In light of the very promising news that the Eagles tried desperately to get Randy Moss from the Pats and the aggressive signing of Samuel (which I thought would never happen) I am now on the bandwagon of another deal I thought would never happen- the Eagles trading for Larry Fitzgerald.

This is what I think makes since: the Eagles send Sheppard and the 1st rounder to Arizona for Fitz.

Hear me out on this one.

Sheppard is due $4+ mil this year and next year (I'm ballparking the figures)

and the number 19 pick might demand somewhere in the ball park of 5yr $25 mil. Combined thats roughly $9 mil over the next 2 years. Fitzgerald is $14+ mil this year and next year. So in essence, the move will only cost Philly a little over $5 mil a year. This will be enticing to Arizona because Sheppard is a top flight corner who would help the defense and the can use that extra 1st rounder to get a replacement receiver like Limus Sweed.

With the defense now locked up, the addition of Fitzgerald should make Philly once again the toast of the NFC.

The Eagles moved quickly to squash television and radio reports Monday night that the team had given Pro Bowl cornerback Lito Sheppard permission to seek a trade.

The NFL Network and ESPN were among news outlets that reported the story, which the Eagles have dismissed.

"Any report suggesting that we've allowed Lito or his agent to seek a trade is absolutely, undeniably false," Eagles spokesman Derek Boyko said Monday night.

Unloading Sheppard would be a curious move by the Eagles, who have depth concerns in the defensive backfield with the start of free agency 11 days away.

Sheppard, 26, is considered the team's top cornerback. He has appeared in two Pro Bowls and is the only player in NFL history to return two interceptions at least 100 yards for a touchdown.

Attempts to reach Sheppard and his agent, Lamont Smith, failed Monday night but Comcast SportsNet's Derrick Gunn reported that Sheppard was surprised by the initial reports.

Sheppard is scheduled to make $3.45 million next season in salary and bonuses, $4.45 million in 2009, $3.7 million in 2010 and $4.25 million in 2011, the final year of his contract.

A 2001 first-round pick, he signed a five-year, $25 million extension in November 2004.

Sheppard has 17 career interceptions but injuries have hampered the 5-foot-10, 194-pounder. He has missed 15 games over the past three seasons due to knee and ankle injuries.

The Eagles have five other cornerbacks, but just two -- starting right cornerback Sheldon Brown and reserve Joselio Hanson -- have considerable game experience. Second-year pro Nick Graham played almost entirely on special teams last season, and young reserves Tanard Davis and Therrian Davis have only practice-squad experience.

Last March, Donte' Stallworth was the top receiver available in free agency. But when the big money didn't flow his way, he signed what amounted to a one-year "prove it" deal with the Patriots.

He received $1 million to sign, a $700,000 base salary, a $300,000 workout bonus, and a $1.6 million roster bonus for being on the 53-man roster at the start of the season. (He also could have earned another $400,000 in incentives, but he fell 24 catches short of the 70 receptions necessary for the first $100,000 payment.)

In the second year, the deal includes a $6 million option bonus, due to be paid on February 25. Stallworth also is set to earn a $2 million roster bonus on February 29.

So now the Pats have to decide whether to pay the option, try to work out a new deal for less than $6 million on February 25 and $2 million four days later, or cut Stallworth loose.

If he's cut, he'll immediately become a free agent, a couple of days before the official launch of free agency.

It's unlikely, in our view, that the Pats will fork over the $8 million to Stallworth. The money is far better spent on Randy Moss, and Jabar Gaffney could fill in as the third receiver behind Moss and Wes Welker

According to league sources, the Kansas City Chiefs soon will be releasing veteran cornerback Ty Law.

Law, 33, was cut by the Patriots in February 2005. He played for the Jets that year and recorded 10 INTs in that Pro Bowl season, and then signed with the Chiefs in 2006.

His tenure with the Chiefs hasn't been terrible but recording 4 INTs in '06 and only 2 INTs and 13 passes defended last season, the Chiefs definitely didn't get the production the Jets enjoyed.

Law is signed through 2010, Law is due to earn a base salary of $6.5 million in the coming season.

Crumpler has been released by the Falcons. He was signed through 2010, and due to earn $3.4 million in base salary in 2008.

