Watkins finally gets a deal done

The Eagles have agreed to terms with guard Danny Watkins on a four-year contract.

Watkins (6-3, 310) was the Eagles first-round selection in the 2011 NFL Draft (23rd overall). A former firefighter from Kelowna, British Columbia, Watkins did not start playing football until the age of 22 while attending Butte College in Oroville, CA, where he quickly became one of the top players in Junior College, earning first-team All-America honors in 2008. He went on to start 25 games as a left tackle at Baylor, earning first-team All-Big 12 honors as a senior in 2010. Watkins, 26, attended Mount Boucherie Secondary School in Kelowna, BC, where he played hockey and rugby prior to his time as a part-time firefighter.

Watkins was reportedly after a guarantee in the fourth year of his deal but did not get it.

“This is a huge weight lifted off of my shoulders, that’s for sure," the rookie said after inking his deal. "Ever since I got here a few weeks ago, I’ve been chomping at the bit to get in here.  I understand there’s a business aspect to football.  It’s something I’ve never cared for and don’t know much about.  I’m just glad this is over with and we can get rolling.”

Watkins is expected to be the Eagles starting right guard when the season kicks off in St. Louis in September.

“I have to come in and compete," he said.  "Nothing is guaranteed that I’m going to be a starter, by any means.  That’s the coach’s decision, not mine.  Like I said, I’ve been here for, you know, two weeks, and I’ve been chomping at the bit to get in.  I’m eager to learn.  It’d be an honor and privilege to get in front of [QB Michael] Vick and let him work his magic.  Like I said, I’m hoping and I want to come in and compete right away.”