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Click here for a complete list of the Philadelphia Eagles' roster moves.

Surprise move: It's not a huge surprise that nickel cornerback Joselio Hanson was released, considering how deep the Eagles were at cornerback after their frenzied first week of free agency. But I do think people are surprised that they couldn't get anything for him in a trade before releasing him. It seems no team wanted to compensate the Eagles and also assume Hanson's contract, which had $7.6 million left over the next three years. He was an extremely effective nickel corner last year and surely will end up on someone's roster (Cleveland? Arizona? St. Louis? The Giants?) before long.

It was a bit of a surprise to see the Eagles cut defensive tackles Anthony Hargrove and Derek Landri and keep Cedric Thornton, but ultimately I guess they believed Landri and Hargrove weren't big enough to play the position in Jim Washburn's scheme. Very small but very effective former CFL star Phillip Hunt made the team at defensive end, though. And cutting Sinorice Moss and Johnnie Lee Higgins leaves the Eagles looking for help in the return game.

No-brainers: Keeping five safeties (Jarrad Page, Kurt Coleman, Nate Allen, Jaiquawn Jarrett and Colt Anderson) and six linebackers (Casey Matthews, Jamar Chaney, Moise Fokou, Akeem Jordan, Brian Rolle and Keenan Clayton) makes some sense because they have questions at those positions and will hold onto depth until they sort out roles. Tight end Donald Lee probably can help someone, but with all of the options the Eagles have at receiver, there isn't much room in the game plan for many two-tight end sets. Mike McGlynn started 14 games for the Eagles last year, but it was clear from the start of camp that there was no place for him on the new offensive line.

What's next: The Eagles are likely to poke around and look for help at linebacker and kick returner, but they're set at almost every position and extremely deep at most. If I'm their front office, I begin focusing my attention on whatever potential resolution there might be to the DeSean Jackson contract situation.

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Readiness factor: The Eagles held a series of player-organized workouts throughout the summer, but quarterback Michael Vick was only there for a couple of days' worth, opting most of the time to work out on his own. They have a new defensive coordinator in Juan Castillo (who was their offensive line coach) and a new defensive line coach in Jim Washburn, so there are likely to be new aspects of the defense they'll have to learn quickly once the coaches can get their hands on them.

Biggest challenge: Constructing that defense. The Eagles need a new cornerback to play alongside Asante Samuel, and they'll probably aim high and try to get Nnamdi Asomugha. It appears as though they're ready to let Quintin Mikell walk, since they appear to think rookie Jaiquawn Jarrett is ready to start right away opposite Nate Allen. But they could add a veteran there to work with the young guys or in case Allen's not fully healthy. They also need to figure out the linebacker situation around potential free agent Stewart Bradley. And Washburn will lobby to add a pass-rushing end and maybe another piece or two along the line. Before the Eagles can set about installing anything new on defense, they'll need to know who the players are who'll be responsible for putting the plans into action.

Vick's backup: The Eagles' first order of post-lockout business is expected to be the trade of backup quarterback Kevin Kolb. Assuming they can get the return for Kolb that most people seem to believe they can (a first-rounder plus, or maybe an established cornerback or linebacker), they'll ship him out of town to Arizona or Seattle or whichever team comes with the best offer. But after that, they'll need to find a veteran quarterback to sit behind Vick and step in if and when the starter gets hurt. Vick has never played a full 16-game season, and his style lends itself to potential injury. And while they like Mike Kafka long-term, he's probably not as ready as Kolb would be to step in and win a game if Vick can't go. Look for the Eagles to explore several possibilities for this role, including the Titans' Vince Young, who might be a perfect fit.

Key players without contracts for 2011: K David Akers, LB Stewart Bradley, G Nick Cole, RB Jerome Harrison, CB Ellis Hobbs, LB Akeem Jordan, S Quintin Mikell, P Sav Rocca, LB Ernie Sims

Wow. Good morning everybody. Sorry if I'm a little out of it today. I was waiting up all night in the comments from Monday's Snee post for teamdirtstar to get back to me on that Eagles draft thing. Still waiting, but at least now, while I wait, I can link ...

