Eagles Notes | 49ers might send Whiting back to Birds OT

[dmq]

Eagles Notes | 49ers might send Whiting back to Birds

By Bob Brookover

Inquirer Staff Writer


Maybe Brandon Whiting is going to be the next former Eagle to return to the nest.

The controversial three-way trade that sent Terrell Owens to the Eagles isn't over yet. Owens will be the No. 1 receiver for the Eagles and quarterback Donovan McNabb when the season opens against the New York Giants Sept. 12 at Lincoln Financial Field, but it's still not certain that defensive end Whiting will be a member of the San Francisco 49ers.

The Eagles granted the 49ers an extension until Sunday for Whiting to pass a physical or be sent back to Philadelphia. If Whiting is returned to the Eagles, the 49ers will get a third-round pick in next year's draft instead.

Whiting, sent to the 49ers as compensation for Owens in the three-way deal that also saw Baltimore get a fifth-round pick from the Eagles, underwent shoulder surgery shortly after the trade was made in mid-March.

"He is improving every day, but Brandon would not pass his physical at this time and would likely be unavailable to start the season," 49ers general manager Terry Donahue said in a statement. "We have asked for the extension of the deadline in order to explore possibilities with Philadelphia to make the trade equitable in light of his situation."

Exactly what the 49ers want from the Eagles is not clear. They are looking for help at defensive tackle, but the Eagles are not the team that's going to provide it. The 49ers had tried to pry Sam Rayburn away from the Eagles before they traded Owens to the Ravens in March.

The Eagles have their own set of health problems at defensive tackle and are not about to give up any of their depth. The 49ers also are looking for help at punter, and the Eagles have Nick Murphy, who has performed well in the preseason but is not expected to beat out incumbent Dirk Johnson.

Whiting told reporters in San Francisco that his shoulder is improving, but he's not fully recovered from the surgery. He has not practiced or played in any of San Francisco's preseason games.

"A lot of the stuff that I do now is a lot better than it was last year," Whiting said. "Anything where I have my arms out in front of me and I'm in control, that definitely feels 100 times better than it did last year. But when I have my arms outside, over my head or in an awkward position, my strength isn't what it should be. We're just trying to get over that last hurdle."

The Eagles restored their depth at defensive end this week when they brought back Hugh Douglas, but if Whiting were to return and play at some point this season, he could be helpful at defensive tackle. He has played both positions.

Whiting said he wouldn't be surprised if he landed back in Philadelphia. "Nothing will surprise me now," he said.

Mayberry practices. For the first time since aggravating a hamstring injury last Thursday against Baltimore, guard Jermane Mayberry returned to practice yesterday. It was a non-contact practice and it's still not certain that Mayberry will be ready for the season opener.

Extra points. Linebacker Mark Simoneau and Douglas both wore No. 53 to practice yesterday. Simoneau is expected to take another number in the 50s.

He is most likely to end up with No. 52, which is currently worn by linebackers Jason Short and Howard Clark.

[followthestar]

Don't mind me smirking as i recall the details of that so-called "deal" involving the 49ers and Filly. so will filly have to give up a 3rd next draft? lets see how the mcnabb/owens relationship plays out over a 1-5 stretch or a non-playoff year first. kearse i don't think is making out quite as well as terrell though.

[SA_Gunslinger]

haha, i hope he gets sent back!

[MichaelWinicki]

Niners got hosed.

[TobiasEagle77]

Originally Posted by dmq

The Eagles have their own set of health problems at defensive tackle and are not about to give up any of their depth. The 49ers also are looking for help at punter, and the Eagles have Nick Murphy, who has performed well in the preseason but is not expected to beat out incumbent Dirk Johnson.

Everything I've read indicates San Fran wants to keep Whiting, thats why they asked for the extension.

They might be trying to get the Eagles to throw them a bone, but I don't know how much leverage they really have. If they wanted the third rounder, they would have already taken it.

Maybe this is why Nick Murphy is still on Philly's roster? Philly could also throw them one of their potential cuts or practice squad tackles: DeMarco McNeil or Jon Bradley.

Losing a 3rd won't hurt Philly much either though.

[TobiasEagle77]

Originally Posted by MichaelWinicki

Niners got hosed.

If the Eagles had played hardball, they probably would've gotten nothing.

[TheSkaven]

Originally Posted by MichaelWinicki

Niners got hosed.

Not really, if you consider that they were going to let him go as a free agent anyway. They're lucky to get anything.

[Smashmouth24]

Originally Posted by TheSkaven

Not really, if you consider that they were going to let him go as a free agent anyway. They're lucky to get anything.

Well if you consider that they had a 2nd round pick in their hands from Baltimore that was taken away, mayb ethey aren't so lucky to have anything.

[MichaelWinicki]

Originally Posted by Smashmouth24

Well if you consider that they had a 2nd round pick in their hands from Baltimore that was taken away, mayb ethey aren't so lucky to have anything.

Very true.