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Up and at 'em on a combine week Wednesday. Not sure which of our division's coaches and GMs will be holding news conferences during the big event in Indy, but I believe ESPNNewYork.com and ESPNDallas.com are both staffing it, which means I'd expect to hear from some Giants and Cowboys folks, at least. Will be keeping you posted best I can, I promise. Meantime, chew on some links.

New York Giants

Brandon Jacobs says he expects to be back with the Giants next season. Seems to be indicating that he has some inside information that leads him to believe this. We will see. Lots of times, Jacobs talks but it doesn't mean much. The roster bonus is only $500,000, but the salary is $4.4 million. He'll need to cut that salary in half on a restructure in order to stay, I'd think. Does he want to do that?

Victor Cruz was hailed as a hero upon his return to his alma mater, the University of Massachusetts. He took in a basketball game at which his name was chanted and he judged a salsa dancing competition at halftime. Victor Cruz is huge.

Philadelphia Eagles

The details on the restructuring of Cullen Jenkins' contract are as follows, according to Andrew Brandt: He still gets his $5 million roster bonus next month, but his 2012 salary drops from $2.75 million to $820,000. Jeff McLane reports that the deal also has been reduced from five years to four years, and that the result of this move is an additional $1.68 million in cap room for the Eagles this year. According to our figures, that means the Eagles are about $16.58 million under the projected cap right now.

Remember Leonard Weaver? Real good guy, real useful player for the Eagles a couple of years back. Les Bowen checks in on Weaver's continued struggle to recover from a gruesome injury that sounds as though it probably ended his career.

Dallas Cowboys

Darren Woodson doesn't agree with Jason Hatcher's opinion that the Cowboys need a Ray Lewis-type leader in their locker room. Woodson was a leader, but he says he "wasn't a rah-rah guy." Which is something everybody says. I guarantee you that Lewis himself has uttered those same words about himself at some point during his career. This is all just talk. The Cowboys have enough leaders. They don't have enough good defensive backs or offensive linemen.

People sometimes ask whether the Cowboys would be looking for a quarterback in this year's draft -- someone to develop for the point down the road at which Tony Romo can't do it anymore. The answer, according to Stephen Jones, is that it's not a high-priority item for them this year, as it should not be.

Washington Redskins

Mike Shanahan believes last year's draft and free agency went very well for the Redskins, and he's looking forward to applying the same plan and principles to this year's offseason.

I believe the Redskins will use their franchise player designation on tight end Fred Davis, unless they somehow get a deal worked out with him before that. I do not believe they will use it on LaRon Landry, regardless of what happens with Davis. John Keim takes a look at some potential franchise candidates with other teams, and the impact those teams' decisions on those players could have on the Redskins' plans.

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

As I alluded to in my “Soon to be Stars” piece not long ago, LeSean McCoy is becoming a truly great player. Having Michael Vick in the backfield helps any running back, and the Eagles’ run blocking is much better than many realize, but McCoy brings a ton to the table. He understands what it takes to be a running back in the NFL and isn’t always looking for the big play. His elusiveness, vision and burst are among the best in the league. His receiving abilities soon should be as good as just about anyone, which is important in Andy Reid’s pass-first attack.

I'm a big fan of McCoy, but he isn’t the biggest guy around, and having a quality backup should be very important for the Eagles. During the 2010 season, Philadelphia did trade for Jerome Harrison, who is now set to become a free agent. Harrison would be an excellent backup for McCoy, and bringing him back makes a lot of sense. But maybe Philadelphia decides to complement McCoy with a bigger, bruising runner who could also be helpful in short-yardage situations.

The Eagles could go a different direction and tap into a very deep running back class in this draft. There aren't a lot of big bruiser types in this draft, but there are plenty of options. As the draft goes along, running backs in general could become excellent value selections in the middle rounds.

