Report: Eagles offer Dawkins 2 year deal
Written by Mark Eckel of the Trenton Times—This story did not make it into the online editions today.
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PHILADELPHIA – As the Eagles attempt to get their final two draft picks signed before training camp opens in four days, they also have an offer out to their longest-tenured player. Pro Bowl safety Brian Dawkins, who will be the Eagles’ highest profile free agent at the end of the season, has been offered a two-year contract extension believed to be worth $4.5 million, with close to $3 million guaranteed The Times has learned.
The Eagles do not comment on contract negotiations and Dawkins is currently on vacation with his family at their offseason home in Orlando, Fla. A source close to the situation said he is “seriously thinking about the offer and may be leaning that way (to sign).’’ However, the source added that he may wait until the start of the season, or even after that, to do so. “I don’t think he’s in any hurry,’’ the source said. “But I get the feeling he would like to finish his career there.’’
The Eagles offer to Dawkins is believed to include a $2 million bonus, either in the form of a roster or signing bonus, a base salary of $1 million in 2007 and a base salary of $1.5 million in 2008. The offer is similar to the deal the Atlanta Falcons gave veteran safety Lawyer Milloy this offseason after he was released by the Buffalo Bills. Milloy signed a three-year, $6.01 million deal with the Falcons that included a $2.5 million signing bonus, a base salary of $810,000 in 2006, $1 million in 2007 and $1.7 million in 2008.
Selected 25 picks ahead of Dawkins in a very good 1996 draft by New England, Milloy will turn 33 in November. Dawkins, who has spent all 10 of his NFL seasons with the Eagles, will turn 33 in October. Dawkins is currently in the final season of what voided into a four-year deal signed before the start of the 2003 season and will earn a base salary of $3 million.
Last year, Dawkins earned his fourth trip to the Pro Bowl when he recorded 125 total tackles, and 75 solo tackles, both third best on the team, three-and-a-half sacks, also third on the team. He shared the team lead in interceptions with three and led the team with 15 passes knocked down and five forced fumbles. For his career, Dawkins ranks as one of only four players to have at least 17 career sacks, and 28 career interceptions. The other three are Leroy Butler (Green Bay 20/38), Rodney Harrison (San Diego, New England 31/27) and Ronde Barber (Tampa Bay 28/20).
Dawkins’ 28 interceptions also rank sixth in Eagles history and are only six away from all-time leaders Eric Allen and Bill Bradley, who have 34 each. He also ranks third all-time in interception yardage (451) behind just Bradley (536) and Allen (482). And his 141 games played as an Eagle ranks ninth all-time. If he plays in all 16 games this year he would move into a tie for fourth with Guy Morris (157) and trail just Harold Carmichael (181), Chuck Bednarik (169) and Randy Logan (159).
Dawkins goes into this season as one of three key defensive backs on the team in the final year of their contract. Starting strong safety Mike Lewis and nickel back Rod Hood will both be unrestricted free agents unless new deals are reached before the end of the season.
The Eagles currently are about $11 million under the salary cap, but must still sign top pick defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley and second-round pick Winston Justice to contracts.
Let's hope he signs.