Dallas Cowboys

In a radio interview, DeMarco Murray said he's looking forward to helping return kicks. He also spoke about his time at Oklahoma playing behind Adrian Peterson and said he's trying to put on 5 to 8 pounds. I have some tips for him on that last one if he wants.

Roy Williams believes the lockout has been a good thing, in a way, for veteran players, because it's given some of them critical time to heal from injuries. But he fears it's costing the Cowboys the time they need "to jell as a team."

New York Giants

If people keep raving about this Tiki Barber interview on HBO tonight, I may actually end up watching it. Nah, just kidding. But for those of you who still consider Tiki worth your time, Peter King says he might end up in Pittsburgh.

Steve Smith posted a video on his Facebook page. Not a lot of scintillating new information or anything, but if you're a Steve Smith fan and you want to watch and listen to him for about three minutes on a couple of different topics, here you go.

Philadelphia Eagles

Todd Herremans, like teammate DeSean Jackson, is working to help kids deal with bullying.

And at the other end of the use-of-lockout-idle-time spectrum, Akeem Jordan has been arrested and charged with assault in Virginia.

Washington Redskins

This was a worthwhile look at five Redskins who could come up with breakout performances in 2011, and unless Washington gets a CB in free agency, sure, Kevin Barnes will have an opportunity. But as Redskins.com continues to insist that the current NFL climate doesn't prohibit rookie receivers like Leonard Hankerson from making an impact without an adjustment period, I continue to counter with the dismal presumption that the Redskins' QB situation probably will.

Speaking of that QB situation, John Beck recently told The Washington Post there was no bad blood between him and Rex Grossman even though each has been vocal about his desire to win the starting QB job in Washington.

Don't forget ... it's chat day. Noon ET. Don't miss it.

Scouts Inc.'s Matt Williamson examines the linebackers of each NFC East team. Today: Philadelphia Eagles.

The Eagles have two starting linebackers scheduled to be up for free agency in Stewart Bradley and Ernie Sims. Maybe neither will be brought back. Bradley is a very solid player, but his durability has to be a major stumbling block when discussing a long-term deal after a severe knee injury in 2009 and a serious elbow injury last season. He started in the middle and did a nice job, although I tend to think this big-bodied linebacker would be best suited on the strong side. But when right, Bradley can be a force -- so Philadelphia has a tough choice with him. And its team doctors surely will have a lot of input in that football decision.

As a rookie, Jamar Chaney did a pretty nice job as Bradley’s replacement in the middle, but is probably only a two-down player. As for Sims, watching him play can be maddening. He is athletic, but plays with very little recognition or discipline. So adding starting-caliber linebackers might be in order for the Eagles. But they have some interesting guys to go along with Chaney in Moise Fokou, Akeem Jordan, Omar Gaither and Keenan Clayton.

Fokou can play either outside linebacker spot and is an exceptional special-teams player. Although he might not be the ideal starter, Fokou has a lot of value to Philadelphia and isn’t a liability in any phase on defense. Jordan also can hold his own at linebacker, but isn’t special in this regard. Gaither and was much better in 2009 than last season and there is still hope for his career. Like Gaither, Jordan did play quite well in 2009, though. Clayton has great speed and can be a factor on throwing downs, but probably isn’t suited to handle the pounding of an every down backer. But Clayton is intriguing for sure. Maybe he could thrive on the weak side if given ample opportunity.

A difference-maker added at linebacker could do this defense a lot of good, but I don’t consider it a move that absolutely must be made.

Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from all angles for ESPN.com.

