Eagles withdraw franchise tag on DT Simon

[MTK]

More interesting Philly drama:

http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/PHI/8781467

PHILADELPHIA (Aug. 28, 2005) -- The Philadelphia Eagles withdrew their franchise tag on former first-round draft pick Corey Simon, making the defensive tackle an unrestricted free agent.

Simon was offered a one-year franchise tender, but wanted a long-term contract and never signed the deal or reported to training camp. With the franchise tag, another team would have forfeited two first-round picks if they signed the former Pro Bowl lineman.

"We appreciate all that Corey has done for this organization over the last five years," coach Andy Reid said. "With the great amount of depth and talent we have along the defensive line, we chose to give Corey an opportunity to sign with another team."

Simon was the Eagles' first-round pick and the sixth overall selection in the 2000 draft. In five seasons with Philadelphia, Simon had 211 tackles and 32 sacks.

He set the Eagles' rookie record for sacks with 9.5 in 2000 -- including one of Dallas' Troy Aikman on his first career play.

Simon was selected for the Pro Bowl after recording 64 tackles and 7.5 sacks in 2003.

Certainly, Simon's high asking price was a factor in the Eagles cutting him loose, but so was their depth at defensive tackle. Darwin Walker and Hollis Thomas start for the Eagles and first-round pick Mike Patterson has had a strong preseason.

"I think we are playing pretty good defense right now. To say I wish Corey was not here, no I wish he was here, but he's not here and, I said it before, we just move on," defensive coordinator Jim Johnson said last week. "It's an opportunity for those other guys that are playing pretty well."