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

The incomparable Mel Kiper has come up with a 2005 first-round redraft based on how players from that class have fared over the past six seasons. This is for ESPN Insiders only, but I'm going to tell you how players from the NFC East came out in the redraft. And by the way, they fared really, really well:

2. Miami Dolphins: DeMarcus Ware, OLB Dallas Cowboys

4. Chicago Bears: Trent Cole, DE Philadelphia Eagles

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Justin Tuck, DE New York Giants

8. Arizona Cardinals: Jay Ratliff, NT Dallas Cowboys

12. San Diego Chargers: Jammal Brown, OT Washington Redskins (seriously)

14. Carolina Panthers: Mike Patterson, DT Philadelphia Eagles

18. Minnesota Vikings: Antrel Rolle, S New York Giants

25. Washington Redskins: Corey Webster, CB New York Giants

Kiper thought that Marion Barber, Leonard Weaver, Brandon Jacobs and Michael Boley were all "close calls" for the re-draft.

I'd say everyone in the NFC East did a pretty nice job in '05 if you throw out the Redskins. See if we're missing anyone.

What it means: The Kevin Kolb era is off to a rough start -- especially when he gets knocked out of the game with a concussion. There's no shame in losing to the Green Bay Packers, but the Eagles did it in awful fashion. Don't let that fourth-quarter comeback fool you. That was a miserable showing for the Eagles, and they came away with what appears to be a devastating injury. They lose a valuable player if Leonard Weaver is out for the season with a knee injury.

Tomorrow's talker: You know everyone will be talking about quarterback Michael Vick's performance Monday. He passed for 175 yards and ran for 103. He made one really poor decision not to run the ball into the end zone, but he certainly gave the offense some much-needed punch. Kolb had a rough first half with only 24 passing yards, but I thought he was handcuffed by his head coach. It almost felt like Andy Reid was being too tentative with his young quarterback. If you're going to trade your franchise quarterback to a division rival, you better be ready to trust his replacement.

What I liked: Nate Allen had some rough moments but he had his first interception in the second half, which gave the Eagles some hope. Trent Cole and Juqua Parker combined for three sacks on Aaron Rodgers. But the downside to that is that Brandon Graham was really quite in his debt.

Big revelation: The Eagles are about to find out how much depth they have. With Jamaal Jackson leaving the game with an elbow injury, reserve center Mike McGlynn may get a chance to start next week against the Lions. And it's unlikely we'll see middle linebacker Stewart Bradley (concussion).

What's next: Philly has some soul searching to do. They may catch a break if Matthew Stafford (shoulder) can't play, but the Lions won't be a gimme. Again, this couldn't have gone much worse.

The Philadelphia Eagles have acquired offensive lineman Reggie Wells from the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for an undisclosed draft choice in 2011. The Eagles also got a head start by trimming 10 players from their roster.

Wells, 29, started all 16 regular-season games and both playoff games for the Cardinals in '09. A sixth-round draft pick of Arizona in '03, Wells (6-foot-4, 314 pounds) has started 70 consecutive games (64 in the regular season, plus six in the postseason). He has starting experience at left guard, right tackle and left tackle, according to the Eagles.

“We’re adding a player that has started several seasons in the National Football League and has played at a very high level during the course of his career,” said coach Andy Reid on Friday. “He has experience at several different positions along the offensive line and he will be a welcome addition to that group. You can never have enough depth at that position as you go through an NFL season.”

The Eagles also announced they have placed defensive end Victor Abiamiri on the reserve/PUP list and released the following 10 players: Running backJ.J. Arrington, receiverDobson Collins, defensive endPannel Egboh, tight endNate Lawrie, running back Martell Mallett, tackleJeraill McCuller, cornerbackDavid Pender, cornerbackGeoff Pope, defensive tackleBoo Robinson, and safety Anthony Scirrotto.

By being placed on the Reserve/PUP list, Abiamiri is not eligible to play in the team’s first six regular-season games. After the sixth game, the team has three weeks to decide whether to activate Abiamiri to the 53-man roster. If he is not activated during that time period, he is placed on the season-ending Injured Reserve list.

