Who's Telling The Truth?

Rumors have been circulating, and denied, about Lito Sheppard being given permission to seek a trade. The Eagles have come out and matter of factly stated that, "Any report suggesting that we've allowed Lito or his agent to seek a trade is absolutely, undeniably false."

Now there doesn't seem to be much room for interpretation there, they have come right out and completely denied those rumors.

But still, something had to spark this idea to even become a story to begin with and Profootballtalk.com, complete speculation keep in mind, brought up the idea that maybe Sheppard isn't happy with his contract. Reportedly making " $3.45 million in 2008, $4.45 million in 2009, $3.7 million in 2010 and $4.25 million in 2011", PFT.com doesn't believe that's much money for a cornerback of Sheppard's caliber.

So maybe Sheppard's agent started this story up as a way to show that Lito is unhappy with his current contract and wants to either re-negotiate or be traded. Now tying into that aspect is more internet rumors that the Eagles are expected to be interested in acquiring New England Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel when free agency opens. If that is the case, then it would be understandable if not expected that the Birds would trade away Sheppard.

Comparing these two players, in the Eagles eyes Samuel does have an advantage right off the bat with the fact that he's been in the league one less year than Sheppard, but keep in mind age wise he is 27, a year older than Lito at 26.

With the Eagles tying for last in the NFL in team total of interceptions with a measley 11, that is only 1 more interception than Samuel had during the entire 2006 season when he racked up 10. Though his number in the turnover department dropped a little this year, forcing 6 interceptions, that number is not only Sheppard's career high, but is 4 more than he had this past season when he struggled to stay healthy.

Trust me, I'm not discrediting Sheppard just because a flashy name like Asante Samuel has hit the news wire, I'm just trying to be as critical as possible in an effort to put together a great 53-man roster. No one can deny the fact that Lito has been a play maker on this team numerous times throughout his career, with 3 game-ending interceptions giving the team a victory. Sadly though injuries seem to have gotten the best of him missing 14 games in the past 3 years. Plus when he has been on the field during a great period of that time, he was still hurt and not playing up to his ability.

Here we go again, we're going to have to wait and see how this plays out. Just from the Eagles history it seems shocking to me that they would ever go out and pay Asante Samuel in free agency because not only is he going to be the most sought after cornerback, but one of the top free agents overall. Either way if the Eagles aren't planning to pick up Samuel and this assumption of Sheppard being unhappy is true...then that needs to be resolved soon.