(Photo by Len Redkoles/Getty Images)
One day after trimming the roster down to 53 players, the Philadelphia Eagles have released veteran quarterback A.J. Feeley. The move was made to allow Michael Vick to become the team’s No. 3 quarterback, with Kevin Kolb as the backup to Donovan McNabb.
Four quarterbacks on one 53-man roster was just too much, which is why fans knew that a move would take place before last Saturday’s deadline. Ever since the Eagles signed Vick a few weeks ago, rumors had been swirling regarding trade talks involving Kolb or Feeley.
Feeley’s name was even mentioned within the days leading up to Saturday’s deadline for the 53-man roster in a possible trade with the New England Patriots.
After trade talks fell through, Feeley was still on the Eagles’ roster as Vick was on the “exempt” list since he is not eligible to play until Week Three against the Kansas City Chiefs. Now, Feeley’s second stint with the Eagles has come to an end, leaving the team with the expected three quarterbacks on their roster.
The fans knew a move was coming, but that doesn’t mean they are satisfied with the decision made by Joe Banner and the rest of the Eagles organization.
It’s been a difficult process for the fans of Philadelphia to accept Kolb as part of their franchise. Ever since he was selected by the Eagles in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft, the fans have made it clear that they don't want Kolb to be the quarterback of the future when McNabb’s time comes to an end.
After a disastrous performance in the second half of a game against the Baltimore Ravens last season (10-of-23 for 75 yards and two interceptions), some fans felt the future of the Eagles was in jeopardy if Kolb was going to be their quarterback.
When Vick signed with the Eagles, some fans were hoping Kolb would be used as trade-bait since Feeley has had previous success with the team. In 2002, Feeley started the final five games for the Eagles, helping them reach the playoffs with a 4-1 record until McNabb returned from an ankle injury.
The fans may have preferred Feeley as the backup to McNabb, but now they are forced to adjust to Kolb as the No. 2 man in Philadelphia.
At the end of the day, business is business when it comes to roster adjustments in the NFL. Fans knew a move was coming at the quarterback position, but they didn’t expect it to play out this way when Feeley was still on the roster Saturday night after the deadline.
The city of Philadelphia can only wish Feeley the best of luck, as he has been a fan favorite during his two stints with the Eagles.
As far as Kolb is concerned, it should be interesting to see what happens if he’s ever needed at quarterback in 2009.
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