The Lito Sale — Who’s Still Shopping?
Apr 29, 2008 Eagles Rumors
On a weekend filled with several surprises for Eagles fans, perhaps none was as big as having Lito still on the roster when it was all over. Now fans who have been clamoring for the Eagles to hold on to #26 have a glimmer of hope, while everyone else is scratching their heads wondering where the team is going from here.
One thing is still certain in my mind — neither Sheldon nor Lito is going to accept a role as nickel corner happily. Just because Lito has been keeping quiet during this ordeal doesn’t mean he’s pleased. He’s just handling the situation like a professional.
So how have the dynamics of the situation changed after the draft. With several of the rumored parties involved having selected corners at the draft, the Eagles’ options may have dwindled.
Let’s take a look:
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons, of course, dumped DeAngelo Hall on the Raiders for a second and a fifth-round pick in this year’s draft. That left them with a pretty ugly reality in the secondary — something they tried to address on draft day. They took corner Chavis Jackson and safety Thomas Decoud — both in the third round.
Outlook: This team may still be interested in Lito. Jackson and Decoud are nice young prospects, but they aren’t sure-fire NFL starters from day 1.
New England Patriots
This is another team that lost a star cornerback — who is a proud new Eagle. But they also lost another free agent, Randall Gay, to the Saints. They didn’t take a corner in the first round as many expected they would. Instead, they got Terrence Wheatley and Jonathan Wilhite later in the draft.
Outlook: Lito could still be on their radar. They do have newcomer Fernando Bryant, but if he’s your best corner it’s not a great situation.
St. Louis Rams
The Rams used one of their picks on an interesting corner prospect in Justin King. Mel Kiper doesn’t quite think he’s ready for primetime, but the Rams saw something they liked. This is a team that, in my mind, was a long-shot for Lito anyway — they weren’t likely to give up picks or part with Tory Holt.
Outlook: Doubtful that they are involved.
New York Jets
The Jets have been rumored to be calling the Eagles about Sheppard. They could use someone to take the side of the field opposite their promising young corner Darelle Revis. They used a late round selection on Dwight Lowery, but he’s a longshot to be a true NFL starter.
Outlook: Likely still interested in Sheppard. Keep in mind, the Jets are generally interested in anything the Pats are doing as well.
Cincinatti Bengals
 |
| Trouble |
After drafting corner in the first round of the last two drafts, the Bengals completely avoid the position this year. The problem this team faces is that they aren’t really sure if those first round selections (Jonathan Joseph and Leon Hall) are any good.
This team is, of course, in a mess with its premier player. Johnson is a clown, and appears determined to burn every bridge he crosses out of Cinci. Are the Eagles interested? Some reports claim they are.
Outlook: The Bengals claim they aren’t budging for Johnson. Will they change their tune in time?
Jacksonville Jaguars
Here’s a new team to the party. The Jaguars are reportedly putting together a “package” of draft picks to offer the Eagles for Lito. At this point, if the Eagles are unable to obtain a player for Sheppard, they may look to Jacksonville as a last resort (if keeping Lito is simply not an option). Getting more draft picks in 2009 isn’t ideal for a team looking to make a run now.
The Jags have an Pro Bowl caliber corner in Rashean Mathis already. If they put Lito on the other side they would have a scary secondary.
Outlook: Could be a strong player if the Eagles are out of options.
Tampa Bay Bucs
This is another team that was rumored to be interested in Lito before the draft. But after picking up Aqib Talib in round one, that is likely over.
Outlook: Not likely to be interested.
Update: A commenter inquired about the Lions. Although I see them as an unlikely partner, it’s worth putting them here.
Detroit Lions
The Lions traded for Leigh Bodden, a solid, young corner. We as Eagles fans love the possibility of acquiring a rumored-to-be-on-the-block Roy Williams, but there isn’t much indicating that the Lions are interested in Sheppard or giving up Williams.
Outlook: Unlikely
Tags: Lito Sheppard, Philadelphia Eagles
April 29th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Why not include the Lions here?
April 29th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
I see the Lions as only a partner because we as Eagles fans hope they are.
Keep in mind, this team just went out and acquired a good corner in Leigh Bodden. I would guess they aren’t out there looking to acquire Sheppard.
On the other hand, as Eagles fans we would hope the Eagles are at least inquiring to the status of Roy Williams, I’ll make an update and include them.