NFL.com: Walker's trade to Bills still not a done deal

[bubba9497]

http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/story/10197562




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Walker's trade to Bills still not a done deal



(May 25, 2007) -- Buffalo and Philadelphia completed one trade this spring and, in another two months, the two teams could complete another.

It's the hidden Part II of the Part I trade completed in March, when former Bills linebacker Takeo Spikes and quarterback Kelly Holcomb were sent to Philadelphia in exchange for former Eagles defensive tackle Darwin Walker and a 2008 seventh-round draft choice.

While formulating the trade, the Bills and Eagles agreed that if Walker did not report to Buffalo for training camp by Aug. 5, then he would revert to Eagles property and the Bills would get the Eagles sixth-round pick in 2008.

It is a possibility that seems more real each day. So the sequel to the Walker trade could be just over two months away and it will depend, as so much in the league does, on a new contract.

Walker has two years remaining on a contract that is scheduled to pay him $1.3 million this season. It is, Walker believes, not enough.

He asked Philadelphia for a new deal and he has done the same with Buffalo.

The Bills knew the contractual headache they were assuming, but they were hopeful they could appease Walker and upgrade their defensive line. If not, they are protected.

They would get the Eagles' 2008 sixth-round pick to go along with the Eagles seventh-round pick they already hold compliments of the Spikes and Holcomb trade.

But Buffalo needs to find a way to strengthen its defensive line.

Former first-round pick John McCargo underwent offseason foot surgery on an injury that bothered him last season, when he initially underwent surgery on the foot in October.

But when the surgery did not take as well as doctors would have hoped, McCargo had another surgery in February and now his status for training camp is in question. So is Walker's presence. And this is on a Buffalo defense that already lost linebacker London Fletcher and cornerback Nate Clements.

Buffalo has some defensive questions. A 2008 sixth-round pick from Philadelphia is not going to help address many of them.

[DWinzit]

Interesting how Walker could end up back with the Eagles.

Unless he changes his tune on the raise, they'll have to try finding another trade deal or cut him, take a cap hit and lose a draft pick, OUCH!

Bubba, what are the chances you and I post the same 2 day old article at the same time?:doh: :laugh:

[The Brave Little Toaster Oven]

Let's pick him up if he's cut :D

[Westbrook36]

Unless he changes his tune on the raise, they'll have to try finding another trade deal or cut him, take a cap hit and lose a draft pick, OUCH!


You've become very tr1'esque in your commentary lately. OH NO, THE SKY IS FALLING, THE EAGLES MIGHT HAVE TO GIVE UP ANOTHER 6TH ROUND PICK!!!! :laugh: :laugh:

[RDSKNfaithfull]

So if he doesn't go the Eagles keep Walker and only give up a 6th and 7th for spikes and holecomb?????? So a 7th for Holecomb (a good #2 vet QB on most teams) and a 6th rounder for TKO????? what a deal

[tr1]

You've become very tr1'esque in your commentary lately. OH NO, THE SKY IS FALLING, THE EAGLES MIGHT HAVE TO GIVE UP ANOTHER 6TH ROUND PICK!!!! :laugh: :laugh:

WB, if you think it's no big deal, you know, that Walker is gonna cost you a sixth and probably get cut, then tell us why...

[phishisthegreatstuff]

yeah if they cut walker, we should prob take a nice long look at him....

[DWinzit]

You've become very tr1'esque in your commentary lately. OH NO, THE SKY IS FALLING, THE EAGLES MIGHT HAVE TO GIVE UP ANOTHER 6TH ROUND PICK!!!! :laugh: :laugh:Eagles traded Walker because they didn't want to give him a raise or take the cap hit if they cut him.

They may end out in the same spot and it cost them a draft pick to boot. What a deal!

If this move involved any other team, I couldn't have beaten you to posting a similar comment.

OBTW, thanks for the tr1 comparison!:D

[dreamshatterer]

Thats a flat out steal for the Eagles if that eventually happens.

[Westbrook36]

Eagles traded Walker because they didn't want to give him a raise or take the cap hit if they cut him.

They may end out in the same spot and it cost them a draft pick to boot. What a deal!

If this move involved any other team, I couldn't have beaten you to posting a similar comment.

OBTW, thanks for the tr1 comparison!:D

I'm really starting to lose respect for you. I thought you were one of the good ones.