ALBANY, N.Y. -- Greetings from the University at Albany campus this fine morning, where Giants are holding their second practice of training camp. Let's take a quick peek this morning at what's happening elsewhere around the division:

Cowboys

• Calvin Watkins of ESPNDallas.com says that Tony Romo is working through some arm soreness right now.
• The Cowboys have an insurance plan with wideout Patrick Crayton, according to Tim MacMahon of ESPNDallas.com.
• Jean-Jacques Taylor of The Dallas Morning News says that Mike Jenkins is the best cornerback on the roster.
• A member of the Kardashian family showed up Sunday to support Miles Austin.
• Gerry Fraley from The Dallas Morning News points to signs that Roy Williams and Tony Romo are finally on the same page.

Eagles

• Reuben Frank reports that Akeem Jordan's back in a starting role at SAM linebacker.
• Jeff McLane of the Inquirer tries to sort through the running back situation.
• Nate Mink of the Daily News talks about J.J. Arrington's return from a knee injury.
• Jonathan Tamari from the Inquirer says the injuries are mounting.

Redskins

• Mike Wise of the Post thinks it's time for the Skins to reward Donovan McNabb for giving them hope.
• McNabb told reporters he's ready to chase the Super Bowl again, according to Rick Maese.
• Mike Shanahan called off practice Sunday afternoon.
• Third-year cornerback Justin Tryon is trying to make a move in this camp.
• Devin Thomas spent some time with Chad Ochocinco this past offseason, according to Redskins blogger Matt Terl.

Dallas Cowboys

Deion Sanders says he thinks Roy Williams is in line for a big year.

Count Tim Cowlishaw among those who feel the Cowboys are Super Bowl contenders.

New York Giants

Redemption is the word on Justin Tuck's mind as he prepares for the 2010 season.

With Domenik Hixon lost for the season, Aaron Ross hopes to get a shot at being the Giants' punt returner.

Philadelphia Eagles

Despite offseason upgrades to the position, linebacker Akeem Jordan isn't giving up his starting spot without a fight.

In a speech to high school students this week, quarterback Michael Vick talked about his fall from NFL stardom.

Washington Redskins

The Redskins made an effort to reach out to the franchise's former players.

Washington concluded its abbreviated minicamp with a spirited practice.

I just hopped off a conference call with the newest member of the Eagles' linebacking corps, Ernie Sims. As ESPN's Adam Schefter reported this morning, the former Lions linebacker came over in a three-way trade involving Detroit and Denver. Sims, the No. 9 overall pick for the Lions in '06, said he played both the strong and weakside spots over the past four seasons.

His '09 season was interrupted by shoulder and hamstring injuries, but Sims indicated Monday that he's fully recovered. The trade caught him by surprise, but as you might expect, he's excited to be joining a perennial playoff team. Asked what spot he'd fill in Sean McDermott's 4-3 scheme, Sims said he could "play all three of them."

He primarily played the weakside spot for the Lions, but he said Jim Schwartz's defense required him to switch sides depending on certain looks. He does have some experience lining up over the tight end, but he's not known for his coverage skills. At 6-foot, 230 pounds, Sims relies on speed to make a lot of tackles. He immediately gives the Eagles more depth at linebacker and it's likely he'll compete with Akeem Jordan for a starting role.

Sims has some familiarity with the Eagles because he's stayed in touch with his former Florida State teammate, Brod Bunkley. He described his '09 season as "fluky" because of the injuries and the new coaching staff. It's obvious that he's excited about the opportunity to have a fresh start. It's not like Sims was a complete bust in Detroit. He was a team captain and he made a lot of tackles. But he wasn't a great fit for Schwartz's defense because of his lack of size.

Sims said he reported for work Monday at the Lions' facility just like any other day. And that's when he received the news he'd been traded. The Eagles gave up a fifth-round draft pick for a guy who was once considered a top-10 talent. On the surface, it looks like a pretty good risk to take. It's not like they were expecting to find a starting linebacker in the fifth.

The Philadelphia Eagles have announced the release of veteran linebacker Will Witherspoon, who came over in a trade for rookie wide receiver Brandon Gibson just before the deadline last season. Witherspoon started at both middle and weakside linebacker.

