OT: Jason Avant Likely to be cut from the Eagles - Potential FA Acquisition for Your Friendly Neighborhood Lions?
One of my favorite UM players of all time, Jason Avant, is likely to be cut by the Philadelphia Eagles. Apparently his cap number and roster bonus are to blame.
Classy player and all around good guy. Would love to see him in a different shade of blue...Honolulu Blue.
Avant is scheduled to count $3.96 million against the cap in 2014 and has a roster bonus of $1 million due on March 15, which would be the two leading reasons why the team would move on without him.
February 26th, 2014 at 2:38 PM ^
Does he bring Tacopants with him?
February 26th, 2014 at 2:40 PM ^
As an Eagles fan, I am sad about this. Avant was our go-to, sure-handed WR on 3rd downs. During one season, I believe the majority of his catches were for 1st downs.
Good luck to him where ever he goes.
Also, he helped me salvage my #81 Terrell Owens jersey. Simply take the name off the back and it's an Avant jersey!
February 26th, 2014 at 7:53 PM ^
I think you meant nearly all (he was 32/37). After all, the majority of all catches in the NFL are for first downs (>60%; average yards per catch = 11).
February 26th, 2014 at 2:40 PM ^
February 26th, 2014 at 2:42 PM ^
But I know Avant as seen somewhat as an essential leader within that locker room. Wouldn't be surprised if the Eagles tried to bring him back under a new contract. Good possession receiver, has had a few more drops the past few years and I'm not sure how well he really fits Chip's offense outside of his ability to block, but he'll certainly land on his feet somewhere.
February 26th, 2014 at 2:58 PM ^
He will be missed in Philadelphia. He was apparently a go-between for Desean and one of the assistant coaches when things got heated.
February 26th, 2014 at 5:12 PM ^
Space C,
Damn you! Now I want to see him in a Lions jersey even more, and I'm likely to be that much more disappointed when he goes elsewhere. That is exactly what the undisciplined Lions need most of all, maturity. The Michigan tie-in, the need for a receiver to make a defense pay for doubling Megatron...shoot! The Lions should offer the Eagles a draft pick for him.
February 26th, 2014 at 2:44 PM ^
Good because there's a lot of WR need out there that Avant could definitely find a landing spot. The Jets, for instance, desperately need help at WR, and probably should sign him even if they take 2 in the draft.
Bad because this year's draft is crazy deep at wide receiver.
February 26th, 2014 at 2:46 PM ^
Calvin - Evans (1st rd pick) - Avant (FA)
Yes please....
February 26th, 2014 at 2:48 PM ^
Does he get a new song now? Because I really need a new-team-specific Avant jam to hold me over when things get rough.
Jason Avant, he's the man, Jason Avant he's got great hands...
February 26th, 2014 at 2:48 PM ^
Avant will have room to roam with Megatron and potentially S. Watkins or Marquise Lee.
February 26th, 2014 at 2:52 PM ^
than come to the Lions. However, I suppose I should give Caldwell a chance to do something with this ridiculous franchise.
February 26th, 2014 at 2:56 PM ^
Does that mean we'll have to change the words to this?
February 26th, 2014 at 3:17 PM ^
He could be a reliable upgrade from everyone except Johnson.
February 26th, 2014 at 3:24 PM ^
February 26th, 2014 at 3:36 PM ^
Can't wait to hear him tell us that he's from, "Carver Military Academy" during the introductions.
February 26th, 2014 at 3:56 PM ^
"I can haz no moar dropped passes?" - every Lion's fan who has had to deal with 5 years of Pettigrew.
February 26th, 2014 at 4:04 PM ^
In related news, Eagles fans want to get rid of Brandon Graham too. Via Bleeding Green Nation:
Any chance
Brandon Graham gets traded?
I hope so. He brings Nothing to the team.
So, M fans who are also Eagles fans, defend yourselves!
February 26th, 2014 at 4:43 PM ^
There are a lot of dumbass Eagles fans. I will not defend said fans.
Brandon Graham had done very little for the team since being drafted in 2010 under the old regime. However, Chip Kelly seems to have sparked a resurgence by turning him into a pass-rushing LB.
Anybody who thinks Graham brings nothing either doesn't watch the team or is a dumbass.
February 26th, 2014 at 4:50 PM ^
He doesn't fit the scheme the Eagles run (3-4). A trade would be beneficial for both parties, IMO. Not sure what type of trade interest he would generate from other teams though.
February 26th, 2014 at 4:53 PM ^
I was about to blast you for that comment, but then I looked at his statistics. He seems to have done much less this year than I remembered. Very much a situational guy apparently.
I still think it's dumb to say he doesn't do anything for us, but I'm inclined to agree with you after doing a basic Google search.
February 26th, 2014 at 5:03 PM ^
FWIW, I never said he doesn't do anything for us. He is a fairly good pass rusher. His stats don't look impressive, but thats mostly do to limited playing time.
The issue is that the position they moved him to requires pass coverage, which obviously isnt a strength for him.
February 26th, 2014 at 7:01 PM ^
They need a number two WR to free up Megatron. Avant could be a third or fourth receiver, depending on Broyles and whatever's left of his knees, but I'd rather see the cap space go to building up the defense.
February 26th, 2014 at 8:03 PM ^
The Lions have NO leadership on their team and Avant is one of the best leaders in the league.
February 27th, 2014 at 1:55 AM ^
would be the best free-agent signing of the NFL off-season if the Lions somehow find a way. The leadership he would provide is a bigger missing piece than everything else combined for the Lions.
FILL THE VOID, Mayhew!