If there’s one thing I’ve noticed with this new look Eagles team, it’s the non-stop activity of their new general manager, Howie Roseman.  It has come to a point where each day starts with an expectation that there is going to be an adjustment to the team’s roster.
This morning’s signing of wide receiver Kelly Washington is just the latest of a slew of transactions made by the Bird’s front office.
Ever since the Eagles named Roseman their GM at the end of January this year, he has worked tirelessly to restructure this roster.  Whether you like the moves or not, the fact that he is constantly making them speaks volumes.
After ensuring that productive guys (WR Jason Avant and FB Leonard Weaver) received their contract extensions, the Eagles proceeded to remove “dead weight” from the roster.
Gone are Shawn Andrews, Reggie Brown, Kevin Curtis, Darren Howard, and even Brian Westbrook.  Whether they were damaged goods or overpaid for their production, the Eagles couldn’t afford to keep these guys around.
There were more transactions to be made before the draft.  First there was the trade to acquire DE Darryl Tapp from the Seattle Seahawks.
Then, of course, came the announcements that are still an emotional topic to this day.  First, the Eagles traded Sheldon Brown and Chris Gocong to the Cleveland Browns.  Second, Donovan McNabb becomes a Redskin on Easter night.
What did the Eagles get for this?  From Cleveland, they received a linebacker (Andy Hall) who has already been released and a 5th round draft pick they used to get a starting linebacker in Ernie Sims.  From the Redskins, they received a 2nd round pick they used to select hopefully their starting free safety (Nate Allen) for the next decade.
Of course, during the new three day NFL draft period the Eagles moved up and down to eventually select thirteen draftees.  The Monday after the draft, they signed thirteen undrafted rookie free agents.
Seven of those rookie free agents didn’t make it to training camp and another one (WR Blue Cooper) was released 3 days after camp began.
Not all of these moves were good moves, of course.  Signing injury-prone players like DBs Marlin Jackson and Brett Johnson proved to be mistakes.  But, nobody’s perfect.
The important thing is to address and resolve the errors which I believe they have so far.  By quickly placing them on injured reserved or waiving them, the Eagles are ensuring they have roster space available to give guys like WR Jared Perry and DB Antoine Harris a chance to prove themselves in camp.
Yesterday’s trade of LB Joe Mays for RB/KR J.J. Arrington was another smart move.  Mays likely wasn’t going to beat out rookie Jamar Cheney as Stewart Bradley’s backup.  Arrington is coming off surgery, but the Eagles are ensured a future draft pick if he doesn’t make the team.
The most impressive thing Roseman and the Eagle’s front office have done is get all 13 draft picks signed in a timely manner.  Everyone is in Lehigh Valley ready to go.
Hopefully, rookie wages are addressed in the new collective bargaining agreement because the way first round signings are handled is beyond ridiculous.
Stay tuned, the Eagles probably made another move while I was writing this……GO EAGLES!!!
Good stuff Haran,
I agree with you 100% that Roseman is not going to be the type of GM who is going to sit around and get complacent with their roster..
I really like the Signing of WR K Washington who is a solid Pro and has played with good organizations like the Patriots/Ravens. He plays tough,physical and a special-teams demon. I see him making the Roster as the 5th WR and H Baskett getting his release as soon as he picks-up the playbook
I remember the hype the FO had concerning Mays….how he added key depth and will fight for a starting job. remember that?…….pathetic