So now the Eagles didn't trade him because they wanted Spikes.....no, according to DWinzit, who must have inside sources, they traded him because they didn't want to give him a raise or take the cap hit if they cut him. Oh praytell, please inform us what deductive reasoning allowed you to come up with that?

According to most Skins fans on this board after the deal, Walker was our best DT. Now, if he came back on our team, we'd be forced to cut him? Says who? This isn't how the Eagles do business. I'll guarantee they find a different trade partner or make the guy sit if he doesn't want to play for the deal he has. Again, it won't cost them a dime.

[tr1]

I'm really starting to lose respect for you. I thought you were one of the good ones.

I think this is a compliment, DWinzit!

[dockeryfan]

According to most Skins fans on this board after the deal, Walker was our best DT. Now, if he came back on our team, we'd be forced to cut him? Says who? Says the numbers. How many Dline do you think Reid will sign? Cole, Howard, Kearse, Abiamiri, Jaqua Thomas (I'm assuming McDougle gets the ax), Bunkley, Patterson, Ramsey, Reagor, (Jeremy Clark and Ian Scott fighting for spots) That's 9 DL and 2 guys trying to make it. What's JJ going to keep, 4DE 5DT maybe?
Where, exactly does Walker fit in? He doesn't. They tried to unload him, and he simply won't go. He has said he considers himself severely underpaid, lol. The Eagles will not pay him any more than his contract states (nor should they- the defense sucks and he thinks he needs a raise?? Go screw) So that's it. He's done as an Eagle. End of story.

I'm really starting to lose respect for you. I thought you were one of the good ones.
What a joke- attacking someone because god forbid the Eagles FO made a mistake. They did. They tried to get something extra for Walker, and it backfired. Big friggin deal.

[Walking Deadman]

If the article is true. This is a win-win for the Eagles.
They get Spikes, Holcomb and keep Walker only for a 6th and a 7th?
Then they can either cut Walker or give him a new deal.

The Eagles got a steal if this happens.

[DWinzit]

they traded him because they didn't want to give him a raise or take the cap hit if they cut him. Oh praytell, please inform us what deductive reasoning allowed you to come up with that?Yes the Eagles wanted Spikes and yes he is a good player. But come on with your question, just read the article:

Walker has two years remaining on a contract that is scheduled to pay him $1.3 million this season. It is, Walker believes, not enough.

He asked Philadelphia for a new deal and he has done the same with Buffalo.

The Bills knew the contractual headache they were assuming, but they were hopeful they could appease Walker and upgrade their defensive line. If not, they are protected.Yeah, they knew he wanted a raise!

Now, if he came back on our team, we'd be forced to cut him? Says who? .Not me, I said the Eagles would either need to give him a raise or cut him!!!Options my friend.

Again, it won't cost them a dime.If you make him sit like you say, you take a cap hit and get nothing from him. You're right, not a dime, it would cost $1.3 million. And yes it does cost something else, an extra pick.
I feel sorry for the Bills who need Walker.

I thought you were one of the good ones..I am and you know it!:cheers:

[sableholic]

I'll guarantee they find a different trade partner or make the guy sit if he doesn't want to play for the deal he has. Again, it won't cost them a dime.

Seems to me it will cost them a 6th rounder and they have to pay his contract (unless he sits, in which case they'd probably go after their money).

[Westbrook36]

Says the numbers. How many Dline do you think Reid will sign? Cole, Howard, Kearse, Abiamiri, Jaqua Thomas (I'm assuming McDougle gets the ax), Bunkley, Patterson, Ramsey, Reagor, (Jeremy Clark and Ian Scott fighting for spots) That's 9 DL and 2 guys trying to make it. What's JJ going to keep, 4DE 5DT maybe?
Where, exactly does Walker fit in? He doesn't. They tried to unload him, and he simply won't go. He has said he considers himself severely underpaid, lol. The Eagles will not pay him any more than his contract states (nor should they- the defense sucks and he thinks he needs a raise?? Go screw) So that's it. He's done as an Eagle. End of story.

What a joke- attacking someone because god forbid the Eagles FO made a mistake. They did. They tried to get something extra for Walker, and it backfired. Big friggin deal.

