Steve Wyche of NFL.com blogged the other day that the Eagles were one of the teams that reached out to veteran free agent running back Warrick Dunn to see where he is at with his conditioning. According to the post, a deal never materialized because the Eagles and Dunn couldn't agree on contract terms.
What the article didn't say is how long ago did these talks take place? It would make sense if these talks took place when Brian Westbrook underwent his ankle debridement procedure in early June. The Eagles went into training camp with rookie LeSean McCoy, Lorenzo Booker and Eldra Buckley at the running back position. Not a lot of experience.
But what if it was in the last week?
McCoy has showed all the makings of a star in training camp and in his preseason debut. Westbrook returned to the practice field and is on pace to return for the season opener.
If the Eagles had talked to and signed Dunn prior to training camp, could that have stunted McCoy's development? If it was in the last week are the Eagles not pleased with their options at the No. 3 running back spot? Or are they doing their due diligence should something happen down the road?
A 12-year veteran, Dunn has rushed for 10,967 yards and 49 touchdowns. He also has 510 receptions for 4,339 yards and 15 career touchdowns. A first-round pick of the Bucs in 1997, Dunn spent his first five years in Tampa Bay before joining the Falcons where he spent six years. He returned to Tampa Bay last year and rushed for 786 yards and a pair of touchdowns in 15 games (six starts).
-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 3:48 p.m., August 20