training camp. The Eagles will give him another look-see.
December 7
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The Eagles released safety Matt Stevens.
*** Had been a healthy de-activation for 5 straight games. Never quite
lived up to the Eagles expectations.
The Eagles signed safety Sean Woodson from the practice squad
to the active roster.
*** Wont see much playing time this year behinf Zordich and Marshall.
The Eagles signed offensive guard Steve Zahursky, linebacker Ron
Rogers and safety Marcus Wimberly to the practice squad.
*** some guys with potential to look at.
The Eagles released quarterback Chuck Clements from the practice
squad.
*** Hoying and Peete could play if necessary, so Clements is gone.
December 4
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The Eagles placed defensive tackle Bill Johnson on injured reserve.
*** Not enough games left to heal enough to play.
The Eagles claimed linebacker John Haskins off waivers from the
San Diego Chargers.
*** Will be evaluated. Not expected to see any playing time.
The Eagles released wide receiver Russell Copeland.
*** Had been a healthy deactivation on a weekly basis.
December 3
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The Eagles placed defensive tackle Hollis Thomas on injured reserve
with a torn bicep muscle.
*** Not enough time to heal up and play again this year.
The Redskins signed offensive guard Lamont Burns who had been on
the Eagles practice squad to their 53-man roster.
December 2
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The Eagles signed defensive tackle Henry Slay from the practice
squad to the 53 man roster.
*** The Eagles need help at DT wil Thomas and Johnson likely done
for the year.
December 1
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The Eagles re-signed fullback Mike Reed to the practice squad.
*** A hanger-on. Likely will get sent to NFL Europe.
The Eagles signed free agent tight end Andrew Jordan.
*** Hurting at TE, the Eagles signed one off the scrap heap.
The Eagles placed tight ends Jason Dunn and Kaseem Sinceno on
injured reserve.
*** Bye-bye depth #1 and #2 TEs.
November 30
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The Eagles signed wide receiver Kevin McKenzie from the San Francisco
49ers practice squad.
November 27
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The Eagles signed fullback James Bostic from the practice squad to
the active roster.
The Eagles released fullback Mike Reed.
November 5
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The Eagles signed free safety Brian Dawkins to a 5-year contract
extension (through the 2003 season) worth $15M.
*** The Eagles locked up their starting free safety through 2003.
November 4
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The Eagles released offensive guard Tarren Crawford from the
practice squad.
The Eagles signed quarterback Chuck Clements to the practice squad.
November 2
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The Eagles signed cornerback Bobby Taylor to a 6-year contract
extension (through the 2004 season) worth $30M.
*** The deal also raised his base salary for the 1998 season and
includes incentives that couold bump the total value to $33M.
The Eagles signed defensive end Greg Jefferson to a 3-year contract
extension (through the 2001 season), monetary terms unknown.
*** The deal also included a raise in his 1998 base salary.
October 29
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The Eagles released tight end Jimmie Johnson.
*** Somewhat unexpected, but the Eagles appear to be leaning towards
youth. Dunn and Sinceno had to shoulder the load now.
The Eagles signed free agent tight end Chris Fontenot.
*** Had been on the Chiefs practice squad after going through training
camp with the Dolphins.
October 23
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The Eagles were awarded defensive tackle Steve Martin off waivers
from the Colts.
*** Was a fifth round pick of the Colts in 1996. Will get into
rotation some with only 4 DTs on the roster.
The Eagles released defensive tackle Ed Jasper.
October 8
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The Eagles announced that running back Darnell Autry has retired
to pursue a career in acting.
The Eagles signed fullback Mike Reed from the practice squad to
the 53-man roster.
The Eagles signed running back James Bostic to the practice squad.
September 30
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The Eagles signed offensive guard/center Lamont Burns to the
practice squad.
*** 5th round draft pick of the Jets in 1997
September 27
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The Eagles signed Irving Fryar to a two-year contract extension.
*** He is signed through the 2000 season now.
September 25
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The Eagles placed defensive tackle Rhett hall on injured reserve.
The Eagles signed wide receiver Karl Hankton from the practice
squad to the active roster.
September 17
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The Eagles signed free agent defensive tackle Ed Jasper to a
two-year contract.
*** Last cut of training cap. With Hall hurt, Jasper gets another chance.
The Eagles signed tight end Kaseem Sinceno to a one-year contract.
*** Looked good in the pre-season and will be given a shot to stick.
The Eagles waived linebacker Ray Farmer.