The Eagles FO made a mistake?!?!?!? What a joke you are....you try to assign blame to the Eagles FO no matter what. You conveniently leave out the fact they got their starting WLB for Walker, who will be back on the team.

They can take their time, make him report to camp, use him as insurance for injury all the way until they have to get under 53 players.

You simply can't be serious here. They got TKO for a 6th and 7th and you people are trying to spin this as a huge mistake by the greedy Eagles FO. Amazing.

[Westbrook36]

If you make him sit like you say, you take a cap hit and get nothing from him. You're right, not a dime, it would cost $1.3 million. And yes it does cost something else, an extra pick.

If Walker doesn't report to the Eagles training camp, the Eagles don't take the cap hit. Sorry.

[dockeryfan]

You conveniently leave out the fact they got their starting WLB for Walker, who will be back on the team.
Sure he will. You actually think he will make the 53. With his contract dispute.

Laughing.

[Westbrook36]

dock, do you have a mental disorder? Seriously. Do you even read responses?

I JUST got done saying the Eagles will not cut Walker right away and have all the leverege to keep him until the final cut (also protecting themselves against injury and if he doesn't report) and you somehow say my position is I think Walker will make the final roster.

If you aren't willing to actually read what people write and use some intellect when discussing issues, it will be impossible to discuss anything with you.

[dockeryfan]

dock, do you have a mental disorder? Seriously. Do you even read responses?

I JUST got done saying the Eagles will not cut Walker right away and have all the leverege to keep him until the final cut (also protecting themselves against injury and if he doesn't report) and you somehow say my position is I think Walker will make the final roster.

If you aren't willing to actually read what people write and use some intellect when discussing issues, it will be impossible to discuss anything with you.You also took my response and twisted it into an attack.

First you say this:

According to most Skins fans on this board after the deal, Walker was our best DT. Now, if he came back on our team, we'd be forced to cut him? Says who?
Then when I ask how he actually cracks the roster, you attack and now say he won't make the final roster.

They're your words, dingus. You make the quote above saying they won't be forced to cut him, now you say he won't make the roster. Which is it, because you can't have it both ways. Oh, wait, I forget who I'm talking to.
The Eagles traded him but they really wanted him back. Brilliant.

[Westbrook36]

My position is clear. The Eagles won't be forced to immediately cut Walker. They can let him languish, use him as insurance against injury, etc.

You continually construct strawman arguments. I think everyone sees through it. You actually argue like a baby.


The Eagles traded him but they really wanted him back.

Again, another example in where you just can't talk like an adult without making crap up. The Eagles traded him because they wanted TKO. If they are forced to give up a 6th rounder and take Walker back, it isn't because they wanted that to happen. They obviously will not panic and immediately cut him as was originally suggested. They will hold him because he is an asset at the present. The closer we get to the mandatory cut date, he becomes less of an asset. If the Eagles DT situation is exactly as it is now, and they can't find someone to trade for him, they would then probably cut him; unless he reported to camp and completely outplayed their other DTs.

[taylorcoreskin]

how did the eagles get takeo for so cheap?

[Westbrook36]

It wasn't cheap! They gave up a 6th AND 7th and now have to deal with the HUGE problem of what to do with Darwin Walker!!!!

[DWinzit]

If Walker doesn't report to the Eagles training camp, the Eagles don't take the cap hit. Sorry.Sorry, but someone must assume the remainder of the contract and the cap hit. Referencing the initial article again, it doesn't sound like it is the Bills:

While formulating the trade, the Bills and Eagles agreed that if Walker did not report to Buffalo for training camp by Aug. 5, then he would revert to Eagles property and the Bills would get the Eagles sixth-round pick in 2008..It sure sounds like the Eagles are owners of his cap hit whether he reports or not!

[DWinzit]

It wasn't cheap! They gave up a 6th AND 7th and now have to deal with the HUGE problem of what to do with Darwin Walker!!!!The Eagles also are picking up Spikes $9.5 million dollar contract which the Bills did not want to pay, as well as Holcombs contract. They will cut Holcomb and eat his cap hit which saves the Bills because they were going to do the same.

[Westbrook36]

DWinzit, do you have any idea how the NFL works? When a player is under contract and doesn't report to training camp or a team mandated event be it a game, practice, or whatever, you honestly believe the team still pays the salary and takes a salary cap hit? Seriously.

