The long-awaited trade of Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Lito Sheppard will almost certainly go down in the next few days.
Fox Sports' Jay Glazer reported Thursday that Sheppard, the Eagles' top corner, visited with the Buccaneers Wednesday. It is believed that a second-round pick and a player should be enough to pry him from Philadelphia's anxious grasp.
The Eagles have made no secret of their desire to trade Sheppard.
After signing top free agent Asante Samuel in February, Sheppard has become largely expendable. Sheppard wants a new contract despite having signed a deal paying him more than $12 million over the next three years.
The Buccaneers' second round choice is the 52nd overall in Saturday's draft. The Eagles covet bringing players in via the draft, and having two second round picks would bring the team's grand total for the weekend to 12.
Sheppard is the only player in NFL history to record two interception returns for touchdowns of over 100 yards. Both plays came against the Cowboys.
Involved in the package for Sheppard would also be a player from the Buccaneers. The questions is, who?
Most fans will want a wide receiver.
If the Eagles are unable to snag an elite playmaker draft weekend, either Joey Galloway or Michael Clayton would be a solid consolation prize.
Galloway, had 1,014 yards for six touchdowns in 2007 with Jeff Garcia and Luke McCown at the helm. However, at 34, there are serious questions about Galloway's longevity.
Clayton has been largely unimpressive in Tampa Bay. Since being drafted in 2002 by the Bucs, Clayton only has eight touchdowns - seven coming his rookie year.
Sheppard is not without his downside. The two-time Pro Bowler missed 14 games in the last three seasons with a series of nagging injuries.
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5 months ago
Great article! What a relief--I've been waiting to hear this news for so long.
5 months ago
The Eagles will be sorry to find out that Asante isn't exactly what they expected.
5 months ago
Lito's missed 14 games in 3 years. That's less than D-Mac. If we trade #5 and keep Lito as a return man/nickelback, we're golden. We have salary cap room and a first-round qb who wasn't Doug Pederson's understudy. Plus, laying off the vomitus clean-up crew is money in Lurie's pocket.
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