Big News! Corey Simon Now Released...Updated 9/1, signs with colts

[JerseySTEEL]

EAGLES, DT SIMON PART WAYS




August 28, 2005
By CHRIS McPHERSON
philadelphiaeagles.com

The Eagles announced Sunday night that they have withdrawn the franchise tag on defensive tackle Corey Simon, meaning that he is now an unrestricted free agent.
"We appreciate all that Corey has done for this organization over the last five years," said head coach Andy Reid in a statement. "With the great amount of depth and talent we have along the defensive line, we chose to give Corey an opportunity to sign with another team."


DT Simon never signed the tender that would have guaranteed him over $5 million this season
Simon, the team's first-round draft pick and the No. 6 overall selection in 2000, was given the franchise tag in the off-season, meaning he could not sign with another team unless that team were to surrender two first-round draft picks as compensation.

By being given the franchise tag, which was done Feb. 10, Simon would have made the equivalent of the top five paid defensive tackles in the league in 2005 - which would have been approximately $5.1 million.

At the time the tag was placed, head coach Andy Reid was happy with that decision.

"As I said earlier this week, Corey's a good player and his personality fits very well in our locker room," said Reid in February. "He's a talented player against the pass and against the run. We're happy to take this step to keep him in Philadelphia."

However, Simon never signed the tender and did not report to any of the team's mini-camps or training camp.

There were published reports that Simon would come in the week of the season opener, but that will never be known. There were also published reports that Simon had been traded by the Eagles, but Simon and the other team involved could not agree on compensation.

In Simon's place, Darwin Walker has teamed up with Hollis Thomas as the starters at the defensive tackle position. Off the bench has been first-round draft pick Mike Patterson, who has been stellar (two sacks in the preseason).

The play of the other tackles has helped defensive coordinator Jim Johnson not worry about Simon's presence.

"I think we are playing pretty good defense right now. To say I wish Corey was not here, no I wish he was here, but he's not here and I said it before, we just move on," Johnson said. "It's an opportunity for those other guys that are playing pretty well. We are just going to see what happens with Corey. I have no idea."

In his five seasons as an Eagle, Simon amassed 270 tackles and 35 sacks. He set the rookie record for sacks with 9.5 in 2000. Simon was named to the 2004 Pro Bowl after posting 64 tackles and 7.5 sacks in the 2003 season.

Hefty's analysis
MIke patterson has been really good this preseason. that may have helped in the decision to release simon. I think this means 7th round pick and Div. II star keyontta Marshall gets a roster spot and a spot in DT rotation. Patterson will be the starter by middle of year and may be in running for DROY now.

[BlitzburghRockCity]

He's had some injury problems and wants WAY too much money...I heard the ratbirds were interested in him previously.

[McNabbulous5]

Doesnt suprise me even though Simon was suprised at this. The tender they offered him would have made him a top 5 paid DT in the league. My take on this is the Eagles are very deep at DT with Thomas, Walker, Patterson, Rayburn and Grasmanis. I think they should take that money and extend Brian Westbrook's contract.

Or better yet they could give the money to Terrell Owens he needs to buy more groceries... j/k :)

[BlitzburghRockCity]

Next thing you know TO will be asking for the fans to bring money for him too!!

[LambertIsGod58]

His price tag is way too high....Has talent, not $5million a season worth.

[BB2W]

Oh great!!!.... The Ravens want him. Thats what we need is a top 5 DT in the division.....

Billick said the Ravens still have interest in Philadelphia defensive tackle Corey Simon, whom the team attempted to trade for in the offseason. The Eagles withdrew the franchise tag on Simon, making him an unrestricted free agent. "It could get a little pricey, but I'm sure [General Manager Ozzie Newsome and the personnel department] are on top if it and they will monitor it," Billick said.

[clevestinks]

The Colts want him the most. But probably cant afford him

[Prosdo]

Looks like the Colts got him. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/column...len&id=2148463

[BlitzburghRockCity]

Yep he should help out the colts run defense in a BIG way !!!

[clevestinks]

Tony Dungy! Lands a big one on defense finally. AFC is getting tougher