[Westbrook36]

The Eagles also are picking up Spikes $9.5 million dollar contract which the Bills did not want to pay, as well as Holcombs contract. They will cut Holcomb and eat his cap hit which saves the Bills because they were going to do the same.

Sigh. The Bills take the same salary cap hit on Holcomb if they trade or release him. NFL 101. The Eagles are picking up Spikes 9.5 million dollar salary because they wanted Spikes. I don't see how your conjecture about the Bills not wanting to pick it up has anything to do with the issue at hand.

You are beginning to pick up very annoying discussion habits which take away from you as a poster.

You act as if cutting Holcomb is a big surprise to the Eagles now and that they might be caught with their pants down. Like they picked Kolb and 15 minutes later thought "****, we have Holcomb...what do we do now?"

[DWinzit]

DWinzit, do you have any idea how the NFL works? When a player is under contract and doesn't report to training camp or a team mandated event be it a game, practice, or whatever, you honestly believe the team still pays the salary and takes a salary cap hit? Seriously.Where did I say he wouldn't report to any Eagle team events? :whoknows:

[Westbrook36]

You JUST said the Eagles take a cap hit IF HE REPORTS OR NOT. My god, try to keep up.

[DWinzit]

The Bills take the same salary cap hit on Holcomb if they trade or release him. NFL 101. The Eagles are picking up Spikes 9.5 million dollar salary because they wanted Spikes. I don't see how your conjecture about the Bills not wanting to pick it up has anything to do with the issue at handI do not question this. The point you and others were bringing up was how did the Eagles pull this trade off. Simple, they are picking up a large contract the Bills are not willing to pay. Come on with this conjecture crap. The Bills have been avoiding most big money contracts.

You are beginning to pick up very annoying discussion habits which take away from you as a poster. Dock and I are both good posters You have chosen to take a skewed approach to debate in this thread. It has been you who are sounding silly, attempting to read between the lines and make assumptions as to what we have written.

I find this very dissappointing coming from you!:(

You act as if cutting Holcomb is a big surprise to the Eagles now and that they might be caught with their pants down. Again just pointing out it will cost the Eagles something!

[2006Skins]

The Eagles need to be arrested for highway robbery. Basically a 6th and 7th round pick for holcomb and a top 5 olb in Takeo Spikes?!

Wow

Why can't we find any other teams this stupid to deal with.

[Westbrook36]

dock and Dwinzit on one side of the argument. The rest of the free world on the other.

[dockeryfan]

dock and Dwinzit on one side of the argument. The rest of the free world on the other.I never said a 6th and a 7th for an older LB wasn't a good deal for the Eagles, dingus. Don't put words in my mouth. I said it wasn't their original plan. Which it wasn't. You seem to think somehow it was their idea to trade Walker, and then miraculously get him back. That FO is brilliant, I say.

[Westbrook36]

dock, no where have I contended that it was their idea to trade Walker and then get him back. This is twice you have given positions to me that I never stated or even suggested. Again, it only takes away from your credibility when you continue to do this as well as hurl personal insults at me, which is against the rules, btw.

[dockeryfan]

dock, no where have I contended that it was their idea to trade Walker and then get him back. This is twice you have given positions to me that I never stated or even suggested. Again, it only takes away from your credibility when you continue to do this as well as hurl personal insults at me, which is against the rules, btw.
You change your tune to fit the post. One way this the other way that...
You said they would not be forced to cut him...YOU SAID IT. ...implying that it would be good for the team to have him around. Of course this flies in the face of reality because they have shown
1) they have no intention of dealing with his ssalary issues
2) they have no room to sign him on the roster
3) they didn't want him anymore in the first place because they unloaded him on the Bills the same way they did to the Eagles with Holcomb.

You know these things but continue to argue nonsense. Just to argue on the Eagles behalf.

[tr1]

The Eagles need to be arrested for highway robbery. Basically a 6th and 7th round pick for holcomb and a top 5 olb in Takeo Spikes?!

Wow

Why can't we find any other teams this stupid to deal with.

He'll be one of the most overpaid LBs in the league...that's how. The Bills didn't like his price tag...

[tr1]

dock and Dwinzit on one side of the argument. The rest of the free world on the other.

And you twist things to suit you...

