Dodged That Bullet

Just one year ago, the Eagles weren't feeling quite as sanguine about their situation at linebacker, which led them to try to sign Ryan Fowler, a restricted free agent from the Cowboys.  But then this happened:

Just one day after the Philadelphia Eagles announced they had reached agreement with Dallas Cowboys linebacker Ryan Fowler on a restricted free agent offer sheet, a move reported by several media outlets including ESPN.com, the veteran defender changed his mind on Monday.

Fowler instead will sign an offer sheet with the Tennessee Titans, the other team that had been vying for his services.

So certain were the Eagles on Sunday that they had an agreement with Fowler that they dispatched an e-mail to national reporters. And Fowler's agent, Alan Herman, told several media outlets that his client planned to sign the Eagles' offer sheet, a deal that was to become official on Monday morning.

There was no immediate explanation for the change of heart. Because the offer sheet paperwork was never officially signed and filed with the league office, which is not open on Sunday, the Eagles apparently have no recourse in the matter.

Fowler didn't exactly light things up in Tennessee, compiling 54 tackles, no sacks and no interceptions in 14 starts.

More important, though, is this:

Tennessee Titans linebacker Ryan Fowler is under investigation by the NFL in connection with an apparent steroids case, Fowler's lawyer said Monday.

Peter Ginsberg said that Fowler was notified late last week that he faces suspension.

The lawyer said he assumes the investigation stems from the death last week of David Jacobs, a convicted steroids dealer who claimed to have sold drugs to pro football players. Police in Plano said Jacobs killed himself.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello declined comment. A Titans spokesman did not return a phone call seeking comment, thought the team normally does not respond publicly to such cases.

Ginsberg, speaking by phone from New York, said the NFL asked to speak to Fowler but nothing has been scheduled.

Sometimes you get lucky.