*** His roster spot was realistically taken by Ike Reese.
The Eagles signed defensive tackle Henry Slay to the practice
squad.
*** Was a 7th round pick of the Falcons this year.
September 15
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The Eagles released tight end Chad Lewis with an injury settlement.
*** Lewis suffered a broken ankle vs Atlanta and wasnt seeing much
playing time due to the lack of improvement in his blocking.
September 8
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The Eagles placed running back Aaron Hayden on injured reserve
after he broke a collar bone in the season opener.
The Eagles signed running back Darnell Autry to a two-year contract.
September 2
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The Eagles reached an injury settlement with wide receiver
Sheddrick Wilson and waived him from injured reserve.
*** A camp body that was stashed on IR to make roster room a few
weeks ago until he was healthy enough to waive.
The Eagles signed Karl Hankton to the practice squad.
*** Looked good and will be given a chance to get better.
September 1
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The Eagles signed DT Keith Council, T Tarren Crawford, FB Mike
Reed, and TE Kaseem Sinceno to the practice squad.
*** Reed and Sinceno showed the most potential.
The New Orleans Saints claimed defensive end Uhuru Hamiter off
waivers.
*** The Eagles wanted to put him on the PS, but knew somebody else
would likely claim him.
August 31
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The Eagles claimed cornerback Al Harris off waivers from the
Buccaneers.
*** Perhaps a better CB at this point than Love and maybe Rossum.
Probably will contribute mostly on special teams.
The Eagles released wide receiver Karl Hankton.
*** Showed promise, but was very old for a first year player (27).
Will likely come back to the practice squad if he clears waivers
August 30
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The Eagles released the following players: defensive backs John
Fisher and Anthony Rice, defensive end Uhuru Hamiter, defensive tackle
Edward Jasper, fullback Mike Reed, offensive guard Keith Sims, tight
end Kaseem Sinceno and wide receiver Antwuan Wyatt.
*** Hamiter, Sims and Wyatt were somewhat of a surprise as all
were expected to be backups this year.
The Eagles traded a conditional future draft choice to the New
England Patriots for wide receiver Dietrich Jells.
*** A burner. Not very physical, but adds much needed speed to the
WR corps if he sticks.
August 25
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The Eagles released defensive end Ndukwe Kalu, defensive tackle Keith
Council, linebacker Keith Kerrin and DeShawn Fogle, defensive backs Dana
Hall, Randy Kinder and Alundis Brice, offensive linemen Sean Love and Tarren
Crawford, fullback Leroy White, wide receivers Rico Cannon, Josh Dolbin,
Jack Jackson and Harvey Middleton.
The Eagles placed defensive tackle Chris Akins, offensive guard
Melvin Thomas and wide reciever Sheddrick Wilson on injured reserve.
August 22
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The Eagles released fullback Jeff Cothran.
*** Was expected to be the backup FB, but Mike Reed has looked decent
as has Leroy White, and an ankle sprain was keeping Cothran from
practicing.
August 19
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The Eagles released wide receiver Chris T. Jones
*** His NFL career looks to be over. After multiple surgeries,
he still hasnt shown any progress in recovery.
August 18
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The Eagles placed defensive end Mike Mamula on injured reserve.
*** Hadn't looked particularly good at LDE anyway. Jefferson replaces
him as the starter officially now.
August 17
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The Eagles released fullback A.J. Jelks, quarterback Mike McCoy,
kicker/punter Jaret Holmes and tight end Kevin Hickman.
*** Holmes didnt have it in the games, and the rest were camp bodies.
The Eagles signed safeties Dana Hall and Anthony Marshall to one-
year contracts.
*** Add some bodies at safety to cover the Stevens injury.
July 28
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The Eagles waived offensive guard Wendell Gaines and linebacker
Troy Asbell.
*** both were camp bodies. Gaines had actually walked off a few days
prior.
The Eagles signed fullback Leroy White to a two-year contract.
*** probable camp body. Cothran and Jelks are both injured, so
someone needs to be in there.
July 22
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The Eagles claimed running back Aaron Hayden off waivers from the
Green Bay Packers.
*** Veteran to compete with Corey Walker for the 3rd halfback job.
The Eagles released running back Brian McKenzie.
*** rookie free agent camp body.
July 21
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The Eagles signed wide receiver Jack Jackson to a two-year, veteran
minimum contract.
*** Camp body with some NFL experience, smallish but has a chance
to win a job if the WR corps continues to look shaky.
