In Honor of Donovan McNabb's Return: Top 10 Philadelphia Eagles Departures
Throughout the Andy Reid era in Philadelphia, there have been several controversial situations related to the departures of certain players.
Usually these controversies center around the age of the player or the player just wanting more money.
The Philadelphia Eagles have been hesitant to resign individuals who are 30 or older.
In fact, the 2010 Eagles roster is one of the youngest in the NFL.
Philadelphia fans have often questioned whether or not the organization has made the right choices.
Looking back on Andy Reid's decisions, he has almost always been correct over the last 11 years.
This list includes the most notable Philadelphia Eagles departures during the Andy Reid era.
10. Sheldon Brown
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Sheldon Brown made it known before the 2009 season that he was unhappy with his contract situation.
Brown was a professional though, and played all 16 games for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Prior to the 2010 NFL Draft, the Eagles traded CB Brown and LB Chris Gocong to the Cleveland Browns for a fourth and fifth round pick.
Brown immediately got his contract restructured, which gave him more guaranteed money.
Sheldon Brown was a key piece to a Philadelphia defense that was dominant for five years.
However, he was 31-years old and the Eagles recently acquired Asante Samuel and Ellis Hobbs.
Good Decision?: TBD, but leaning towards yes. (Brown has recorded 13 tackles and 1 INT this season).
9. Lito Sheppard
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A year before the Philadelphia Eagles shipped Brown to the Browns, the organization traded another veteran cornerback.
In March of 2009, the Eagles traded Lito Sheppard to the New York Jets in exchange for two draft picks.
Sheppard, who was frustrated with his contract, received a four-year, $27.2 million extension!
Asante Samuel took over Sheppard's spot on the team during the 2008 season, so the Eagles decided to release the 27-year old.
Lito was released by the Jets after only one season. He signed a one-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings for $2 million prior to the 2010 season.
Good Decision?: Yes
8. Corey Simon
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Corey Simon was the best defensive tackle on the Philadelphia Eagles during the span of four-straight NFC Championship appearances.
After the 2004 season, which featured a Super Bowl loss to the Patriots, the organization placed a franchise tag on Simon.
After he refused to sign the franchise tag, the Eagles lifted the tag and Simon became an unrestricted free agent.
Corey Simon then signed a 5-year contract, worth $30 million and $11 million in bonuses, with the Indianapolis Colts.
He played one season for the Colts and due to injury, missed the entire 2006 Super Bowl season.
Simon retired from the NFL in 2007 because polyarthritis.
Good Decision?: Yes
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7. Hugh Douglas
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Hugh Douglas was one of the most beloved Philadelphia Eagles players during his time with the team.
Douglas was with the team from 1998-2002, before signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The 33-year old Douglas completely ripped off Jacksonville. The defensive end signed a 5-year, $27-million deal, including a $6-million signing bonus.
The Jaguars cut Douglas after only one season. The Eagles reacquired Douglas for a very cheap price in 2004.
Douglas was the Eagles' "Good-Will Ambassador", which apparently meant that his role is to get in a fight with Terrell Owens.
It would have been nice if Douglas won a Super Bowl with the team.
Good Decision?: Yes
6. Derrick Burgess
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Derrick Burgess' career in Philadelphia was plagued by injuries.
The defensive end/linebacker was drafted in 2001 and recorded six sacks in his rookie season.
However, he only played in one game the next two seasons due a broken foot and a torn achilles respectively.
Burgess played a big role in the Eagles' 2004 run to the Super Bowl. He recorded three sacks during the playoffs, including one against the New England Patriots.
Derrick Burgess signed with the Oakland Raiders. He broke the team record with 16 sacks during the 2005 season.
Burgess would compile 19 sacks over the next two seasons. For some reason, the Raiders traded him to the New England Patriots.
Burgess was cut prior to the start of this season.
Good Decision?: No
5. Jeremiah Trotter
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Jeremiah Trotter, "The Axeman", was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft.
After four great years with the team, the two parties could not agree on a new contract.
The middle linebacker signed a seven-year, $36 million deal, including a $7 million signing bonus, with the Washington Redskins in 2002.
Trotter's time in Washington only lasted two seasons, where he never lived up to the deal.
He returned to Philadelphia in 2004 by signing a one-year deal worth less than $1 million. He eventually won back the starting job at middle linebacker and played a key role in the team's Super Bowl season.
From 2005-2009, he would play three seasons with the Eagles and one with Tampa Bay.
Good Decision?: Yes
4. Brian Westbrook
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Brian Westbrook was the best offensive weapon that Donovan McNabb ever had.
He is the Philadelphia Eagles all-time leader in yards from scrimmage (9,785).
Westbrook is second in rushing yards (5,995), behind Wilbert Montgomery.
His most memorable play was a punt-return touchdown against the New York Giants, which saved the 2003 Philadelphia Eagles season.
However, he only played eight games in 2009, mostly due to multiple concussions.
The Eagles drafted running back Lesean McCoy in the 2009 NFL Draft, who would end up being Westbrook's replacement.
The 30-year old was released after the 2009 season and signed a one-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers.
He has had little to no impact on a struggling San Francisco team.
Good Decision?: Sadly, Yes
3. Terrell Owens
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The departure of Terrell Owens is unlike any other one on this list.
When the Philadelphia Eagles acquired him in 2004, Philadelphia fans had the Lombardi Trophy in their sights.
Owens' performance in the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots was heroic.
Controversy then surrounded Donovan McNabb and his puking incident during the game.
Owens was asked to leave training camp and proceeded to workout in his lawn.
The Eagles suspended him during the middle of 2005 season. His conduct, which included a fight with previously mentioned Hugh Douglas, was unacceptable.
Donovan McNabb wanted him off the team and he got his wish.
There is still some question to whether the majority of the team was on McNabb's or Owens' side.
Who knows what would of happened if they won the Super Bowl that year? McNabb and Owens could have been a great duo that led the Eagles to multiple championships.
Good Decision?: Yes
2. Brian Dawkins
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Brian Dawkins is on the same level as Rocky Balboa when it comes to Philadelphia icons.
The Philadelphia Eagles decided not to resign the veteran after the 2008 season.
The 35-year old had been battling injuries, but his performance towards the end of the 2008 season was incredible.
There were many angry Philadelphia fans when the news came out. It did not help the city's view of the organization when they signed Michael Vick later in the same offseason.
Brian Dawkins soon signed a five-year deal with the Denver Broncos. The deal was anywhere from $17 to $25 million, depending on his performance level.
Good Decision?: TBD (Nate Allen looks promising). Leaning towards yes.
1. Donovan McNabb
10 of 10Donovan McNabb spent 11 years in Philadelphia. It gets complicated when you try and describe those 11 years.
This is what we know: 4 NFC Championship Games, 1 Super Bowl Appearance, Best Statistical Quarterback in Eagles' History, Injury Problems, NO SUPER BOWL VICTORY
It was time for the Donovan McNabb era to end. It was time for Kevin Kolb to be the new franchise quarterback....
The team was young and he was 33-years old. The fans and media had grown tired of his press conferences.
How do you not know the overtime rules?
McNabb was in the last year of his contract and wanted an extension. The Eagles had to get some value for number five when they could.
That value was the 37th overall pick in the 2010 draft and a 3rd or 4th round pick in 2011.
The 37th overall pick was Nate Allen, who recently earned NFL Rookie of the Month.
Also, McNabb is owed $11 million this year.
The real question is why did Andy Reid trade him to the Washington Redskins?
The decision may hurt the Eagles this Sunday.
Good Decision?: TBD, but leaning towards yes. A lot depends on this season. A lot depends on this Sunday.
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