THE EAGLES have 11 pending unrestricted free agents and one pending restricted free agent, defensive tackle Antonio Dixon, who almost certainly will return.
Some of the unrestricted 11 are strong bets to be Eagles when training camp starts in less than 8 months. Others, not so much. Here's a rundown:
* Defensive end Victor Abiamiri: Missed the last two seasons with injuries. The 57th overall pick in the 2007 draft isn't getting another contract here.
* Running back Ronnie Brown: The man who flung a fumble at the other team on the goal line against the 49ers will always hold a place in franchise lore. Seeing as how the Eagles tried to trade him during the season, I think we are safe in bidding farewell.
* Offensive tackle King Dunlap: Surprised he has been here this long. But Howard Mudd seems to like him, and, in fairness, the King plays pretty well as an emergency starter. But every time he plays, he gets hurt.
* Wide receiver DeSean Jackson: I think he's back if he's sincere about being OK with the franchise tag, which was what Jackson said after Sunday's game. I don't think the trade market is going to be great, and I think the offense would miss him.
* Defensive tackle Derek Landri: On merit, Landri has to be back. Works hard, does everything right, gets results. But on merit he never should have been cut going into the season. I'd be surprised if the Eagles didn't make a strong push.
* Defensive tackle Trevor Laws: Nice guy, OK performer, had no business being the 47th player taken in the 2008 draft. I was a little surprised he got the start when Mike Patterson sat out the finale. His return might depend on what arrives in the draft.
* Guard Evan Mathis: Signing him should be a priority. Yes, he's a quality starter, but more important, who on this team makes you laugh more on Twitter? Name one guy. See, you can't.
* Defensive end Juqua Parker: Good, loyal soldier whose 7 years of solid service are going to be remembered less vividly than that premature lunge across the line at Buffalo. Darned shame. Very unlikely to return. Will be 34 in May, might not find any takers.
* Fullback Owen Schmitt: Solid plugger. Team would like to upgrade. He'll probably still be there if they can't.
* Wide receiver Steve Smith: Eagles sure stuck it to the Giants. Once the Birds signed Smith, New York was forced to count on that Victor Cruz guy. Ha! Now Smith will end up somewhere next year, won't be here.