The Eagles released wide receiver Jason Dullick.
*** Camp body
July 14
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The Eagles signed 1998 3rd round draft pick linebacker Jeremiah
Trotter to a four-year contract, reportedly worth $1.2. The deal also
reportedly included a 420k signing bonus.
*** Expected to eventually take the middle linebacker job.
The Eagles signed 1998 3rd round draft pick cornerback Allen
Rossum to a three-year contract for the league minimums each year,
plus a 345k signing bonus.
*** Rossum is expected to contribute immediately as a return
specialist and maybe as a nickleback.
The Eagles signed 1998 4th round draft pick defensive tackle
Brandon Whiting to a three-year contract, worth league minimums
plus a 233k signing bonus.
*** Whiting might see some time in the DT rotation.
The Eagles signed 1998 4th round draft choice cornerback Clarence
Love to a three year contract. (This contract was originally not approved
by the NFL on June 17, but has since been reworked and approved).
*** Expected to be in the mix for the 3rd or 4th CB spot.
The Eagles signed 1998 5th round draft pick linebacker Ike Reese
to a three-year contract, worth league minimums plus a 93k signing
bonus.
*** Reese is expected to contribute on special teams units, perhaps
taking Farmers spot.
July 13
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The Eagles re-signed exclusive rights wide receiver Freddie Solomon
to a one-year contract.
*** Performs well in crunch time, expected to be the 4th or 5th WR
this year. Perhaps 3rd if Jones is not healthy.
The Eagles released safety Charles Emanuel and cornerback Tevell
Jones.
*** Jones was a camp body, but Emanuel was expected to compete for
the backup FS spot after a strong showing last year before his
injury. His release leaves the door open for Kinder to win a
safety spot.
July 1
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The Eagles re-signed exclusive rights tight end Chad Lewis to
a one-year, 198k contract.
*** Lewis needs to learn to block a little better... he already
catches everything thrown his way.
June 18
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The Eagles signed 1998 1st round draft choice offensive tackle
Tra Thomas to a five-year contract worth up to $9.5M with incentives
that included a $3.7M signing bonus.
*** Just four picks left to sign with a month to go before camp.
The Eagles signed defensive end Uhuru Hamiter to a two-year contract.
*** Played in the NFL-Europe for the England Monarchs.
June 15
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The Eagles signed restricted free agent wide receiver Chris T.
Jones to a one-year, 397k contract.
*** Still recovering from a nagging knee injury.
The Eagles signed 7th round draft pick offensive tackle Melvin
Thomas to a three-year contract.
*** May make roster or practice squad.
June 11
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The Eagles signed restricted free agent cornerback Bobby Taylor
to a one-year contract worth $864k
*** He'll be an unrestricted free agent next year, but you can bet
the Eagles will negotiate with him during the season if he is
back in top form and recovered from his injury.
The Eagles signed 7th round draft pick defensive tackle Chris
Akins to a two-year contract.
*** Likely will end up on IR as he is recovering from a senior
year injury.
The Eagles released safety Excel Lucas and offensive guards
Pat Kesi and Matt Storm.
*** Training camp bodies.
June 10
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The Chargers signed ex-Eagles CB Charles Dimry to a one-year
contract.
*** Didnt perform well filling in for Taylor. The Eagles made no
effort to re-sign him.
June 8
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The Eagles signed transitional player Rhett Hall to a one-year
contract worth $2.4M.
*** Valuable defensive tackle, will be able to rotate in more this
year with the addition of Bill Johnson, rather than be a full
time player. Excels in pass-rush role. If he is fully recovered
from last years injury, the Eagles expect to negotiate a long-
term deal... otherwise he might not make it through camp.
June 3
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The Eagles hired Mike McCartney to the position of pro personnel
coordinator.
*** Replaces Lombardi. Was a pro scout for the Bears.
The Eagles re-signed Greg Jefferson, Bubba Miller and Morris
Unutoa to one-year deals. Jeffersons deal was worth 397k, while
Morris and Unutoa will make 238k.
*** Jefferson will be a restricted free agent next year (he missed
most of his rookie year on IR, and is one accrued season behind
the other players he came in with 1995). More than likely only
one of Miller or Unutoa makes the team this year.
May 28
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The Eagles announced the termination of the contract of Mike
Lomabardi who had been the director of pro personnell.
*** Modrak continues to clean house.
May 26
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The Eagles named John Goeller director of college scouting.
