Rovers Posted September 1, 2005 Share Posted September 1, 2005 (edited) http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/stor..._len&id=2148463 There remain a few incidental elements to be addressed, but ESPN.com confirmed Wednesday night through sources close to the negotiations that the Indianapolis Colts have reached agreement with defensive tackle Corey Simon on virtually all the major financial components of a contract, and that an agreement could be officially struck as early as Thursday morning. Corey Simon Defensive Tackle Philadelphia Eagles Profile 2004 SEASON STATISTICS Tot Ast Solo FF Sack Int 32 27 5 0 6 0 In fact, two Colts players told ESPN.com on Wednesday night that they were apprised by a member of the coaching staff earlier in the evening that the acquisition of Simon is now imminent. At least two other franchises, the Cincinnati Bengals and Seattle Seahawks, until Wednesday night had remained in the hunt for Simon, who became a free agent on Sunday night when the Philadelphia Eagles rescinded the "franchise" designation placed on him six months ago. There were also a few teams that had stayed in contact with agent Roosevelt Barnes, but which did not get involved in substantive negotiations. It was Indianapolis, however, which ratcheted up discussions and which is much further along in negotiations and poised to consummate what will likely be a five-year deal that could make Simon one of the NFL's highest paid defensive tackles. Beyond conceding that his client was "very close" to making a decision on where he will resume his career, Barnes declined comment on Wednesday night. Landing the five-year veteran would be a coup for the Colts, who have been criticized in some quarters for the perceived failure to upgrade a defense that statistically ranked No. 29 in the league in 2004. The Colts brass apparently feels that Simon could be the kind of interior force that defensive tackle Warren Sapp was in Tampa Bay when Indianapolis' Tony Dungy was the Bucs' head coach. Certainly a player of Simon's caliber, a defender who can provide inside penetration and has the rare ability to collapse the pocket from the tackle spot, would only enhance the upfield rush skills of "edge" players such as star right end Dwight Freeney, the league's defending sack champion. Training camp injuries to veteran starter Montae Reagor and to third-round draft choice Vincent Burns have left the Colts thin at defensive tackle. But a trio of Simon, Reagor and Larry Tripplett, if everyone is healthy, would provide the team an excellent tackle rotation. Simon, 28, has 32 career sacks and 105 quarterback hurries, numbers that illustrate his skills as a pass rusher. But the former Florida State star, who has one of the thickest lower bodies in the league, is also a solid defender against the run. And he figures to benefit from the one-gap style favored by Dungy and coordinator Ron Meeks. While surprising, the Eagles' decision to rescind the franchise marker on Sunday was is not altogether stunning, given the depth that the Eagles possess at the position, and the frustration of some club officials at not being able to get the former first-round draft choice into training camp. Simon had declined to sign the one-year qualifying offer of $5.134 million for a defensive tackle. The Eagles, because of collective bargaining language governing franchise players, could not negotiate a long-term deal with Simon until he signed the one-year tender. By rescinding the qualifying offer, the Eagles recouped the $5.134 million in salary cap space that was assigned to Simon. The characteristically cap-healthy Eagles, who usually have one of the best managed caps in the league, did not need the extra money to make any roster moves. Instead, the club simply decided it could survive without Simon, who has started every game in which he appeared for the team. The Eagles enjoy rare depth at defensive tackle, a position that is historically difficult to fill for any NFL club. In addition to starting veterans Darwin Walker and Hollis Thomas and key backups Sam Rayburn and Paul Grasmanis, the team used its first-round pick in this year's draft to grab former Southern California standout defensive tackle Mike Patterson, who has played well in camp and the preseason. There had been rumors that Simon would report before the start of the season, and some teammates and even Philadelphia officials had remained in close contact with him, as he worked out at his home in Tallahassee, Fla. Clearly, though, the Eagles were not inclined to wait any longer on the five-year veteran. Philadelphia nearly traded Simon to the Baltimore Ravens earlier in the spring. In fact, the two teams had agreed on compensation, believed to have been second- and third-round picks in the 2005 draft, but Simon could not reach agreement with the Ravens on a long-term contract and the discussions fell apart. A Pro Bowl performer in 2003, Simon was the Eagles' first-round choice in the 2000 draft and he has missed only two regular-season games. In addition to his sack totals, he has 270 tackles, six forced fumbles, three recoveries and 15 pass deflections, and has appeared in 78 games. Edited September 1, 2005 by Rovers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptainHook Posted September 1, 2005 Share Posted September 1, 2005 HALLELUJAH ROVERS I LOVE YOU YOU MADE MY NIGHT!