You can't say this is surprising. In the salary cap era, any player on the wrong side of 30 is susceptible. Crumpler, like the whole Falcon team, had an unimpressive year and his open criticism of then coach Bobby Petrino probably didn't help his case come the offseason.

Crumpler should attract some serious attention at a position where LJ Smith and Dallas Clark (one who was franchised and the other who is expected to be) were the cream of the crop.

With LJ Smith yet to sign the franchise tender, it will be interesting to see if the Eagles target Crumpler as insurance just in case Smith and his agent decide to play hardball.

With 2007 now behind us and the free agency and the draft looming (the think of the offseason). The Philadelphia Eagles are in a position that can be perceived and the cusp of a great run in 2008 and run that can only be made possible with the addition of just a few more parts. This article is a look at the what needs to be done to get them over the hump; moves that could or should be made to return the franchise to the position of dominance that fans have grown used to over the past seven or so seasons.

In the team's 75th anniversary season, the Eagles could not overcome a 1-3 start as they finished 8-8 and out of the playoffs for the just the 2nd time this decade. A year that can be perceived as an anomaly, the Eagles posted top 10 offensive numbers that produced less than stellar point production.

In 2007 the Eagles welcomed back starting quarterback Donovan McNabb, who underwent a grueling rehabilitation after suffering a season-ending knee injury in November, 2006. He completed 61.5% of his passes (2nd best percentage of his career) for 3,324 yards and an 89.9 QB rating. Although he missed two games due to ankle and thumb injuries, McNabb regained his mobility and confidence as the season progressed.

As McNabb recaptured his touch, his multi-talented backfield mate, RB Brian Westbrook, set two single-season team records for total yards from scrimmage (2,104) and receptions (90). He became the first Eagle to lead the league in total yards from scrimmage since 1996.Westbrook also logged career highs in rushing yards (1,333), receiving yards (771), touches (368), and offensive touchdowns (12).

At wideout Kevin Curtis took the position in the right direction posting career highs in catches (77), yards (1,110), and total touchdowns (8) in his first season in Philadelphia and lived up to his billing after signing a lucrative free agent contract.

For the first time in franchise history, the Eagles featured three players (Westbrook, Curtis, WR Reggie Brown) with over 60 catches and 700 yards each but with all these numbers the Eagles failed to score 21 points in 10 of their games, including five of their first six. This was especially disappointing coming off a 2006 campaign that showcased one of the most explosive offenses in the league. The Eagles have been accustomed to big plays but unfortunately, they were few and far between in 2007 causing Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook, Jon Runyan and more to call out for help in the form of adding additional playmakers presumably offensive at the wide receiver position.

This offseason, the availability of a playmaking wide receiver is as deep as it has been in a while. Free agency and trades are very much a possibility.

Here is a look at some receivers that are realistically available for the Philadelphia Eagles

Chad Johnson- The latest superstar WR malcontent has put up the numbers in Cincy that would normally warrant any franchise to accommodate him in anyway possible, it's this reality that makes the Chad Johnson/ Cincy saga even more interesting. In 2007, Johnson once again enjoyed a stellar season recording 1,440 yards, which set a new Bengals franchise record, breaking his own record of 1,432 in 2005. It was the third time that Johnson finished a season with a new Bengals record for receiving yards. Regardless, of his (and teammate T.J. Housmanzadah's) numbers the Bengals were stagnant finishing 7-9 sparking the discontent and frustration that now surrounds the franchise that might end in the divorce from Chad Johnson.

Johnson's impact as an Eagle? One could only believe it would be positive. He would provide the Eagles with a serious number 1 receiver and would allow Curtis and Brown to shine in ways TJ Housmanzadah has been able to enjoy in Cincy. The only knock on this move is the amount it may cost the Eagles to get Johnson. Surely Cincy is not going to make a Raider size mistake and give him up for next to nothing.

Javon Walker- Walker could have been an Eagle already if the Packers were unwilling to deal within conference. The rumbling out of Denver is he will be cut soon, ending what start out to be a very promising new start for him. After forcing his way out of Green Bay, Walker had a very productive during the 2006 season, where he caught sixty-nine passes for 1,084 yards and eight touchdowns. But with the emergence of Brandon Marshall as the go to guy to go along with his less than impressive 2007 season and his bloated upcoming salary, Walker will no doubt be hitting the open market.

