PhillySportsJunkie.com

Just before NFL free agency began at 12:01AM on Friday, PhillySportsJunkie predicted that Andy Reid and the Philadelphia Eagles would find a way to make a splash in a weak talent pool.

Splash!

In reflecting on the events of the first three days of free agency, who thought it would happen so swiftly?

Aggressively and decisively targeting consensus #1 free agent Asante Samuel, the Philadelphia Eagles refused to let him leave town, determined to make an immediate statement.  Six years and fifty-seven million dollars later, the Eagles had their statement.

They were not done.

Building momentum the Eagles unveiled their day two encore performance, adding specialist edge rusher Chris Clemons.  Albeit not as eye opening as the Samuel signing, they still succeeded in filling a need with a targeted piece.  Yet another first visit free agent had decided not to leave the NovaCare Center.

The normally conservative Eagles upper management clearly determined the 2008 status quo to be unacceptable.  Their most visible needs existed at cornerback, defensive end, safety, kick/punt returner, and everyone’s favorite – wide receiver.

Cornerback – check.  The Philadelphia Eagles have replaced incumbent starter Lito Sheppard, a borderline pro bowler who has proved injury prone in missing 14 games the past 3 years, with Asante Samuel, a bona fide pro bowler who has been a model of consistency in missing only 2 games throughout the same span.

Defensive end – check.  It appears as though second-year end Victor Abiamiri and Chris Clemons will rotate at left DE while Juqua Thomas back Trent Cole at right DE.  Abiamiri and Clemons will complement each other well.  While Abiamiri is a stout and provides a solid base against the run, Clemons will play in third down packages with one goal – sack the quarterback.  That looks like a good proposition, seeing as Clemons compiled 8 sacks while being on the field for only 37% of Oakland’s defensive snaps last season.

Safety – look to free agency.  The crop of safety upgrades still on the market is headlined by two names that would look good in Eagle green:  former Giant Gibril Wilson and recently released veteran Charger Marlon McCree.

Kick/Punt Returner – look to the draft.  This is the easiest and safest need to fill through the NFL draft, especially in light of return man Andre Davis resigning with the Houston Texans.

Now for the hot-button topic of wide receiver.  There are those out there who insist on making a fuss about the position remaining unaddressed.  It is simply too early to be getting riled up, especially when the first three days of free agency have proved so action packed.

The Philadelphia Eagles are not finished.

The free agent wide receiver market has lost two quality players in Bernard Berrian and Donte Stallworth, who both inked deals over the weekend.  What remains of interest is the spectacular Randy Moss, the promising D.J. Hackett, and the high risk / high reward Javon Walker.  Each would help the Eagles receiving core to varying degrees.  While Moss is a longshot, the other two are more attainable.

However, don’t overlook the added benefit of the Asante Samuel signing.  The Philadelphia Eagles now hold a blue chip trade piece in disgruntled cornerback Lito Sheppard.  The Sheppard factor could prove a major key in adding an impact offensive weapon.  He should have enough value to be moved directly for a wide receiver or for draft picks that can be used in a subsequent deal.

In the immediate wake of the Samuel signing on Friday, 610 WIP’s radio host Cuz made it clear he doesn’t expect Sheppard to be moved for a wide receiver.

PhillySportsJunkie thinks differently.  In speaking out to the media, the McNabb, Westbrook, and Runyan trio requested help.  Granted the three are thrilled by the steps taken to solidify the defense, but what were they really asking for?  Offensive help.

It is coming.  Continue to expect the unexpected.  The 2008 shakeup is far from over.

Andy Reid looks mighty comfortable on that hot seat.