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rovers Posted September 1, 2005 Author Share Posted September 1, 2005 HALLELUJAH ROVERS I LOVE YOU YOU MADE MY NIGHT!!!! 960694[/snapback] Now kiss me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptainHook Posted September 1, 2005 Share Posted September 1, 2005 I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rovers Posted September 1, 2005 Author Share Posted September 1, 2005 Ewwwww..... a wet one! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robash Posted September 1, 2005 Share Posted September 1, 2005 i would love to see a colts-eagles superbowl where philly is driving for the game winning td and simon gets the drive stopping sack...that would be priceless Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptainHook Posted September 1, 2005 Share Posted September 1, 2005 DT was such a weak spot this year. I don't care what any Eagles fan says, this guy is a huge upgrade over Larry Tripplett and Josh Williams. Putting him next to Dwight Freeney is just awesome. I wonder if they did something with Edge in order to do this? Definitely gearing up for the SB run! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Dogs Posted September 1, 2005 Share Posted September 1, 2005 SWEET!!!!! I got laughed at for taking the Colts D. in my draft. Granted, I'm a homer, but it was my last pick and I missed all the other defenses I was planning on taking. Makes me a happy man like Hook!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptainHook Posted September 1, 2005 Share Posted September 1, 2005 (edited) This just made so much sense for the Colts. I was hoping it would happen, but wasn't sure the team would act. Perhaps signing the lease yesterday and seeing all the guaranteed loot headed his way helped Irsay decide to go for it. The Colts GM Bill Polian loves pass rushing DT's, and that's what Simon is. And he has to help with the run as well. Edited September 1, 2005 by CaptainHook Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Dogs Posted September 1, 2005 Share Posted September 1, 2005 Agreed!! Was hoping they'd go after him because we've got line holes bigger than anyone in the league, and he definitely has the capability to plug the gaps.......but thought there was no way they would spend the cash!!! I can't wait to see the official statement on the Colts website announcing it!! Then I'll be a very very happy man!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glabra Posted September 1, 2005 Share Posted September 1, 2005 This is pretty big for the Colts, but kinda ironic how other peoples' left-overs are prized possessions for them and their defense-oriented coach.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptainHook Posted September 1, 2005 Share Posted September 1, 2005 Landing a Pro Bowl DT one week before the start of the NFL season is HUGH! Not "pretty big". I'll take it. Like I said, watching Larry Tripplett and Josh Williams getting rolled over each week has something to do with it. I don't think Simon is a top 5 DT, but he's better than what we've got. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redcoltfan Posted September 1, 2005 Share Posted September 1, 2005 The best NEWS I have heard in awhile! Clayton on ESPN didn't say the COLTS as one of the 3-4 teams that were in the running. Polian finally makes a move with that "suspect" run "D" I guess watching Mike Anderson run up the middle for 90+ yards to the endzone finally woke old man Bill up! Mark the COLTS "D" up a notch or two on your boards right now! GO COLTS!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptainHook Posted September 1, 2005 Share Posted September 1, 2005 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