Walker still has the ability to play and is accustomed to the west coast offense that catapulted him in to a rising star. He works out with Donovan McNabb in Arizona so the two are familiar with each other. McNabb will provide Walker with something he had in Green Bay that made him so effective; a QB with the ability to get the ball down field.

If cut, Walker will come at a bargain because there aren't many teams out there that are willing to take a chance on him. The Eagles could sign him to a incentive laced one year deal, a deal he would be eager to take, to prove himself as still being a capable receiver, after which a long term deal could be discussed.

Bernard Berrian had 71 catches for 951 yards and five touchdowns last season. Not bad considering the crap Chicago had at the quarterback position. Berrian's an explosive receiver, but sometimes criticized for dropping too many balls. Berrian is a legitimate downfield threat and will free up Curtis and Brown to be even more effective. The addition of Berrian to the Eagles would improve the offense, but not vastly. What he would do for the Eagles offense is add the scoring threat that was lacking last year. Although the Eagles put up respectable offensive numbers the inability to reach the endzone stagnated the teams potential. It's likely the Bears will not franchise Berrian, and when available, he will attract some free agency interest but unless a team swoops in and offers him a bank busting contract he should be fair game if the Eagles choose to go in that direction. But is he much of an upgrade? Well, that remains to be seen.

Donte Stallworth- In Philly Stallworth started out looking like the player the Eagles were looking for since before and after the number 81 debacle.Stallworth and McNabb were and instant hit. In Stallworth's first game with the Eagles, less than two weeks after the trade, he caught six passes for 141 yards and a touchdown. In the first 2 games McNabb and Stallworth combined for 11 reception 220 yard and 2 TD's. Unfortunately due to a nagging hamstring injury, Stallworth missed three games early in the regular season and after McNabb when down for the season Jeff Garcia and Stallworth seldom found themselves on the same page, but finished the year with 725 yards and five touchdowns. Stallworth is a physical receiver that is great at creating yards after the catch (YAC) and has the speed to deliver a big play on any given down, not to mention he has the size to be a excellent redzone option.

Jerry Porter- A fresh start is what may be needed to re-ignite this once highly touted receiver. Years of discontent in the graveyard that is the Raiders offense has tarnished Porters potential. Though not exactly the prototypical number one receiver of Chad Johnson, Terrell Owens or Randy Moss; Jerry Porter is very capable. At 6'2 220lbs, he has the size that, along with his speed, makes him a weapon to be reckoned with. Porter finished 2007 with a respectable 16 yd per catch average and 6 TD's giving the QB situation in Oakland.

After dealing with coaching and QB instability in Oakland, the Eagles with McNabb at the helm may be the fire Porter needs to ignite him into fulfilling the promise that he seemed destined for with the retirement of Jerry Rice.

Moving Max Jean Giles to starting guard opposite of Andrews?

You don't have to look too long to recognize this endearing quality about Max Jean-Giles. Never mind the simple facts that he's 6-3 ½, 355 pounds Jean-Giles is quick-footed and athletic. His true talents lie in the run game but he is developing into a very good pass blocker as well, which is good enough when you have the Pro Bowler Shawn Andrews on the other side. With Jean-Giles the Eagles gain a physical presence that cannot be discounted. The addition of a huge guard has benefits that are evident in the league, proved with the impact Hutchinson in Minnesota and Leonard in Dallas.

Along with the veterans OT Runyan and Thomas; Andrews and Jean-Giles will provide stability and protection to and offensive line that gave up 47 sacks last year.

LJ Smith/ Brent Celek combo?

It's unknown how long L.J Smith will be an Eagle, but what is known is his presence does nothing but help and offense that struggled to find the endzone and keep drives alive by converting first downs. The TE position is premium in this league, especially in the west coast offense the Eagles employ. For McNabb, Smith is a great check down option, for Celek, Smith is a great mentor to continue to develop under. Celek put together some pretty good games toward to end of the season with his best game coming against Dallas where he recorded only 3 rec for 50 yds but his 29 yard drive saving reception gave many Eagles faithful hopes of great things to come. Some are even calling him the second coming of Chad Lewis who had a great career with the Eagles.

