March 2011 - Philadelphia Eagles Wiretap
Philly's Justice To Have Knee Surgery
Eagles right tackle Winston Justice is scheduled to undergo left knee surgery Tuesday, according to The Wilmington News Journal.
The surgery, to be performed by renowned Birmingham-based surgeon Dr. James Andrews, will treat a bone chip in Justice's knee, which forced him to miss three games in December.
The News Journal reports that Justice could require more severe microfracture surgery, but CSNPhilly.com cites a high-ranking team source as saying the procedure is a routine arthroscopic surgery to clean out the knee.
The source says there's "absolutely no reason" to believe Justice is suffering from a career-threatening injury.
Eagles Sign Linebacker Jeanty
The Eagles have agreed to a one-year deal with linebacker Rashad Jeanty.
Jeanty, a former Bengal, has 32 career starts, but he missed the entire 2010 season after breaking his fibula in the 2009 playoffs.
Eagles Want First-Rounder For Kolb
The Eagles are making it known that they want at least a first-round pick in exchange for Kevin Kolb.
They may also want a third-rounder tacked onto any deal for the quarterback.
The Eagles are known to be tough trade negotiators, so no one expects them to come too far off their asking price.
Eagles May Trade Down In Draft
The Eagles could trade down in the draft once again.
Philadelphia has the 23rd pick in the first round of April's NFL Draft.
"They're in one of those spots where (other) teams start to look to trade back into the first round," said Todd McShay, ESPN's director of college football scouting, in a conference call.
"And you have all this depth at offensive tackle and offensive guard, and I know its early and we're just projecting, but I could very easily see them taking advantage of teams trying to get up."
Vick Cancels Oprah Appearance
Representatives of Michael Vick called late Tuesday to cancel his appearance on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' for personal reasons. The daytime talk show host's interview with Vick was set to air Thursday, Feb. 24.
The interview was supposed to cover Vick's time in prison, his work with the Humane Society and his return to the NFL.
"After careful consideration, I will need to postpone the taping of the Oprah Winfrey interview scheduled for February 22," Vick said in a statement. "I admire and respect Oprah and hope to be able to participate in an interview in the future."
Eagles Place Tags On Vick, Akers
The Eagles placed their franchise tag on Michael Vick on Tuesday.
They also placed their transition tag on kicker David Akers.
Under rules of the soon-to-expire collective bargaining agreement, franchise tags pay players the average of the top five players at that position.
Transition tags pay players the average of the top 10 at the position, plus it gives teams the ability to match any offer given to the designated player in free agency.
Kolb Flattered By Fitzgerald's Suggestion
Eagles quarterback Kevin Kolb told WIP AM last week that he was flattered to discover that wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald suggested him as Arizona's next starting quarterback.
Kolb, who wants to start next season, sounded thrilled at the prospect of pairing up with Fitzgerald.
"I mean, if he's not the best, he's one of the best receivers in the NFL, (a) superstar," Kolb said. "For a guy like that to say something about me, it means a lot. And it's awfully flattering, and I hope that if something happens, their name comes up."
According to ESPN earlier this month, Fitzgerald recommended the team pursue Kolb and Ravens backup Marc Bulger, who will be a free agent this offseason.
Vick To Appear On Oprah
Michael Vick is scheduled to be a guest on the "The Oprah Winfrey Show."
The interview with the Eagles quarterback will be aired on Thursday.
It will cover Vick's time in prison, his work with the Humane Society and his return to the NFL.
Eagles Sign CFL Pass Rusher Hunt
The Eagles signed defensive end Phillip Hunt on Friday to a three-year contract, adding a pass rusher who led the Canadian Football League in sacks last season.
Hunt, 25, had 16 sacks for the Blue Bombers last season and had three in 2009. The CFL plays an 18-game season.
Investigator: Wait To See If Vick Has Changed
The man who led the U.S. government's investigation of Michael Vick's dogfighting case said that he's withholding judgment on the quarterback's rehabilitation.
"Do I think he's changed? I don't know," said retired U.S. Department of Agriculture senior special agent Jim Knorr, speaking to ESPN's Outside The Lines. "I would hope he has but I don't know. Only one person knows and that's him.
"The only way the public is going to know if he's sincere is to revisit it five to eight years from now, when he's not playing in the NFL and getting endorsements," Knorr said. "Is he still going into the neighborhoods, preaching to the kids?
"If he's sincere or not, it doesn't really matter because what he's doing now, he's doing a positive thing by speaking to kids in the community about his mistakes and telling them not to go there. What he's doing is good for the public."
Eagles, Texans, Vikings In Pursuit Of CFL Pass Rusher
Phillip Hunt has worked out for five teams in the last two months.
Vick Given Key To Dallas
Dallas animal rights activists didn't agree with the decision to give Michael Vick a key to the city.
Eagles Shoot Down Gruden Rumors
The Eagles issued a statement on Monday denying rumors that Andy Reid will be replaced by Jon Gruden.
Vick Named Comeback Player Of The Year
Michael Vick is the first player to win the Comeback Player of the Year award after serving time in prison.
Vick Isn't Hosting Super Bowl Party
Michael Vick told Roger Goodell that people are trying to put his name on a Super Bowl party that he has no plans to attend.
Kolb Reiterates Desire To Start
Kevin Kolb is still confident that he's ready to start for an NFL team.