In a move that was almost two years in the making, the Eagles today announced that they had released lineman Shawn Andrews, ending his six year run with the team. While some people could see the move coming, to many, it was bittersweet, as Andrews was one of the best linemen in the NFL when he was at his peak.
The only problem was that his peak was so short. After missing all but one game in 2004 with a broken leg, Andrews came back in 2005 and began to establish himself as a premier guard. In 2006, he took the next step and was named to the All Pro team, as he protected both Donovan McNabb and Jeff Garcia on his way to his first Pro Bowl. The next season was more of the same, as Andrews got a second straight trip to Hawaii, but then things went downhill from there.
At the end of June 2008, Andrews left the Eagles for what he called "personal reasons" that was later revealed to be a bout of depression that he was getting professional help for. When he returned to the Eagles, he was never the same. A back injury knocked him out for all but two games in the 2008 season, and despite the signing of his brother in the offseason, Andrews never returned to his former stature. He re-injured his back during training camp and was placed on injured reserve after the second week of the 2009 season. After three years where it looked like he would be one of the top guards in the NFL for the next decade, Andrews played in just two games over two seasons. The Eagles were justified in cutting him, but fans should have a bitter taste in their mouths over this one.
Andrews is always going to be one of the biggest "What-ifs" in the NFL over the past decade. Had he managed to stay healthy and keep his head on straight, I have no doubts that the Eagles would have their foundation on the offensive line for years to come. Instead, they're left with a bust of a first round pick from 2004, and Andrews is left without a team. He says he still wants to play in the NFL, but with his recent history, he's going to have to prove himself if he even wants a shot.
Best of luck to you, big man. You could have been one of the greats.
ESPN.com: Eagles release Shawn Andrews
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