Brown Backs Self Into a "Corner"

"Something you learn and I've learned is you gotta keep everything to yourself." This was a statement made by Eagles cornerback, Sheldon Brown, last year after teammate, Lito Sheppard did not show up for the teams OTA's in June.

What a difference a year makes.

Now, one week until the draft, Brown is singing a much different tune. "You don't want me in that locker room," Brown told WIP host Howard Eskin today.

Not only has he decided to go public with his request for a trade or new contract, he seems to be threatening to pull a "T.O." tirade.

As much as it pains me to say, I have to agree with the Eagles front office in this situation. Yes, they are stingy most of the time. Yes, Brian Dawkins should still be wearing an Eagles uniform. Yes, they should just pay the city the money they owe them and leave it alone. But no, they should not renegotiate Sheldon Brown's contract, in which he signed two years ago and still has four years remaining on it.

Or should they give in and trade him, seeing as though they have no one ready to replace him (Do not even think about saying Joselio Hanson here)?

I agree that there are some circumstances that call for a renegotiation of a contract. If you are in the final year, try and get your money. If you are a top five player at your position, I am all for it. But Sheldon, you fall into neither of these categories. To be honest, you may not be in the top 15 players at your position. 

The other problem here is his argument. The fact that the league has evolved and corners are now paid more money (shocker right??), has no bearing on the contract that he and his agent decided to sign two years ago.

It amazes me when a player in this league says it is a business, but then makes a claim that they should receive more money because when they signed their original deal, they did not know that salaries for players at their positions would increase year to year.

Get with the program fellas.

This is becoming a problem not only with the Eagles, but throughout the NFL. These situations always come on the heels of a teammate or free agent signing a big deal with a team. Larry Fitzgerald says he wants a new contract or to be traded. He gets a contract. What happened? Anyone want to tell me where Anquan Boldin will be next year?

On Monday, the Eagles trade for and sign disgruntled offensive left tackle, Jason Peters, to a multi-year deal. Cue Sheldon Brown and his public remarks. By the way, it is very possible that Jason Peters falls into the "top five players at your position" category discussed earlier. 

Sheldon Brown is a very good player and a leader for this Eagles defense. Is he underpaid according to league standards now? Yes. Without question. Should he be given a raise at some point? Absolutely. But not this year. It is not the time to give a 30-year-old corner a new contract.

You signed it Sheldon. Now live with it.