By releasing Arrington, the Eagles will now receive a sixth-round pick from the Broncos in 2012. No big surprises with this initial cut. Mallett had his moments early in the preseason, but the Eagles feel like they have enough depth at running back with LeSean McCoy, Mike Bell and Eldra Buckley. It helps that fullback Leonard Weaver can basically perform like a tailback in Reid's offense.

Right now, the Eagles have 65 players on the roster. Wells will likely compete for playing time at right guard with Stacy Andrews and Nick Cole.

Could the Eagles end up cutting Andrews? It's possible.

I know we haven't done a ton of fantasy stuff on the Beast, but I'm willing to change that if you guys are interested. ESPN.com's Matt Berry delivered his voluminous "Guys I Love, Guys I Hate" column on Tuesday and it's packed with helpful information about players from the NFC East.

The players in the "love" category are the ones Berry recommends drafting a round or two early. His "hate" list includes players whom he deems to be overvalued or have boring Twitter accounts. Redskins fans might be pleased to know that Berry's bullish on running back Clinton Portis:

People are gonna say this is me being a Redskins homer for this pick, but seriously, he's been a first- or second-round pick every year of his career and these days he's going in the eighth, writes Berry. People are concerned about the Russian roulette Mike Shanahan is known for playing with running backs, but Portis had his most productive years playing under Shanny.

People are worried about his health, but prior to last year, he had two straight years of playing all 16 games and had missed just 12 games in the seven years prior to '09. People are worried about all the other running backs there, but I'm not sure Willie Parker makes the team and I actually think Larry Johnson being there helps, as it will save a little wear and tear on Portis during the year. In short, I disagree with the people. One last thing and, this will shock you … he's only 29. Oh, it's an old 29. But still. Just 29 and a better-than-average chance to be the lead back on a decent offense. Eighth round. Come on.

In other Skins news, Berry thinks Santana Moss and Devin Thomas will have excellent value in the later rounds. He even makes an interesting comparison between Moss and the Eagles' DeSean Jackson. And it's not a favorable comparison for Jackson.

So which NFC East players does Berry "hate?" Well, he thinks some of you will draft Eagles running back LeSean McCoy a little too early. Here's what Berry did with McCoy's stats:

In each of the past three seasons, the Eagles have been in the bottom 10 in rush attempts. Offensive touches for the 2009 Eagles inside an opponent's 10-yard line:
LeSean McCoy 8
Leonard Weaver 8
Brian Westbrook 7
Brent Celek 6
Michael Vick 4
Eldra Buckley 3
Jason Avant 2
Donovan McNabb 2
Reggie Brown, Kevin Kolb, Jeremy Maclin, DeSean Jackson -- 1 each.
Look, I think he'll be good. What I don't think is he's the reincarnation of Brian Westbrook. He's not the run-blocker or pass-catcher that Westbrook was in this offense. They have a lot of guys, including newly acquired Mike Bell, Leonard Weaver and Mike Vick around the goal line not to mention Jackson, Maclin and Celek.

And if you'd like to find out why Berry "hates" Donovan McNabb, read the full column.

» NFC Stock Watch: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

Falling

Ken Hamlin, Dallas Cowboys safety: The veteran safety reportedly (he tweeted it) spent some time at the Playboy Mansion this past weekend and didn't make it back in time for the first official day of "voluntary" workouts. The Cowboys offer make-up sessions, so this in itself isn't a big deal. But Hamlin's future is already hanging in the balance because he hasn't lived up to his lucrative contract extension.

There's a decent chance the Cowboys draft his replacement in the first round. And if you see someone such as South Florida's Nate Allen come off the board at No. 27, it might be a good sign that Hamlin's on his way out. Hamlin is known as a fierce hitter, but he continues to get victimized in coverage. With the Eagles and Giants both making moves to upgrade at safety, the Cowboys can't afford to go with status quo. It wouldn't surprise me at all if Hamlin's released this offseason. I don't think anyone wants to trade for his contract.

Update: The Cowboys cut Hamlin and offensive tackle Flozell Adams on Friday.

