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Philly stakes claim to former Pro Bowler

Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia Eagles placed the franchise tag on former Pro Bowl defensive tackle Corey Simon on Thursday.

Simon had 24 tackles and 5½ sacks this season, and is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent March 2.

The Eagles would have seven days to match any offer made to Simon, a Pro Bowler last year after leading the team with 7½ sacks. If Philadelphia declines to match the offer, the Eagles would receive two first-round draft picks as compensation.

Unless he re-signs to a long-term contract, Simon would play next season under a one-year deal for the average of the five highest-paid players at his position.

"Corey's a good player, and his personality fits very well in our locker room," coach Andy Reid said in a statement. "He's a talented player against the pass and against the run. We're happy to take this step to keep him in Philadelphia."

The Eagles, with about $18 million under the salary cap for next year, have several players from this year's Super Bowl team who could leave via free agency, most notably Pro Bowl middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter. Guard Jermane Mayberry, defensive end Derrick Burgess and tight end Chad Lewis are also unrestricted free agents, while running back Brian Westbrook is a restricted free agent.

Simon, out of Florida State, was the Eagles top pick (sixth overall) in 2000. He has 32 sacks in his five-year career and set the Eagles' rookie record with 9½ sacks -- including a sack of the Dallas Cowboys' Troy Aikman on his first career play.