First of all, thanks a thousand on behalf of everyone to
Donovan McNabb for reaching out to his fans and replying to the open letter. That was an awesome thing for you to do. The majority of Philadelphia, and every REAL sports fan in this city, appreciates you so much, and we know you're the key to a Lombardi Trophy.
Now, we can begin to wish:
1. Trade with the Bengals for Ocho Cinco.
Chad Johnson has made it clear that he wants out. I think he's going to be gone. I also think it won't really take a first rounder to bring him to Philadelphia.
My take? Send a 2nd Round Pick to the
Cincinnati Bengals, and possibly a defensive player since the Bengals are in need, for Chad. Now the question is who on the defense? The Eagles' safety corps is deep, because Mikell and Reed really stepped out this year. I think it is safe to say that
Sean Considine can go, because
Quintin Mikell is more than a role player. He is ready to take the spot as starting SS this year.
2. Make some cuts/trades to get the cap going.
Defense:
Some people have been making these statements for a while. Some have been on the money, some absurd.
We do need to cut
Jevon Kearse, because he has indeed lost a step due to frequent injuries. We may be able to trade
Darren Howard, so I'd say weigh that option before cutting him. However, the Eagles don't need him.
Offense:
If we do bring in a new WR, the first WR to go should be
Greg Lewis. Some people have said Avant and/or Baskett should be cut, but both players have shown flashes. I can see Baskett being the "
David Tyree" of the
Philadelphia Eagles sometime in winter of next year.
Trade/cut
Ryan Moats.
Brian Westbrook,
Correll Buckhalter, and
Tony Hunt are enough for the RBs. No need to hold onto Moats any longer. Buck showed a lot of potential to play well in a backup role again this year. Let Hunt keep riding the bench and gaining experience, and let him stay healthy. In case he needs to hit the field big time, he'll be ready.
Give T
Winston Justice one more year. Maybe, just maybe...
3. Let LJ Smith go.
This is one that will cause some shuffles in the fan base. Highly expected.
LJ Smith is going to demand money. He is oft-injured. He is coming off of an injury. He has awful hands.
The Eagles are seeing Brent Celek turn into a solid TE, but I don't think he's really ready to walk in and play dominating football in 2008. Then again, who knows? Personally, I like him, and his hands have been great. He can block, also, which is something we need from a TE.
If a TE is available elsewhere, go for him. I've heard many speculate
Alge Crumpler as a possibility. If it's possible, having Alge and Brent on the field with the receivers will be HUGE for this offense.
4. Watch the secondary.
If anything becomes available in Free Agency, DIVE ON IT!
Lito is one of the top corners in the NFL, but he has struggled with injuries. Having him out for much of the season really hurt the secondary. Sheldon is also one of the best CBs in the league, but he can't hold the fort all on his own. FS
Brian Dawkins is still one of the most punishing safeties in the NFL, but he's old. And yes, like many have said before, we need to start looking for a replacement. As much as we don't want to even think about the Eagles without Dawk.
5. Drafting:
1. If
DeSean Jackson is there, I'd grab him. Another OT is not necessary THIS year, because I don't see Thomas or Runyan retiring for at least two or three more years. Another position of interest would be CB.
2. Traded for Chad Johnson.
3. Safety, preferably
Tom Zbikowski.
4. If we didn't grab one yet, a KR man. Without a doubt, we need
one by the fourth round AT THE LATEST.
5. OG; because I think we can use some depth there.
6. DE; just to add depth, behind Abiamiri, Thomas, and Cole.
7. FB, if
Thomas Tapeh is let go. Otherwise, somewhere in the secondary.
These are my personal wishes.
And of course, for DMac5 to lead Philly to the Super Bowl this year =]