With Stewart Bradley coming back from a knee injury and Akeem Jordan likely assuming a starting role, Witherspoon became expendable. The former Rams starter helped the Eagles in a pinch and he showed excellent leadership in the locker room.

Dallas Cowboys

Potential unrestricted free agents: G Montrae Holland

Potential restricted free agents: NT Junior Siavii, WR Miles Austin, DE Stephen Bowen, CB Cletis Gordon, DE Jason Hatcher, WR Sam Hurd, T Pat McQuistan, C Duke Preston, G Cory Procter, S Gerald Sensabaugh, DE Marcus Spears, S Pat Watkins, K Shaun Suisham.

What to expect: Anything is possible with Jerry Jones in charge, and the Cowboys could make a big splash after an underwhelming offseason a year ago. But in terms of team needs and what is required to take the next step, Dallas really doesn’t need much. A big-time impact safety makes some sense and could make a very good defense great, but that might be a project for the draft in a trade-up scenario for someone like Earl Thomas. But Darren Sharper might pique their interest. They also need to get younger along the offensive line, particularly at tackle, but that seems like a draft-day project, too. Maybe Jones gets real aggressive in the wide receiver market, as Roy Williams certainly is not living up to his billing, but the Cowboys are still rather stacked with pass-catchers. All in all, this is a team that is sitting pretty and doesn’t have a prominent unrestricted free agent who is poised to leave.

New York Giants

Potential unrestricted free agents: QB David Carr, LB Danny Clark, P Jeff Feagles, DT Fred Robbins

Potential restricted free agents: WR Domenik Hixon, TE Darcy Johnson, DE Dave Tollefson, G Kevin Boothe, S C.C. Brown, DT Barry Cofield, CB Kevin Dockery, WR Derek Hagan, WR Sinorice Moss, T Guy Whimper, LB Gerris Wilkinson.

What to expect: Big things could be in the works here, as there are already rumors swirling that New York could be a prime suitor for linebacker Karlos Dansby. An impact linebacker is certainly near the top of their wish list and Dansby fits the bill. Plus, he is extremely versatile. Getting faster on defense is a huge priority with new coordinator Perry Fewell stressing the ability to cover a lot of ground. However, Dansby isn’t really the thumper they need in the middle and is more of an outside linebacker for this system, although he would be great on passing downs. This is a group of decision-makers who might be starting to feel some heat, so do not rule out a big move or two.

Philadelphia Eagles

Potential unrestricted free agents: DE Jason Babin, S Sean Jones, LB Jeremiah Trotter, LB Tracy White

Potential restricted free agents: LB Akeem Jordan, P Saverio Rocca, WR Jason Avant, C Nick Cole, LB Omar Gaither, LB Chris Gocong, CB Ellis Hobbs, G Max Jean-Gilles, TE Alex Smith, FB Leonard Weaver.

What to expect: There are questions on the offensive line, but overall, the Eagles are in a prime situation to improve their defense, particularly up front and at safety. Remember, they have quarterbacks to dangle as trade bait and really do not have any unrestricted guys that they need to bring back. This is a possible landing spot for Julius Peppers and he would be terrific on the opposite side of Trent Cole, who is among the most underrated players in the game and could blow up with someone taking pass protection attention away from his side. Count on the Eagles being aggressive in the free-agent and/or trade market. It might just be enough to get them that ever elusive Lombardi trophy. Stranger things have happened.

Washington Redskins

Potential unrestricted free agents: LS Ethan Albright, DE Phillip Daniels, T Levi Jones, C Casey Rabach,
P Hunter Smith, T Mike Williams, DE Renaldo Wynn, TE Todd Yoder.

Potential restricted free agents: DE Lorenzo Alexander, T Stephon Heyer, LB Chris Wilson, QB Jason Campbell, S Reed Doughty, DT Kedric Golston, LB Rocky McIntosh, DT Anthony Montgomery, C Will Montgomery, CB Carlos Rogers.

