[Lefty Noob]

Yahoo! Sports is reporting that the Eagles are set to slap the franchise tag on tight end L.J. Smith. Good move?
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/rumors/p...rn=nfl,64 727

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

Yahoo! Sports is reporting that the Eagles are set to slap the franchise tag on tight end L.J. Smith. Good move?
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/rumors/p...rn=nfl,64 727

Why the heck do they want to do that? This is not an elite tight end, why stick the franchise tag on him? Are they that lacking in talent?

[Bette]

Originally Posted by Gotham Dark Knight

Why the heck do they want to do that? This is not an elite tight end, why stick the franchise tag on him? Are they that lacking in talent?

ah, yeah, they are. Brian Westbrook has joined in with Donovan to tell the team they really need some talent.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by Bette

ah, yeah, they are. Brian Westbrook has joined in with Donovan to tell the team they really need some talent.

Still, how do you tag Smith? That is pathetic...

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by Gotham Dark Knight

Why the heck do they want to do that? This is not an elite tight end, why stick the franchise tag on him? Are they that lacking in talent?

Yeah, they're lacking in talent. But that doesn't mean you throw $4.5 million at a mediocre tight end. I'm with you; this is a dumb move.

[Seahawker 562]

Originally Posted by Gotham Dark Knight

Why the heck do they want to do that? This is not an elite tight end, why stick the franchise tag on him? Are they that lacking in talent?

yeah, thats why they have mcnabb

[njpsufan]

Stupid move if it turns out to be true.

[EmpireWF]

I don't think it's an awful move. That's not a lot of money, they would have to spend more to get a good TE in for long term. As it is now, Smith knows the offense and (when healthy) is a good pass catching TE.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by EmpireWF

I don't think it's an awful move. That's not a lot of money, they would have to spend more to get a good TE in for long term. As it is now, Smith knows the offense and (when healthy) is a good pass catching TE.

Well, as a Giant fan, I guess it would seem like a good move to you...

Come on Empire...Smith?...Franchise tag?...they don't go together man.

[njpsufan]

Like I said, if it's true... it is too much money for a guy who gets hurt way too much. They drafted a TE last year who got playing time this year and did not look bad. There are lots of cheap back-up/blocking TE out there so let him go and use the money elsewhere.

[njpsufan]

Well they did do it... and after reading it I understand why. By putting the tag on him they will now get two 1st rd picks if any team tries to sign him, plus they get the right to match any offer. Smith does not have to take the Eagles offer, it just makes it hard for him to go elsewhere. If the Birds can get a reasonable deal done for him, he is only 27.. I thought he was older, then perhaps he is worth keeping. But his history of injuries says that his body is breaking down and he may be done in a few years anyway. If someone else wants him then let him go and take the 2 picks.

[Lefty Noob]

BUT, they have to now offer him a minimum tender ($4.522) for next season. I still don't like it. Better to have found another tight end.

[njpsufan]

While I agree that is too much money for him, he is only 27 and is a good TE, when healthy. It will not kill them to have him at that price for one more year.

Come on guys! The Eagles have no intention of paying LJ Smith 4.5 Million next year. The put the Franchise tag on Trotter too and as soon as he said he was going to accept the 1 year deal they cut him. Even if LJ Smith was worth 4.5 million the Eagles would never give that after an injury plagues season.