Today in what is a rare occurence for the NFL, a 3 team trade was consumated between the Eagles, Lions, and Broncos. In the deal the Eagles sent their lone 5th round pick in the 2010 draft to the Lions in exchange for 26 yr old LB Ernie Sims. Detroit in turn shipped the Birds pick to Denver and recieved TE Tony Sheffler along with the Broncos 7th round selection in this weeks draft.
In Sims, the 9th overall pick in 2006 out of Florida St, the Eagles get an undersized, yet proven NFL linebacker. A commodity that would not have been available to them with the 5th rd selection they surrendered in this trade. lets consider this a no brainer and a job well done by the Eagles' front office for doing their homework and targeting Sims. At 6'0 225, and fast, Sims was a perfect fit in the Lions system circa 2006, however, lack of team success(0-16 anyone?) brings coaching changes and changes in philosophy.
Detroit's current regime is in search of bigger backers to fit their scheme. Sims, in the last year of his deal and coming off a season that saw him miss games(5) due to injury for the 1st time in his career, was a prime candidate to be moved this offseason.
I know its in our nature to determine who wins and loses in any deal, but this deal, in my opinion worked out well for all the teams involved The Eagles add proven talent at a need position. The Lions move a player that no longer fit their system for a Pass catching TE in Sheffler to go alongside injured and rehabbing 2009 1st rounder Brandon Pettigrew. The Broncos use a player they no longer had use for(Sheffler) to turn a 7th round pick into a 5th in a very deep draft.
My only disapointment stems from the fact that I didnt see this one coming.
Im a little excited for this season. I relinquished my loyalty of the Colts in favor of the birds, because I vowed to become an Eagles fan when McNabb leaves. I like Sims though...
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