Stewart Bradley
Does he return? No.
The Eagles haven’t had a stud middle linebacker since Jeremiah Trotter’s first tour of duty. Bradley was supposed to be the answer, but he’s played in just 12 games over the past two seasons. And Bradley’s production isn’t there. Too may times he whiffed on easy tackles and was too slow to keep up with athletic tight ends. Meanwhile, rookie Jamar Chaney turned heads when asked to fill-in.
Quintin Mikell
Does he return? Yes.
Mikell is a very good safety, but hasn’t fully developed into the stud many envisioned. Still, cutting ties would be a mistake. He contributes (88 tackles, three picks in 2010) and has been the closest thing to a leader on this defense since Brian Dawkins departed. And he wants to be here. As the Eagles cleaned out their lockers, Mikell couldn’t fight back the tears.
Victor Abiamiri
Does he return? No.
The former second-round draft pick was supposed to be the starter opposite Trent Cole. Clearly, that hasn’t happened. Blame injuries if you want —played in just 29 games since 2007 — but he hasn’t shown enough desire either. If the writing wasn’t already on the wall, the arrival of Brandon Graham sealed his fate.
David Akers
Does he return? No.
Akers may go down as the greatest kicker in franchise history. Going on stats alone, he is. For his career, he’s made 82 percent of his field goals and was named to the NFL All-Decade Team for the 2000s. But he’s 36 and may be unable to escape scrutiny for those two misses versus Green Bay.
Dimitri Patterson
Does he return? Yes.
Journeyman showed promise when he first took over the No. 2 cornerback spot. He also showed inexperience, when Eli Manning and Joe Webb picked on him. Or, as an NFC scout told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, he’s a “mess.” Harsh words, but with no real backup plan the Eagles will most likely bring Patterson back.
Michael Vick
Does he return? Yes.
Ahh, yes the $20-million question. Literally. There are two schools of thought regarding No. 7. The first is signing Vick to an extension, something in the neighborhood of five years, $75 million sounds right — with $30-40 million guaranteed. That would be the most beneficial for the QB. The Eagles, however, would be wise to place the franchise tag on him, giving him one year at a salary of between $16-20 million, depending on the collective bargaining agreement. Either way, Vick says he wants to return. “We’ll have to wait and see, but I really do hope I am. I enjoyed this season, I think the sky’s the limit.”