*** Broaddus now becomes basically a scout. The first of Modraks
many moves to come as he re-makes the staff.
May ??
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The Eagles re-signed defensive back Randy Kinder to a one-
year contract worth 198k
*** Kinder turned out to be a special teams ace, and it is hoped he
will contribute as a safety or CB as well in 1998.
The Rams signed ex-eagles CB Willie Clark to a one-year contract
worth $700k.
*** Was a special teamer and sometime extra defensive back in 1997
May 15
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The Eagles hired Tom Modrak to the position of director of
football operations.
*** The ex-Steelers assistant is supposed to be an excellent
talent evaluator and organizational guru..
May 11
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The Eagles claimed NFL-Europe offensive guard Wendell Gaines
off waivers from the St. Louis Rams.
*** Just a camp body.
April 29
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The Eagles signed free agent tight end Kevin Hickman.
The Eagles signed rookie free agent wide receiver Josh Dolbin
and rookie free agent defensive back Excel Lucas.
April 28
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The Eagles named Harold Carmichael director of player and
community relations.
*** He'll help players adjust to the NFL, and he'll help players
relocate to Philly as well as with community relations.
April 24
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The Eagles signed former Cowboys cornerback Alundis Brice.
*** A likely camp body, but could compete for CB depth.
April 21
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The Eagles re-signed offensive tackle Barret Brooks to a
one-year contract worth $400k.
*** Will be a backup this year.
The Eagles signed the following rookie free agents to one-
year contracts: defensive back Tevell Jones, defensive tackle Keith
Council, fullbacks Mike Reed and A.J. Jelks, guard Tarren Crawford,
kicker Jarrett Holmes, linebacker Keith Kerrin, running back Brian
McKenzie, tight end Kaseem Sinceno and wide receivers Jake Hoffart
and Harvey Middleton.
*** These guys are mostly training camp bodies. Jarrett Holmes
is a punter/kick-off specialist that might give Hutton a
run for his money, or possibly win a job as a third kicker.
The eagles signed the following street free agents to one-
year contracts: quarterback Mike McCoy and wide receiver Jason Dulick.
*** Training camp bodies.
April 18-19
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The Eagles traded their 6th round pick in the 1998 draft and
a conditional 7th round pick in the 1999 draft to the N.Y. Jets for
wide receiver Jeff Graham.
*** The Eagles filled a big need that they weren't able to fill
in the draft this year. They get a big, veteran, productive
receiver to play #3 WR and challenge for #2 WR.
The Eagles drafted the following players:
Rd Pos Player hgt wgt College
-- ----- ------------------ ---- --- ---------------
1 OT Tra Thomas 6- 8 349 Florida St.
3 MLB Jeremiah Trotter 6- 1 260 Stephen F. Austin
3 CB Allen Rossum 5- 8 178 Notre Dame
4 DT Brandon Whiting 6- 3 285 California
4 CB Clarence Love 5-11 186 Toledo
5 OLB Ike Reese 6- 2 225 Michigan St.
7 DT Chris Akins 6- 1 309 Texas
7 OG Melvin Thomas 6- 3 321 Colorado
*** Tra Thomas should move right into the starting LT spot.
Jeremiah Trotter will be groomed to be the MLB for the
future... he is a very young, but very talented player.
Allen Rossum will get a look at nickle back, but will
be used mostly as a return specialist where he excels.
April 9
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The Eagles signed Cardinals linebacker Mike Caldwell to a two-
year contract.
*** Will be at least a backup at OLB and is expected to push James
Darling for the LOLB job. He is expected to be a key special
teams player wether backing up or starting.
The Eagles signed free agent fullback Jeff Cothran, formerly
of the Cincinnati Bengals to a one-year contract.
*** Cothran was released last summer after some alcohol abuse
related incidents with the Bengals. He is young and has 28
starts at fullback for the Bengals from 94-96. He is said
to be a great blocker but questionable receiver. With a
year off from football, perhaps he is straightened out. The
Eagles will give him a shot at backup FB.
The Eagles signed street free agents free safety John Fisher
and wide receiver Karl Hankton.
*** Likely just training camp fodder
March 16
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The Eagles signed defensive end Hugh Douglas to a six-year, $25.3M
contract through the 2003 season. The contract includes a $5M signing
bonus. The last year is voidable if Douglas meets certain incentives.
*** Douglas is now locked up as an Eagles for the prime years of
his NFL career. He would have been a free agent after the 1998
season.