McNasty Posted September 1, 2005 Share Posted September 1, 2005 I'd that it was a win-win situation. The Eagles are stacked at DT, and didn't need to pay Simon the money he wanted, especially with how good Patterson has looked so far. I have a feeling this kid is going to be a real force. And Simon is a hugh upgrade for the Colts. To them, it's definitely worth the money for Simon. I hope he plays hard and up to his potential for you guys-- he has a lot of skills when he's able to pin his ears back, just never really showed much as a run-stuffer. Oh, and I will cry like a little girl if it's an Eagles/Colts SuperBowl and Simon comes out and has a revenge game that costs us the trophy. That's not even funnyto think about. Ok, yes it is. Never happen, though. Reid will just have the Eagles suit up in Patriots Unis and watch Peyton self-destruct. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TDFFFreak Posted September 1, 2005 Share Posted September 1, 2005 AS an Eagles fan, I'm sorry to see him go, but Philly always seems to have a good reason for their moves so I remain confident. Nice pick up Colts fans. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptainHook Posted September 1, 2005 Share Posted September 1, 2005 (edited) Simon will sign his contract after passing a physical, and after the Colts play their final pre-season game. They don't want to cut anyone before the Cincinnati game, which they would have to do if Simon signed the contract today. He will fly into Indy on Friday. His agent was just on the radio, this is a done deal. Edited September 1, 2005 by CaptainHook Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Finger Posted September 2, 2005 Share Posted September 2, 2005 Homer! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptainHook Posted September 2, 2005 Share Posted September 2, 2005 (edited) Homer! 962469[/snapback] You got that ticket you offered me last year and then declined to provide? You're a homer and a blowhard. Edited September 2, 2005 by CaptainHook Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rovers Posted September 2, 2005 Author Share Posted September 2, 2005 Simon will sign his contract after passing a physical, and after the Colts play their final pre-season game. They don't want to cut anyone before the Cincinnati game, which they would have to do if Simon signed the contract today. He will fly into Indy on Friday. His agent was just on the radio, this is a done deal. 962157[/snapback] Of course it's a done deal. The Rovers would nor report it otherwise. I always wanted to talk about myself in the third person. If there was any doubt, anyone who does this is an idiot! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ebartender Posted September 2, 2005 Share Posted September 2, 2005 Polian finally makes a move with that "suspect" run "D" I guess watching Mike Anderson run up the middle for 90+ yards to the endzone finally woke old man Bill up! 960782[/snapback] Although I think this was a great move by Indy and gives them a nice DT, you obviously haven't watch Simon if you think he will help the run D. He is a good pass rushing DT, but a run stopper he ain't. I have watched SImon from the day he was drafted and for the most part he has underachieved. He has had some good stats a couple of years, but he has had just as many bad games as good games it seems. And as I said, he is a hugh liability vs. the run. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptainHook Posted September 2, 2005 Share Posted September 2, 2005 Although I think this was a great move by Indy and gives them a nice DT, you obviously haven't watch Simon if you think he will help the run D. He is a good pass rushing DT, but a run stopper he ain't. I have watched SImon from the day he was drafted and for the most part he has underachieved. He has had some good stats a couple of years, but he has had just as many bad games as good games it seems. And as I said, he is a hugh liability vs. the run. 962546[/snapback] The Colts are optimistic he will be better in their one-gap defense than what Philly runs. It requires penetration by the DT's into the backfield, while Philly asks the linemen to tie up blockers for the LB's to make plays. He played one-gap at FSU and was a disruptive force, but played two-gap style with the Eagles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Finger Posted September 2, 2005 Share Posted September 2, 2005 You got that ticket you offered me last year and then declined to provide? You're a homer and a blowhard. 962486[/snapback] The ticket was a carrot, Donkey Boy! I'd just assume give up my tickets than to take a Colts fan into Gillette Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptainHook Posted September 2, 2005 Share Posted September 2, 2005 The ticket was a carrot, Donkey Boy! I'd just assume give up my tickets than to take a Colts fan into Gillette 962893[/snapback] Don't try and change your story now. You know you were trying to be a tough guy when you offered it. And I called you out. You renegged. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.