Celek and Smith provide McNabb with a rare 1-2 punch at TE. Look for this combo to cause match-up nightmares for linebackers on Sundays next season.

Running back/ full back situation?

With the emergence of Brian Westbrook as a superstar in this league, the Eagles have a legitimate run game that they are not entirely accustomed to in the Reid era, but nevertheless will equally enjoy. The Eagles have always been a pass first offense due to the lack of a run game and teams knew this, now with this added dynamic to the offense, it is destined to be extremely potent. Though there is no flaws in the running back position, Westbrook and Buckhalter is an very good 1-2 combo, the fullback position is one that needs to be addressed. With Tapeh scheduled to be a free agent, the Eagles need to look to sowing up that position in order to continue to enjoy having to run game as a dimension to their offense. The fullback position is not what is used to be, gone the Moose Johnson's, Tom Rathman's and Mike Alstott's of the world are an extinct breed replaced by the hybrid H-back type player who can lead block and has the athletic ability catch out of the backfield. There is not premium crop of players that fit this mold, but a few players I believe could be on the Eagles radar is free agent Greg Jones of the Jacksonville Jaguars and draft prospect Owen Schmitt for West Virginia University.

Greg Jones isn't much of a ball-carrier, but he's one of the better blocking fullbacks in the NFL. He is an excellent lead blocker which can pave the way for another big year for Westbrook (and Buckhalter for that fact) and he is also a very effective pass blocker and

is accustomed to blocking for a mobile QB after playing with David Garrard last year.

Owen Schmitt from WVU is known for blocking and is excellent at it. He helped lead the way for consecutive 1,000-yard seasons for both Pat White and Steve Slaton. Schmitt is a nasty, physical player. In his college career, the 6'2 250lbs bruiser has broken 10 facemasks. He also has good hands and moves well for his size; and given his great blocking ability, he could be used both in the backfield and along the line of scrimmage. He could be available in the later rounds for the Eagles who should move aggressively towards him if he is in their sights.

Rookie Prospects- Offensive draft prospect is figure will be high on the Eagles pre-combine draft board:

Jordy Nelson, Kansas State (WR): Exploded onto the national scene with 122 receptions and 1,606 yards. At 6'2 220+ lbs he is a big target. He has gained comparisons to Anthony Gonzalez from the Indianapolis Colts for his reliable hands and crisp route running. Figure him to be groomed as a much needed possession receiver key to keeping drives alive.

Desean Jackson Cal (WR): Anticipate the Eagles targeting a big name veteran wideout to add to the offense, Jackson's services would be much better served on special teams. Jackson is at his best with the ball in space, makes tacklers miss with his shifty moves, and then shows the ability to separate with his elite top-end speed. He could provide Eagles with a much-needed return man. The Eagles have not had a kick nor punt return threat since Brian Mitchell.

James Hardy Indiana (WR): this 6'7 former basketball player could be a worthy experiment for the Eagles. He has the potential to become a bigger, more athletic Plaxico Burress type weapon for the franchise. Hardy has a 42 inch vertical leap, to go along with his size and reported 4.45 speed, measurables that will make any scout drool. He would be a great complimentary piece from the start and could eventually turn into a star in the league.

Owen Schmitt West Virginia (FB) as mentioned previously, Schmitt could be a great addition to the Eagles offense. He gives the Eagles a great backfield blocking presence to go along with his short yardage/ goal line potential. He is also able to catch the ball out of the backfield and turn it into a big play.

Jeff Otah Pitt (OT): Runyan and William Thomas are not getting any younger. Andy Reid has shown his forward thinking ability to sow up positions to ensure that there is no future need. Winston Justice could make a solid right tackle before long and Otah has the ability to be a very good starting left tackle someday. The former basketball player has good hands and good feet and with proper grooming could become an anchor O-lineman.