Just admit that the Eagles' FO screwed up...you'll feel better telling the truth.

[ptr77]

The Eagles need to be arrested for highway robbery. Basically a 6th and 7th round pick for holcomb and a top 5 olb in Takeo Spikes?!

Wow

Why can't we find any other teams this stupid to deal with.

Top 5 OLB?

No not really. Still a major steal either way.

Really this trade was the eagles picks for spikes. Holcomb will be cut and was to save the bills cap space, walker would of been cut or would of sat out in philly, and the bills didn't like spikes or his cap charge. The deal is heavily in favour of the eagles any way you look at it.

[HEavyJumbo85]

The Eagles need to be arrested for highway robbery. Basically a 6th and 7th round pick for holcomb and a top 5 olb in Takeo Spikes?!

Wow

Why can't we find any other teams this stupid to deal with.


Yeah, holcomb is cut and spikes isn't a top 5 linebacker in any universe anymore. Too many injuries, severe injuries.

The Eagles traded 2 draft picks for 2 aging veterans, one of whom is consistently injured and one who will not be on the final roster unless philly keeps 4 QBs...I'm kind of shocked Mel Kiper isn't all over Philly for this one ;) .

[taylorcoreskin]

It wasn't cheap! They gave up a 6th AND 7th and now have to deal with the HUGE problem of what to do with Darwin Walker!!!!
that sounds cheap to me

[Number5]

And you twist things to suit you...

Just admit that the Eagles' FO screwed up...you'll feel better telling the truth.

Please explain how they screwed up? From what I have read in this thread, you haven't read explained it.....please enlighten us

[Westbrook36]

Please explain how they screwed up? From what I have read in this thread, you haven't read explained it.....please enlighten us

They screwed up because Walker won't report to the Bills; totally a mistake of the cheap Eagles FO.

[Tulane Skins Fan]

The Bills should trade the rights to Walker to someone else, and get something for him. Then, when he doesnt report to Bills camp (because he's not on the Bills) seek the 6th round pick from the Eagles as compensation as well because he didnt report!

[Westbrook36]

The Bills should trade the rights to Walker to someone else, and get something for him. Then, when he doesnt report to Bills camp (because he's not on the Bills) seek the 6th round pick from the Eagles as compensation as well because he didnt report!

Do you really think that's the way it would work? :laugh:

[dfos81]

Its pretty easy to see that Spikes is a good linebacker and the Eagles got a good player and a nice backup Qb. Its funny b/c the backup Qb seems to be the most important part of the Eagles success b/c we all know Mcnabb's history. I would rather have our young linebacking core w/ Rocky, Lemar, Washington, and a nice vet to sure up the middle in L.B. Fletcher. Throw in a HC that has the 3rd highest winning % EVER w/ at least 125 games coached and the fact that he has never coached 2 losing seasons in row in the nfl during that span. I like our chances of bouncing back. The Eagles are tuff and could make the playoffs again but if they don't have Mcnabb playing don't expect to see them in a superbowl.

[Alabama Man]

And you twist things to suit you...

Just admit that the Eagles' FO screwed up...you'll feel better telling the truth.

Darwin Walker might not be good enough to even make the team. Those idiots.

Taking on two big contracts and maybe a third. Those cheap morons.

[reggie_brown86]

The Eagles have plenty of options if Walker was to come back, and none of them are going to hurt the team.

1. If Walker was to be cut, his cap hit would be minimal, and the Eagles have plenty of cap space to absorb it.

2. If they were to keep Walker, they would most likely just cut Ian Scott. So that would solve that burning question of "where would Walker fit in?".

3. The Eagles trade Walker again, to a team willing to meet his contract demands, and they receive possibly even better compensation for him.

4. Walker comes back to the team, and holds out. Then the Eagles play hard ball, and fine him everyday that he does not report.

5. As long as the Eagles get to keep TKO, I really don't care all that much whether Walker returns or not.

Personally, I would welcome Walker back, and cut Ian Scott. Walker as a backup, would be an ideal situation to have. The 5 DTs that would make the team then, would be as follows; Bunkley, Patterson, Reagor, Walker, and Ramsey. Looks pretty good to me.:)

[Tom [Giants fan]]

The Eagles always seem to get comp picks so losing a sixth round pick doesn't seem to be a big deal.