Jason Witten Named Walter Payton Finalist, and More NFC East News

For the second time in six years, Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten has been named a finalist for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, according to ESPNDallas.com's Todd Archer.

Also up for the award, which "recognizes community service as well as on-field excellence," are Arizona's Larry Fitzgerald and Cleveland's Joe Thomas.

As per usual, the winner will be revealed at the Super Bowl. 

On to what else is being talked about in the league's most popular division...

Dallas Cowboys

From David Moore of the Dallas Morning News: Anthony Spencer is off to his first Pro Bowl as a replacement. 

From Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram: Tight ends coach John Garrett has become the fourth assistant to leave Dallas this offseason.

New York Giants

From Newsday's Tom Rock: Giants linebackers coach Jim Herrmann has withdrawn from the defensive coordinator search in Philadelphia.

Bleacher Report's Kevin Boilard has New York taking a defensive end in the first round of his latest team mock draft.

Philadelphia Eagles

From PhillyMag.com's Sheil Kapadia: A look at the team's reported hiring of Pat Shurmur to "run the offense."

ESPN.com's Adam Schefter reports that Chip Kelly's deal is worth $32.5 million over five years.

Washington Redskins

From Rich Campbell of the Washington Times: London Fletcher and Ryan Kerrigan are also off to the Pro Bowl as last-minute replacements. 

But Rich Tandler of Real Redskins notes that Alfred Morris still is not Hawaii-bound. Nope, Doug Martin is replacing Frank Gore.