Kellen Davis/TE/Michigan State: Once again the forward thinking Reid could make a move in anticipation of not getting a long term deal done with L.J Smith, there is still an outside possibility that they will remove the tag from Smith and look to replace him in the draft. If that is the plan, this year is the year to do it and Kellen Davis may be the player to do it with. Davis is a physical specimen! The 6'6", 246 lbs tight end with a body builders body finished with only 32 catches for 513 yards and 6 TDs this season. He has racked up a 13.2 yard per catch average for his career, displaying his ability to get down the field and make plays. Davis shows good blocking ability; having the size, speed, and strength to take on defensive ends and blitzing linebackers. He is a tremendous athlete and a good leaper, both good tools in the red zone.

Eddie Royal Virginia Tech (WR): After having a stellar Senior Bowl, his availability may be questions at this point, nonetheless, he is still on the Eagles radar. He is one of the fastest players in coming out in this years draft and at the Senior Bowl practices, he showed this by being virtually uncoverable. Look for him to have an immediate impact in the return game. Frank Beamer at Va Tech has given him plenty of experience at it.

Coming soon, a look at the defense and what may be needed to catapult it up a notch next season.

The Cardinals have made their preliminary contract offer to Larry Fitzgerald. Athough, obviously, the figures have not been disclosed, in order to make sense, it'll probably would have to be in the $50 million range to get Fitzgerald to consider it.

At seven years, $60 million. Fitzgerald has extreme leverage with Arizona on the hook for his remaining base salaries of $14.592 million (2008) and $17.355 million (2009). The Cards' only way of avoiding those payments is by trading, releasing, or signing the 24-year-old Pro Bowler to a new deal.

It is a foregone conclusion that the Javon Walker experiment in Denver will be coming to an end soon. The Broncos haven't spoken to Javon Walker's agent since the end of the season and folks at The Denver Post expects him to be cut or traded within a month.

With the emergence of Brandon Marshall as the Broncos go to guy, the Broncos are unwilling to pay Walker number one WR money not to mention Walker isn't going to to take a paycut to stay in Denver.

Considering the health of his knee and given the nature of his current deal there is seriously doubt that any other team will trade for him. This makes it even more likely the Broncos will have to cut him.

Walker signed a five-year deal worth more than $40 million, including roster bonuses totaling $15 million in 2007 and 2008.

Walker had a very productive during the 2006 season where he caught sixty-nine passes for 1,084 yards and eight touchdowns but in 2007, nagging injuries limited him to just 8 games and 5 starts where he recorded 26 receptions for 287 yards and didn't find the endzone.

Look for Walker to hit the open market soon and maybe again the next year. I can't see any team giving him a long term deal, so chances are he will have to sign a one year deal somewhere to prove he still has it.

The Eagles' offseason to-do list got a little bit shorter on Thursday when they placed the "non-exclusive" franchise tag on tight end L.J. Smith.

Under the terms of the "non-exclusive" franchise tag designation, Smith has been offered a one-year tender in the amount of the average of the five highest-paid tight ends in the NFL in 2007. Smith can sign the one-year deal, continue to negotiate a long-term deal with the Eagles or listen to offers from other teams when free agency begins Feb. 29. If Smith signs an offer sheet from another team, the Eagles can either match that offer or allow Smith to join the new team and receive two first-round draft picks as compensation.

" L.J. Smith has been a very productive tight end in our offense," said head coach Andy Reid in a statement. "He is healthy and working his tail off so he can have a very successful 2008 season."

The 6-3, 258-pound Smith was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the month. All season long, Smith has stated that he wanted to remain a Philadelphia Eagle but insisted on getting a fair deal. Quarterback Donovan McNabb certainly wanted Smith back in the Eagles huddle for 2008. While doing promotional apperances at the Super Bowl in Arizona, McNabb told the Philadelphia Inquirer that he "would love L.J. back." Don't be surprised if the Eagles and Smith work out a long term deal because over the past six years, the Eagles have had a total of 90 starters under their second (or more) contract with the team which is the highest total in the NFL.

In his five NFL campaigns, Smith already has had one of the most productive careers by a tight end in Eagles history with 194 receptions for 2,227 yards and 15 touchdowns in 73 games. Smith was the Eagles' second-round pick in 2003 out of Rutgers.

