The Philadelphia Eagles drafted Nebraska kicker Alex Henery in the fourth round of the NFL draft, hinting that 12-year veteran David Akers is done with the Birds. Philly put the transition tag on Akers before the lockout but he declined to sign the tender. He becomes a free agent when the NFL decides on a new year start date.
I’m not sure if he’s following lockout protocol or just being coy with the media but Eagles head coach Andy Reid says the move was about talent and that Akers is an Eagle.
“We’ll see. It’s more about this kid just being a good kicker,” Reid said. “Right now, David’s with us.”
That sounds good until you think about it for half a second. Kickers are rarely drafted as high as the fourth round and most teams don’t keep two on their 53-man roster. So all signs point to Henery being in and Akers being out. It also means the Reid-McNabb-Dawkins-Akers Eagles era is officially over. Pour out a little of whatever you’re drinking in their memory.
That’s not the end of the bad news in Philly. Reports say Akers could sign with the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas could definitely use the upgrade but Akers better take the field in the Popemobile if he has to make a crucial kick at the Linc. I wouldn’t be surprised if you’re able to get a “Does Akers make it out of Philly alive if he kicks a game winner?” prop bet via Bet on NFL Odds at BetUS.
Eagles kicker David Akers’ future in doubt after draft [The News Journal]
