The Philadelphia Eagles have signed former New York Giant's linebacker Dhani Jones to replace last year's Eagles defensive player of the year, Carlos Emmons, who just a few days before signed to play with the New York Giants. Jones signed a five-year, $13.5 contract with the Eagles on Tuesday, March 9, 2004. He is projected to start at Emmons' strongside linebacker position.
On Thursday, March 11, the Eagles resigned defensive tackle Paul Grasmanis to a new three-year contract. Grasmanis had become an unrestricted free agent earlier this month. An Achilles injury suffered in Week 2 of the 2003 season may have decreased his market value and enabled the Eagles to re-sign him with little difficulty. The 29-year-old Grasmanis is part of the Eagles' rotation at the defensive tackle position along with starters Corey Simon and Darwin Walker and reserve Hollis Thomas.
Goings
Former Eagle running back Duce Staley has signed a five-year contract worth $14 million with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday, March 9. The deal includes a $4 million signing bonus. Staley, a seven-year veteran, had spent his entire career with the Eagles, but had been relegated to being part of a three-man rotation last season with Brian Westbrook and Correll Buckhalter. Staley had held out of Eagles' training camp seeking a new contract. It was obvious throughout the season that the Eagles did not intend to re-sign Staley despite his being both an on and off-field team leader.
Troy Vincent, the former Eagles' 32-year-old free agent cornerback elected to accept a six-year contract with the Buffalo Bills on Monday, March 15. The contract is reported to be worth $20 million and includes a $3.6 million signing bonus. Vincent had gone to five straight Pro Bowls as an Eagle. The twelve-year veteran played the last eight seasons with the Eagles follwing four years with the Miami Dolphins. When the Eagles drafted three defensive backs in the 2002 NFL draft, it became obvious that Vincent's remaining time in Philadelphia was limited. He three full games and parts of several others with injuries in 2003.