Though this may not be a popular move for Eagles fans on YardBarker, this is indeed a good move. LJ Smith is a playmaker and a legitimate offensive threat that teams account for. With the addition of another receiver, say Donte Stallworth, to go along with the pieces already in place, the Eagles can once again become one of the top offenses in the NFC and perhaps the NFL.

Though Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald wants to stay in Arizona, he told WIP radio on Wednesday that the Philadelphia Eagles are one of teams which he'd be happy to play, if he is traded. When asked, Fitzgerald when so far as to compliment the pieces in place praising McNabb, Westbrook and the offensive line as being a fully capable offense to make a Super Bowl run with.

It remains to be seen whether the Cardinals will try to trade Fitzgerald. Due to escalators in his contract, he's scheduled to earn salaries of $14.59 million in 2008 and $17.355 million in 2009. That's nearly $32 million over two years, and then he'll hit the open market at only 26 years of age.

The Cardinals could, if they so choose, pay him the money for the next two seasons. But it would then cost more than $20 million to retain his rights via the franchise tag for the 2010 season.

There's no good way out of this for the Cardinals. Even if they want to extend his deal, the price to do so would have to be enormous. He's already in position to earn $30 million between now and September 2009, at which time his full salary for that season would become guaranteed. Thus, anything less than $30 million in guaranteed money as part of a new long-term contract makes no sense.

The Cardinals have really tied their hands on this one...situations like this are what you have to deal with when having top 10 picks in this out-of-control rookie salary era.

First Chad gives a candid interview with Jim Rome basically expressing his displeasure with the way he is being treated in Cincy by management, now he makes another ESPN appearance on his bid to get out of Cincy. Here's Chad as he sat down with Scott Van Pelt and MIke Tirico to discuss the situation in Cincy and his future with the organization.

Johnson doesn't sounds disgruntled, he sound hurt and betrayed...

Intriguing news coming out of Arizona. Per several sources, Chad Johnson has been making rounds on his campaign to get out of Cincinnati.

Chad Johnson has turned the page and his back on his Bengals career. This isn't cute....it isn't fun...and it's not an act. This is calculated and orchestrated. He and agent Drew Rosenhaus have put the wheels in motion to get out of town. They believe he's best served leaving Cincinnati. They view the field turf as greener any place else.

This is about money, losing, marketing and trust. Chad continues to believe he is being sabotaged by, not the fans or media...but the organization

Today, Jan. 30, 2008 on the Jim Rome show this is what Chad had to say:

Chad with Rome:

Do you want to be traded?

"I'm going to leave that to the Shark (agent Drew Rosenhaus)"

Are you happy in Cincinnati?

"I'm not allowed to say. I get the blame......the so called best player....I'm the problem. Somebody in-house is spreading this. Maybe they want me to quiet down, stop being me. That is not going to happen. I can't function that way.

I tried it...I sucked. There was no excitement."

Can they make it right with you?

........long pause.......I think I could be here with you all season...on your show"

Is it blown up...not fixable?

"I'm leaving that to Drew. It's been bad (in Cincinnati)....I'm the scapegoat...alot of stuff in house is happening I'm not fond of. It doesn't sit well with me. I have fun. I'm a little outlandish. I produce. I do everything to help us win.

Who does have your back?

"TJ has my back.....Carson....that's it....that's really it"

Also during a separate radio interview Chad Johnson was asked about his feeling staying in Cincy. Each time Chad responded by saying he wanted to get to the Super Bowl. When asked about getting his friend Donovan McNabb...Chad said, "if it gets me to the Super Bowl"

Philly Fans, Chad may be in Eagle green soon, or perhaps he will be elsewhere. Fact is, he's not planning on staying in Cincy

...Stay Tuned

Disturbing news for some Giant fans, per columnist Mike Florio of profootballtalk.com.

Lost amid the hype and the preparations for Super Bowl XLII is Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey. And his apparent lack of interest in what his team is trying to accomplish might be reason enough for the Giants to sever ties with him.

Shockey broke a leg late in the regular season. As recently heard, Shockey is pissed that the team has done so well without him. Some league observers believe that the sudden maturity of quarterback Eli Manning has resulted at least in part from the absence of the loud-mouthed tight end.

