Football Eagles eye Sheppard trade to Jets

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First, he was forced out of the starting lineup by the acquisition of high-profile free agent Asante Samuel last season.

Now cornerback Lito Sheppard has been forced out of Philadelphia.

The Eagles on Saturday are expected to complete a trade which will send Sheppard to the New York Jets for a package of draft picks. Sources from both clubs on Friday night confirmed the trade.

Although details of the deal were not available, the Eagles are believed to be receiving a middle-round choice in the 2010 draft and conditional 2011 draft choice. The level of the 2011 choice will be determined by a number of factors including Sheppard's 2009 playing time.

Sheppard, 27, is a two-time Pro Bowl defender. He started for much of his career, but was supplanted by Samuel in 2008.

A seven-year veteran, Sheppard played mostly in nickel and dime situations for the Eagles last year. He started three games, the lowest number of starts since his second season.

Sheppard, a first-round draft choice in 2002 draft, appeared in 93 games and started 53 of them. He has 253 tackles, two sacks, 18 interceptions, and 54 passes defensed. The recent re-signing of cornerback Joselio Hanson to a multi-year deal, made Sheppard expendable for the Eagles. Hanson received an increasing amount of playing time as the No. 3 cornerback as last season progressed.

Sheppard is expected to step right into the starting lineup at the cornerback spot opposite the one occupied by Darrelle Revis.

 

[GotGibson?]

Eagles send Sheppard to Jets for two draft picks

The Philadelphia Eagles completed their expected trade of cornerback Lito Sheppard on Satuday, sending him to the New York Jets for two undisclosed draft picks.

Sources told ESPN.com Friday night that the Eagles are believed to be receiving a middle-round choice in the 2010 draft and conditional 2011 draft choice. The level of the 2011 choice will be determined by a number of factors, including Sheppard's 2009 playing time

"I am excited to be joining the Jets organization," Sheppard said in a statement. "It is a fresh new start, a new coach and a new system. I am looking forward to getting back to playing top notch football and bringing a winning attitude with me."

Sheppard, a first-round draft choice in 2002 draft, appeared in 93 games and started 53 of them. He has 253 tackles, two sacks, 18 interceptions, and 54 passes defensed. The recent re-signing of cornerback Joselio Hanson to a multiyear deal made Sheppard expendable for the Eagles.

In addition, Sheppard, 27, was supplanted last season by Asante Samuel, who had signed with the Eagles as a free agent.

Sheppard is expected to step right into the Jets' starting lineup at the cornerback spot opposite the one occupied by Darrelle Revis.

A seven-year veteran and two-time Pro Bowler, Sheppard played mostly in nickel and dime situations for the Eagles last year. He started three games, the fewest number of starts since his second season.

"We acquired a veteran corner with Pro Bowl ability," first-year Jets coach Rex Ryan said in a statement. "This young man has already gone to two Pro Bowls. He is a great athlete with the top end speed that we look for to play that position. We think he can match up with some of the best receivers in the game."