NFL

DT Simon is tagged by Eagles

By wire services
Published February 11, 2005

PHILADELPHIA - The Eagles put the franchise tag on defensive tackle Corey Simon on Thursday. He had 24 tackles and 51/2 sacks this past season and can become an unrestricted free agent March2.

Philadelphia can match any offers and receives two first-round picks if it declines. Simon also can sign a one-year deal for $5.134-million, the average of the five highest-paid defensive tackles.

The Eagles, $18-million under the salary cap, could have several unrestricted free agents, including linebacker Jeremiah Trotter. Running back Brian Westbrook could be a restricted free agent.

EAGLE KEEPS TALKING: Philadelphia receiver Freddie Mitchell not only defended the remarks he made about the Patriots secondary before the Super Bowl, he took it a step further.

"It was kind of like me being facetious and kidding around," said Mitchell, who had said he did not know the players' names. "They blew it way out of proportion. (Their reactions) reminded me of little girls. They're sensitive."

DRAFT: The league pulled the draft from Madison Square Garden, citing a dispute with owner Cablevision, which opposes a new stadium in Manhattan for the Jets. The league's contract with Cablevision expired in April.

A new site hasn't been determined, but the league said options include the nearby Javits Center and Philadelphia.

PRO BOWL: Eagles offensive tackle Tra Thomas will sit with a back injury and be replaced by Dallas' Flozell Adams.

[Last modified February 11, 2005, 00:53:10]