According to the Denver Post, the Giants have invited Shockey to attend the Super Bowl. But Shockey has yet to decide whether to accept the invitation.

Let's repeat that one. Jeremy Shockey, a member of the New York Giants football club, has not yet decided whether he'll attend the Super Bowl as a member of the team.

Of course, Shockey is slated to attend Terrell Owens' Super Bowl party on Thursday night as a "confirmed guest," along with the likes of Tony Romo and Chad Johnson and JaMarcus Russell.

If Shockey attends the T.O. party but isn't with his team for the Super Bowl, then the Giants should trade him or cut him. Sure, he's under contract through 2011. Yeah, there would be cap consequences. But we can envision no greater act of selfishness or betrayal than for a supposed member of a team to fail to provide support and respect as the organization tries to pull off one of the all-time great underdog stories in league history.

Dave Spadaro of philadelphiaeagles.com make an interesting argument, what's a more glaring need for the Eagles, tight end or wide receiver?

Here's his breakdown of the 2007 season at the positions compared to 2006 when the Eagles had one of the top offenses in the league:

Breaking down the difference between the 2006 offense -- which scored 370 points and averaged a league-best 6.2 yards per play, a league-best 7.05 yards per first down play and a league-best 13.3 yards per catch – and the 2007 offense – we will get into the numbers in a moment -- you see some stark differences.

One of those differences came at tight end. In 2006, L.J. Smith and Matt Schobel combined for 64 receptions for 825 yards and seven touchdowns. In 2007, Smith, Schobel and rookie Brent Celek had 49 catches, 521 yards and three touchdowns.

Big difference.

The wide receivers? A difference, but not nearly as pronounced. The 2006 starters, Donté Stallworth and Reggie Brown, combined for 88 receptions for 1,336 yards (15.2-yard average per catch) and 13 touchdowns. In 2007, Brown and Kevin Curtis combined to make 138 receptions for 1,890 yards (13.7-yard average per catch) and 10 touchdowns.

The trio of Greg Lewis, Hank Baskett and Jason Avant combined for 53 receptions and five touchdowns in 2006. In 2007, that group had a combined 52 catches and six touchdowns.

The 2007 offense scored 336 points – that's 34 fewer than the 2006 offense – and had 14 fewer plays of 20-plus yards. Yards after the catch? The team had 2,147 yards in 2006 (ranking third in the NFL) and had 1,813 in 2007 (ranking seventh in the NFL).

Certainly, the Eagles need to address what they are going to do across the board in the coming weeks, and two of the positions they need to look at are tight end and wide receiver.

Based on the numbers, one of the questions to consider is which position is most important in this offense? Numbers don't tell the whole story, but the Eagles had a big reduction at tight end from 2006 to 2007, and it certainly could have played a part in the lack of red-zone efficiency.

With Smith due to be an unrestricted free agent at the end of February, it is very much a position to clarify.

Very few game changers available via free agency at either position it will be very interesting to see how creatively the Eagles address these needs.

ESPN's Chris Mortensen suggested during a special edition of Sunday NFL Countdown that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is eyeing the possibility of swinging a trade with the Dolphins for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 draft.

Such a deal would allow the 'Boys to bag running back Darren McFadden, who played college football at Jones' alma mater of Arkansas.

Per Mort, any such deal would have to include the rights to Cowboys running back Marion Barber, who is slated to be a restricted free agent. To make it happen, the Cowboys would have to work out a sign-and-trade deal before Barber gets a chance to ink an offer sheet that would force the Cowboys to match the terms or let him go in exchange for compensation. Thus, the safest bet for the 'Boys would be to tender Barber at the highest possible level, which would force any team that signs him to give up a first-round pick and a third-round pick. Those extra picks then could be used to sweeten the pot for the top spot in the draft.

This would be a great move by Miami! Marion Barber and Ronnie Brown would give the Dolphins one of the most powerful one-two punches in the league and would alone make them a threat in the AFC. Not to mention Parcells could get more weapons with the no.22 and 28 picks from Dallas.

Jones covets McFadden, and it seems he is willing to do whatever is necessary to get him.

Jerry Jones...remember Ricky Williams and Mike Ditka? How did that work out for them?