The Name Game

If you happened to be listening to sports radio yesterday, you might have heard the Philadelphia Eagles reached an agreement with cornerback William James. Unless you tuned in for a little while longer, you may not have realized that James is formerly William Peterson of the New York Giants. Hoping a new name could revitalize a once promising career, the Eagles are excited about their new acquisition.

Peterson teamed with fellow '01 draft pick Will Allen to become one of the most feared CB tandems in the league. People had high hopes for the Wills, as they were dubbed, but their inability to stay healthy and hold on to the football caused optimism to fade fast. Although Allen was the first round selection, many felt Peterson's ceiling was much higher. A third round pick of the Giants in 2001, Peterson's size and coverage abilities made him a rare "shut-down" corner. A series of injuries derailed the rising star who has been out of football since 2004. The Giants finally cut ties with Peterson in the spring after they determined he needed to make a lot more progress before he could return to the field. This move could pay serious dividends for the Eagles if he can shake off the rust and stay healthy.