March 13
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The Eagles traded 2nd and 5th round picks in the 1998 draft to the
N.Y. Jets for defensive end Hugh Douglas.
*** The Eagles needed DL help, and got it by getting the 6-2, 280lb
Douglas to be the right DE.
March 5
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The Colts matched the Eagles offer sheet to Marcus Pollard.
*** Guess he was worth it after all.
March 4
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The Eagles signed Indianapolis Colts restricted free agent tight
end marcus Pollard to a three-year offer sheet worth $3M.
*** Thats a pretty big $$$ figure for someone who has caught so
few NFL passes.
The Seattle Seahawks signed ex-Eagles running back Ricky Watters
to a four-year, $13.2M dollar contract that included a $5M signing bonus.
*** Good luck in Seattle Ricky. With a slightly better attitude you
could have owned Philadelphia.
March 2
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The Eagles signed offensive guard Keith Sims to a two-year
contract worth $2.5M that included a $500k signing bonus.
*** Hopefully will solidfy the the left guard spot after recovering
from two years worth of nagging injuries.
The Eagles signed the following street free agents: wide receiver
Rico Cannon, wide receiver Shedrick Wilson, defensive tackle Matt
Storm and offensive guard Pat Kesi.
*** Training camp fodder.
The Eagles released cornerback Frederic Ford and tight end
Andre President.
*** Neither lived up to expectations.
February 28
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The San Francisco 49ers signed ex-Eagles QB Ty Detmer to a five-
year, $4M contract that included an $800k signing bonus.
*** With Hoying the designated starter, and the Eagles committing
to Peete as the backup, Detmer opted for the 49ers. He'll be
a great fit there.
February 23
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The Eagles re-signed running back Charlie Garner to a four-year,
$6.4M contract that included an $800k signing bonus.
*** Touches per game will go way up. Will be spelled by Staley much
the way he spelled Watters in 1997.
The Indianapolis Colts signed ex-Eagles linebacker Jeff Herrod to
a one-year, $700k contract.
*** Did nothing for the Eagles.
February 21
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The Eagles signed free agent defensive tackle Bill Johnson to
a two-year contract worth $3.9M, $2.3M of it is guaranteed.
*** Will help with run defense. Led the NFL in stuffs in 1997.
February 20
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The Buffalo Bills signed ex-Eagles offensive guard Joe Panos to
a four-year contract worth $11.5M that included a $4M signing bonus.
*** Panos and the Eagles seemed to give up on each other and it
showed in 1997. He isnt worth $3M/year even at the top of his
game though.
February 19
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The Eagles signed Cowboys offensive lineman George Hegamin to
a series of five one-year contracts, monetary terms unknown.
*** Is expected to be a solid backup and compete for a starting
guard or tackle spot, likely at RG or RT.
The Eagles re-signed offensive lineman Jerry Crafts to a two-
year contract, monetary terms unknown.
*** Veteran backup who can play guard or tackle.
The Seattle Seahawks signed ex-Eagles linebacker Darrin Smith to
a four year contract worth $11.4M with a $3M signing bonus.
*** Never worked out for the Eagles. He was always hurt. He played
1.5 games all year. Darling took the OLB spot from him.
February 18
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The Eagles named Juan Castillo offensive line coach, Jim Bollman
tight ends coach and John Harbaugh special teams coach.
*** Castillo seemed to have a detrimental effect on Dunn. He was a
college OL coach before joining the Eagles. Perhaps the third
time is the charm for the Eagles special teams.
February 12
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The Eagles named Rhett Hall as a transition player.
*** Coming off an injury. He is a solid pass-rushing DT and flourishes
in a rotational system.
The Eagles offered tenders to the following players making
them restricted free agents: Bobby Taylor, Chris T. Jones, Greg
Jefferson and Barrett Brooks.
*** All are expected to be 1998 Eagles. Brooks and Jefferson will
have to fight to earn starting spots and are likely to be
backup/situational players.
January 27
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The Eagles named Dana Bible as the new offensive coordinator.
*** A WCO guy, and is great with QBs. Stanford and SDSU put up
impressive offensive numbers with him calling the shots.
January 22
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The Oakland Raiders named Eagles former offensive coordinator
Jon Gruden as their head coach. Bill Calahan, the Eagles O-line
caoch went with him to become the Raiders offensive coordinator.
*** Gruden had serious conflicts with some of his players, and the
offense was having trouble scoring points. The O-line has been
a disaster for years and Calahan did nothing to improve it.