On Danny Watkins Signing, Evan Mathis, and Super Bowl Favorites

While
much of the media attention at Eagles camp yesterday was on the arrival
of a less-than-thrilled Asante Samuel, there was some good news on
another front, with first-round pick Danny Watkins finally agreeing to
terms. With no OTAs and a limited camp schedule, the possible rookie
starter needs every second he can get with his new coaches and
teammates, so any further delay could've been disruptive in his
development into a possible week 1 starter. CSN's Reuben Frank reports
that the deal is worth $7.937 million over four years, with just over $4
million guaranteed. The two sides were at an impasse over the number of
guaranteed years, and the front office reportedly won out, with Watkins
finally telling agent/former Eagle Joe Panos that he wanted to get to
camp. Roob has more on Watkins' reaction to the deal, and his potential
to start in 2011. [CSNPhilly]

Over the
weekend, the Eagles also signed guard Evan Mathis, formerly with the
Cincinnati Bengals. The 29-year-old is something of a journeyman, having
also played with the Carolina Panthers and Miami Dolphins before
joining the Bengals. To the Bengals blog Cincy Jungle, Mathis has been a
subject of contention, in that they believed he should have been
starting at left guard rather than languishing in a backup role behind
Nate Livings. Here are two posts worth reading on Mathis, the first
stating he should be brought back—and start—in 2011, and the second,
dismay over his departure. Can't be easy being a Bengals fan… [Cincy
Jungle]

Finally, some Super Bowl favorite talk.

Vegas has moved the Eagles odds up to an astonishing 6:1 to win the Super Bowl, tied with the Packers and Patriots for the best in football. That's your team. Kind of crazy. [Bloomberg]

And the NFL Network crew likes our squad.