Three's A Crowd - Monday, May 05, 2008
188 Views :: 0 Comments :: :: Michael Bradley

   We finally heard from Lito Sheppard over the weekend, and while he said things the right way and showed up to work hard at mini-camp, it's clear that things aren't right in world of Eagles defense. Twenty years ago, it might have been possible to get away with three starters at two positions, using the "he is under contract" argument, but that's not how things go in the 21st century. Lito was at the Nova Care Complex, but he wasn't happy about it.

   The Eagles' inability to work out a trade for Sheppard before the draft has put them in a tough position. They must now rotate the three corners they have -- Sheppard, Sheldon Brown and newcomer Asante Samuel -- throughout the coming workouts, all the while giving a sense that this is what the team intended all along. That's just false, no matter how many times we hear it. Since when do the Eagles want to waste payroll money on a veteran who isn't a starter?

   It is imperative the team trades Sheppard and soon. The longer he hangs around, the longer he has the ability to lure teammates into his camp. If a deal is made in late June or July, or even during the pre-season, there could be some locker-room damage incurred as Sheppard allies bemoan his poor treatment by the club. Granted, the corner does have a contract, but he's unhappy, and that can affect others.

  It would be great if all three players banded together to do "what's right for the team," but let's face it, that only happens in Hollywood. In the NFL, that scenario doesn't take place too often. The dream of having three top-shelf corners capable of shutting down enemy passing attacks isn't realistic. Trying to make that work will only cause trouble, and that's something this Eagles team, facing a vital year in franchise history, can't afford.

  So, it's up to Andy Reid to make a deal. Maybe he can pretend Sheppard is a first-round draft pick. He doesn't have any trouble trading those things away. The Eagles have decided they want Brown and Samuel as their corners. That means Sheppard is expendable. Even if the team doesn't get a lot for him (and it likely won't), just trading him will help things, since it will close the chapter and make sure Sheppard can't cause problems with other players.

   Get it done. Now.