After their free agent possibilities took a major hit yesterday, it was nice to get some good news on the Eagles front today. According to Andy Reid, the Eagles are closing in on re-signing veterans Brian Dawkins and Tra Thomas. Reid believes that deals will happen for both "in the next few days".Both players are unrestricted free agents. After learning that Jordan Gross, the best available free agent offensive lineman, signed a long-term deal with the Panthers, the Eagles had no choice but to bring back Thomas. With Jon Runyan coming off of major surgery, the Birds would have had two glaring holes at the offensive tackle position. Thomas will turn 35 next season but he is still an effective player when healthy. I would expect him to sign a one or two year deal.
Bringing Dawkins, a 7 time Pro Bowler, back for another season also makes a lot of sense. He is the vocal leader on defense and played extremely well last season. Many thought that the Eagles would let Dawkins go because that has been their tendency with players on the other side of 35, but given his Pro Bowl play last season, he needs to be back with the Birds for at least one more year.
The Eagles are left with three possible unrestricted free agents: Jon Runyan, Correll Buckhalter and L.J. Smith. Buck and Smith are as good as gone, Runyan is still up in the air.
There is no doubt that Dawk and Thomas want multi-year deals, but there is no way the Eagles will give players over 35 a long term deal. You may want to refrain from calling me an idiot when you see what they sign for in the coming days. I will be expecting your apology!
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