What to expect: This is a difficult team to get a grasp on in terms of what they might do in free agency, but I think it is safe to say that ownership will not hold Mike Shanahan and company back from opening up the check book and signing (and even overpaying) players whom they desire. It would be wise for Washington to have an excellent idea of what they are going to do with the fourth overall draft pick in terms of going quarterback or offensive tackle before really devising a free-agency plan. Rebuilding the offensive line is a must and Shanahan needs lighter, quicker (and younger) linemen than are on the roster. A running back they can trust wouldn’t hurt either, although it looks as though Clinton Portis will return, which they may regret. But don’t forget, this is a team that -- unwisely in my opinion -- is switching to a 3-4 scheme, so inside linebacker help is required, as are defensive linemen who fit the new scheme. The Redskins have a long wish list, but also have the ownership to endorse big spending when free agency opens.

I've spent a good part of the morning combing over the Eagles' list of unrestricted free agents. Most of these players will become restricted free agents if 2010 becomes an uncapped season. And there's a pretty solid chance of that happening. Here's a look at the Eagles' unrestricted free agents:

• Jason Avant, WR, 26
• Jason Babin, DE, 29
• Nick Cole, G/C, 25
• Omar Gaither (IR), LB, 25
• Chris Gocong, LB, 26
• Ellis Hobbs (IR), CB, 26
• Max Jean-Gilles, G, 26
• Sean Jones, S, 27
• Akeem Jordan, LB, 24
• Sav Rocca, P, 36
• Alex Smith, TE, 27
• Jeremiah Trotter, LB, 32
• Leonard Weaver, FB, 27
• Tracy White, LB, 28

Of those players, Jordan and Weaver are the only ones I'd be truly concerned about getting an extension done. You'd definitely like to get something done with Cole, but he'll likely be a restricted free agent because of the uncapped season. We'll keep you posted on all of the developments in free agency.

If you haven't stumbled across Sheil Kapadia's Moving the Chains blog, you're really missing out. Sheil runs the show at Philly.com and he does a nice job of digging up valuable nuggets for Eagles fans and observers.

In his latest blog entry, Sheil breaks down how defensive coordinator Sean McDermott has been rotating his defenders. The Eagles are blessed with a lot of talent along the defensive line and McDermott's not afraid to make wholesale changes to create the right matchups. In Sunday's game against the Broncos, McDermott tightened his rotation at defensive tackle while continuing to rotate his defensive ends.

As Sheil points out, that might have something to do with how well Brodrick Bunkley and Mike Patterson are playing right now. They have been highly effective against the run, although Frank Gore did have a nice day recently.

Did you guys realize that Jeremiah Trotter didn't play a single snap in the second half against the Broncos after being relatively effective in the first half? Akeem Jordan moved over and played a lot of middle linebacker in the Eagles' base defense. He obviously gives the Eagles more versatility at that position. Here's the breakdown at linebacker against the Broncos in terms of total plays:

• Will Witherspoon -- 62
• Akeem Jordan -- 39
• Moise Fokou -- 26
• Jeremiah Trotter -- 12
• Tracy White -- 10

The Eagles will sometimes go to a single-linebacker look when they want to get cornerback Dimitri Patterson on the field. I love taking a look at McDermott's different personnel groupings. From what I can tell, he doesn't call as many blitzes as his predecessor, Jim Johnson, but it seems like he uses more players. Will he tighten the rotations during the playoffs? We'll soon find out.

The Eagles have somehow continued to win with a patchwork defense, but coordinator Sean McDermott's still excited to see a couple of familiar faces return to the lineup. Judging by practice this week, it looks like starting linebacker Akeem Jordan (knee) and cornerback Joselio Hanson (four-game suspension) will pick up right where they left off. Hanson will return to the nickel role, which will help solidify the Eagles' banged-up secondary.