Rising

Kevin Kolb, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback

He's just biding his time while the Eagles try to find an exit strategy for Donovan McNabb. But with each day, fans become more and more excited about the Kolb Era. He needs to enjoy it while it lasts. Kolb's a laidback Texan off the field, but his young teammates have come to respect his presence in the huddle.

Outside of Brian Westbrook (released) and fullback Leonard Weaver, you haven't heard anyone rush to McNabb's defense. I think young players such as Jeremy Maclin, DeSean Jackson, LeSean McCoy and Brent Celek are ready to play with Kolb. I also think Kolb has a lot more respect from scouts around the league than some folks think. Do you think the Eagles would trade Kolb if someone offered them a late first-round pick? I don't.

» NFC Big Question: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

If the Eagles are able to trade Donovan McNabb, what does the Kevin Kolb era look like?

Everyone I talk to in the Eagles' organization suggests that former University of Houston star Kevin Kolb is ready for prime time. The Eagles former general manager Tom Heckert, who had a big say in drafting Kolb in the second round of the '07 draft, told me last week he thinks Kolb is absolutely ready to succeed at this level. That's why he thinks it would be nearly impossible for a team to land Kolb in a trade.

Kolb is already popular with his teammates. You may have noticed there hasn't been a huge outcry from the locker room to keep McNabb. I know that fullback Leonard Weaver recently voiced his support during a radio interview, but that's about it. There's a sense in the organization it's time for young stars such as DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, LeSean McCoy and Brent Celek to start playing with the quarterback who's expected to hang around for the next six or seven seasons.

From the scouts I talk to across the league, Kolb's actually better suited for the West Coast offense than McNabb. He's been very accurate in the preseason and in his two regular-season starts. One NFC East scout told me Monday he thought a second-round pick was a little "rich" for Kolb in '07. The thought at that time was that Kolb may have been a "system" quarterback under coach Art Briles at Houston and his huge passing numbers wouldn't translate to the NFL game. But after a year of work in Reid's system, he convinced the coach he was indeed the real deal.

Kolb doesn't have McNabb's strength or mobility, but he does appear to have a more accurate arm. In an offense that's built on timing and intermediate routes, that's no small thing. Kolb's also been praised for an internal clock that allows him to get the ball away quickly. There are actually people in the organization who think Kolb gives the Eagles a better chance to win immediately.

I have too much respect for McNabb to agree with that statement, but I do think Kolb will help the Eagles win a lot of games in the coming years. His coaches and teammates love how calm he is in the huddle. The Stephenville, Texas, native rarely gets rattled and that's a good trait to have if you're going to play in Philly.

I think Kolb's ready to take over this team.

We've focused so much on all the Donovan McNabb trade rumors that it's easy to forget about the man who would replace him in Philadelphia. Kevin Kolb was a record-setting quarterback at the University of Houston, but it's impossible to predict what he'll be in the NFL. Judging by recent actions, the Eagles organization must think Kolb's ready to become the full-time starter.

In one of my favorite ESPN.com weekly reports, the good folks at Scouts Inc. take a look at major offseason storylines. And as luck would have it, former NFL scout Matt Williamson focused on Kolb today. This is an ESPN.com Insider feature, but I've received permission to share a paragraph or two to whet your offseason appetite.

"When analyzing a backup quarterback such as Kolb, who doesn't have a lot of meaningful film yet at this level, we must understand that the Eagles know way more about him than any of us," writes Williamson. "They see him every day at practice and in the quarterback meeting room. They know how popular he is with his teammates, how intelligent he is and whether he is a good person. Much like Charlie Whitehurst or Matt Schaub when he went to the Texans, sometimes the true value of such a player is not entirely evident on film."

Williamson goes on to write about Kolb's accuracy and other intangibles, but his point about the young quarterback's teammates is well taken. I've written several times that I believe several young players on offense would actually prefer for the Kolb era to go ahead and begin. Of course, those guys are smart enough to not actively campaign for Kolb in public. But they watch him in the offseason and in the preseason and see how accurate he is in the West Coast offense and how commanding he is in the huddle.

