Philadelphia Daily News from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania • Page 113

PAGE 114 THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 161996 dleadHoone aflesini'tt Boras by Kevin Mulligan 1 Daily News Sports Writer Deadlines do different things to people. They sometimes force action at negotiating tables. They make re-. porters think less and write faster They influence decisionmaking. Usually, they produce results.

Yesterday's NFL deadline for signing players to prevent four-year veterans from becoming unrestricted free agents is an annual exception. The only things produced by the Eagles were questions: Why wasn't a serious effort made to re-sign Guy Mclntyre, the best offensive lineman the Eagles had in 1995? Are starting cornerback Mark McMillian and free safety Greg Jackson history in Philly? What is the price of the Eagles' desire to re-sign quarterback Rodney Peete? Do the Eagles want linebacker Bill Romanowski or don't they? Does owner Jeffrey Lurie already have an offer sheet prepared for Oakland quarterback Jeff Hostetler? The Eagles can't be serious about Ty Detmer as anything Mark McMillian: dissatisfied other than a backup, can they? Which player will lead what could be a parade of impact free agents on "recruiting trips" to Philadelphia? And how long will Ray Rhodes's free-agent priorities ranked 1-2-3 remain a secret? Is it quarterback, offensive tackle, cornerback? Defensive tackle, defensive back, offensive tackle? Or quarterback, tight end, more money it will take at least $2 million a year for one of the top free-agent corners. "We're going to be patient and find the best situation for him," said McMillian's agent, Gary Uberstein. "We're definitely not closing the door on the Eagles, but they certainly haven't gone out of their way to indicate any strong interest in him. Mark likes coach Rhodes and everything but all he wants is to be treated with respect." Here is a handicap of what becomes of the Eagles' unrestricted free agents.

Must re-sign: Guy Mclntyre and Rodney Peete. The Eagles are going to have to pay their backup quarterback $800,000 to $1.5 million, so it might as well go to Peete, who will bring more bang per buck than most of the dregs on the free-agent list. Backup quarterback is not a position where teams can cut corners and save cash, and No. 9 is excellent insurance should the Eagles' new starter go down. Peete has a year with the offense, is well-liked and respected by teammates and helps retain continuity.

Bringing in two new faces at QB would be a mistake. The Eagles will take aim on signing one of the top agent throwers. Would like back at right price: WR Rob Carpenter, MLB Kurt Gouveia, John Hudson, FS Greg Jackson, TE Reggie Johnson, WR Kelvin Martin, OLB Bill Romanowski, DE Dan Stubbs. You can have him: OL Harry Boatswain, Frank Cornish, OT Moe Elewonibi, DT Mark TE Jimmie Johnson, DT Tommy Jeter, FB James Saxon, TE Ed West, David Whitmore, Barry Wilburn. Could come back and haunt: WR Fred Barnett, CB Mark McMillian.

See ya, better luck elsewhere: QB Randall Cunningham, OT Antone Davis. HOLMES RECEIVES TENDER Offensive lineman Lester Holmes was the only Eagles restricted free agent to receive the minimum-contract tender of $361,000, which gives the team the right of first refusal and the right to compensation should he sign with another team. Holmes, who continues to rehab his way back from 1995 knee surgery, earned $415,000 in base salary last season and will command a high price in negotiations. Offers were not tendered to five other restricted free agents: running back Vaughn Hebron, defensive lineman Mike Chalenski, linebackers Derrick Oden and James Willis, and cornerback Derrick Frazier. All five are now free to sign with other teams.

The Eagles hope to re-sign Willis, a promising inside linebacker. The large minimum-tender amount as dictated by the NFL's collective bargaining agreement played a role (along with lack of interest) in the club's decision not to tender some of the above. Rodney Peete: valuable linebacker? The answers could begin trickling in as early as today, when the NFL's free-agent free-for-all officially begins. There was one surprising development on the Eagles' front. The 4 p.m.

deadline for signing potential free agents passed without the team making an effort to tie up Mclntyre. Mclntyre, who turns 35 tomorrow, is now free to shop himself on the free-agent market. Considering the strong season he had, there will be plenty of interest from teams now running the West Cost offense, despite his 12 seasons of NFL treadwear. In addition to playing at close to Pro Bowl level all season, Mclntyre was of Pro Bowl value as a team leader off the field. The Eagles have taken a gamble by allowing Mclntyre to go free.

First, there is a good chance that a contender, possibly even the San Francisco 49ers, will show more confidence and respect toward Mclntyre via an attractive offer right out of the box. Second, the Eagles run the risk of Mclntyre feeling disrespected by their lack of attention and deciding that he does not want to return. Such an attitude and reputation of not taking care of their own is exactly what Lurie has attempted to erase since buying the team in 1994. Third, having Mclntyre signed would have given Bill Daily Instruction by members of The PHILADELPHIA EAGLES! Coach Rhodes, Bamett, Williams, Martin, Harmon, McMillian, Zordich Panos, Jackson, Fuller, and more! June 25-30 Outstanding staff Ages 8-18 For FREE brochure call (24 hrs) FREE: FREE HAIR REPLACEMENT Considering permanent non-medical hair? We will give it to you at no charge (a limited offer) Our system is the most undetectable and natural. Special promotion.

New clients only. First 100 callers. Call For Mora Information Subject to maintenance fees The Hairraaken 1616 Walnut Street Suite 2110 Antone Davis: see ya Callahan's offensive line stability and one more known quantity. Joe Banner, the vice president for administration, said the club decided to allow the market to determine the value of players like McLntyre, McMillian and some of their other free agents. "I was hoping after talking to various people in the Eagles front office at their party in Phoenix that we could get something done before the free-agency period began," said Steve Baker, Mc-Intyre's San Francisco-based agent.

"However, no effort has been made by the Eagles at signing Guy. But we're hopeful that we can get started soon. "All things being equal, Guy very much prefers to be in Philadelphia. He's obviously a Ray Rhodes fan, he knows the offense, and he honestly believes he's more valuable to that team. Plus, his other opportunities TV, etc.

are great enough that he feels it's where he can best be rewarded. But still, all Guy wants is to be treated fairly, like everyone else. "I was optimistic after the party because everyone associated with, the Eagles feels that Guy is a very important element to the team. Why there hasn't been anything since, I don't know. "Three weeks ago, I'd have said we wouldn't have considered other options.

Presently let's just say we're looking forward to seeing how interested the Eagles are. Guy is there for the Eagles to sign now. If they step up, I don't think Guy will seriously consider playing somewhere else. But there's no doubt in my mind that many teams will call me about him." Other key 1995 Eagles who will take the free-agent plunge include starters Jackson, McMillian, Romanowski, Fred Barnett, Rob Carpenter, Antone Davis and Kurt Gouveia. Barnett, Jackson and McMillian are likely to sign elsewhere, out of frustration with the way they were used here (Barnett, Jackson) or, in the case of McMillian, out of dissatisfaction with a previous offer.

The Eagles offered McMillian $1.1 million and rejected a proposal seeking $1.5 million. The Eagles apparently feel that they can receive better return for THE ORTHOPEDIC INSTITUTE at Hahnemann7" Arnold T. Berman, M.D., Chairman, Department of Orthopedic Surgery Medical College of Pennsylvania and Hahnemann University is pleased to announce the appointment and relocation of Keith L.Wapner, M.D. and PaulJ.Hecht, M.D. specializing in Orthopedic Surgery of the Foot and Ankle and the establishment of The Foot and Ankle Center at Hahnemann University Hospital (215) 879-9046 Hahnemann University Hospital.