It will also help take pressure off Asante Samuel and Sheldon Brown, who have held up well while playing through injuries. Veteran linebacker Jeremiah Trotter has now found his legs and he'll continue to help out against the run. On offense, rookie Jeremy Maclin has been wearing a protective boot this week because of plantar fasciitis. On Thursday, offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said he didn't think the foot injury would hinder Maclin against the Giants.

With Jordan, Hanson and DeSean Jackson all returning to the lineup this Sunday, the Eagles could be ready to soar into the playoffs. They're currently tied with the Cowboys at 8-4 but they appear to have the more favorable schedule. The Cowboys will host the Chargers on Sunday and then travel to New Orleans the following Saturday.

Eagles coach Andy Reid has ruled out starting linebacker Akeem Jordan (knee) and safety Quintin Demps (ankle) for Sunday night's game against the Bears. It looks like Joe Mays will get the start at middle linebacker, allowing Chris Gocong to move back to the strongside spot. Will Witherspoon will remain the starter on the weakside.

Reid also said that running back Brian Westbook is taking it easy this week and will start attending team meetings again next week. The brain injury specialists in Pittsburgh said they wanted to see Westbrook again in 2-3 weeks, so obviously he won't be back in the lineup before then.

"We’re backing him off and letting him rest,” Reid told reporters Friday. “That was on the doctor’s plan that they had for him. Next week he can start going back to meetings and doing some things. We’ll see how he feels. The doctors want to see how he does for the next week, what, if any symptoms he has and evaluate him in 2-3 weeks."

Little fantasy advice: If you have access to LeSean McCoy, I'd find a way to get him on the field in this game. Something tells me the rookie's about to go off. Call it a hunch. Or call it whatever you want to call it.

We knew it was coming, but Eagles coach Andy Reid made it official Friday that linebacker Akeem Jordan (hyperextended knee) will not play against the Chargers on Sunday. The Eagles will move Chris Gocong over to middle linebacker and Will Witherspoon will play the weakside spot. Rookie Moise Fokou, who filled in for Gocong against the Cowboys last week, will remain at the strongside position. Reid didn't shed much light on the situation Friday.

"We have a variety of things we can do there. We have a bunch of different combinations that we’re working on and we’ll just play it how we see it once we get out there as far as personnel goes."

In other injury news, left tackle Jason Peters did not practice Friday and he's listed as questionable for Sunday's game. According to reporters on the scene, starting left guard Todd Herremans moved over and took some reps at left tackle during practice.

I know the Giants are in the midst of their bye week, but that doesn't mean they're off limits on the Beast. Coach Tom Coughlin listened to all the grumbling about offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride's play calling when the Giants had the chance to put the Chargers away. He's heard all the talk about how defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan isn't putting his unit in good situations.

For now, though, he would rather take all the blame. It's admirable on his part -- and it's also appropriate. Coughlin has emerged as a master motivator since the Giants' Super Bowl win two years ago. But his all-or-nothing approach to the Chargers game can certainly be questioned. Here's what Coughlin said earlier this week about where the blame should be placed right now:

"It is my responsibility, and that is where it stops -- right here,” Coughlin said. “Nobody else is to blame. So let’s not continue to [feel] around trying to figure that situation out."

Coughlin earned the benefit of the doubt in 2007, but some of that feels like it's starting to fade. The New York media, which for the most part has praised Coughlin's work, has started to pick apart his assistants. If the Giants don't make the playoffs, it's hard to imagine Sheridan keeping his job. That might sound harsh, but it's the nature of the beast.

The Giants can point to key injuries on defense, but so can a lot of other teams around the league. The Eagles are on their third starting middle linebacker of the season and their best linebacker, Akeem Jordan, will probably miss Sunday's game in San Diego. They're also missing two key members of their secondary.

The Giants have to find a way to win games no matter who's on the field. The good news is that cornerback Aaron Ross should be able to return soon and Michael Boley and Chris Canty hopefully knocked some of the rust from their extended absences during the Chargers game.

But Coughlin has it right. This four-game losing streak is on him.