I've read where players such as Leonard Weaver have voiced their support for McNabb, but I truly believe there is growing sentiment in the locker room for Kolb. And as you've seen, that sentiment also extends to the front office.

» NFC Stock Watch: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

Falling

Redskins defensive end Andre Carter: Yes, we're bringing back this wildly popular entry for a couple months. And honestly, I think it's too early to suggest that any of the four NFC teams are in the "falling" category. The Cowboys are certainly the quietest team in free agency, but I don't necessarily think that's a bad thing. But in the interest of participation, let's put Carter in the "falling" section. I've said from the start that he's not a good fit as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 and now there's speculation he could lose his starting job. Carter's been a highly productive player in the league, but he's looked awkward in the past when asked to stand up in the 3-4. Greg Ellis went through this in Dallas under Bill Parcells, but he eventually became a productive outside linebacker. We'll see how things turn out for Carter.

Rising

Philadelphia Eagles: This is a team that is desperately trying to close the gap with the Cowboys. I like that general manager Howie Roseman has locked up talented players such as Leonard Weaver and Jason Avant. And signing former Colts cornerback Marlin Jackson is a good risk to take. Yes, he's had two ACLs (one on each knee). But the Eagles reportedly kept the guaranteed money low enough where they won't feel burned if he struggles. If the 26-year-old returns to form, he could start at free safety for the next three or four years. The Eagles also restructured guard Stacy Andrews' contract. I bumped into offensive line coach Juan Castillo in Indianapolis and he truly believes Andrews will come back strong in 2010 after being hampered by a knee injury.

Welcome back to the Stock Watch. That's how I see it.

The Philadelphia Eagles this morning announced an agreement with restricted free-agent receiver Jason Avant on a five-year contract. The terms weren't immediately available.

Avant plays in the shadows of DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin, but he's become a clutch receiver in his own right. Quarterback Donovan McNabb began depending on Avant on third downs in '08 and then the receiver started making big plays in '09. It makes sense that the Eagles would get a long-term deal done with such a valuable player.

They had given him a second-round tender before reaching the agreement. On Friday, the Eagles signed fullback Leonard Weaver to a three-year contract.

We've known about Leonard Weaver's new three-year contract for hours, but the Eagles went ahead and made it official in a press release Friday afternoon. Here's what coach Andy Reid said:

"Leonard proved to be a versatile player for us last year from the fullback position,” said Reid. “He made plays both running and catching the football and was a reliable blocker. Plus, he is committed to donating time and energy in the community. Leonard is an All-Pro on and off the field. We are happy to have him back for the next three seasons."

And now let's hear from new general manager Howie Roseman: "Signing Leonard Weaver back was a big priority for us heading into the offseason and we are glad to get that accomplished today. Leonard played very well for us last year as a runner, receiver and blocker. He was a Pro Bowl performer on and off the field."

Restricted free agent fullback Leonard Weaver has agreed to a three-year contract worth $11 million ($6.5 guaranteed), according to Jeff McLane of the Inquirer. This would apparently make Weaver the highest-paid fullback in league history, according to a league source. (I believe Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network had this one first).

The Eagles had placed a second-round tender on Weaver, but his agent said Thursday evening the two sides were close to an agreement. Weaver was an All-Pro in '09 and he gives the Eagles versatility at running back because of his ability to carry the ball eight or nine times a game.

Here is John Clayton's report on the Weaver contract.

The Eagles put a second-round tender on All-Pro fullback Leonard Weaver on Thursday, but it's likely the two sides will soon agree to a contract extension.

"We are very close on a long-term extension," Weaver's agent, Harold Lewis, told the Philadelphia Daily News. "We are both going to sleep on a couple of things and pick it back up in the morning."

Lewis said the same thing to the Inquirer. It looks like the Eagles slapped the second-round tender on Weaver simply to preserve the right to continue negotiating. Since Weaver has until the middle part of April to sign the tender, there's not really a big rush. But it sounds like there's enough momentum to go ahead and reach an agreement.

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.