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The Donte' Stallworth trade -- he was sent to Philadelphia from New Orleans on Monday -- is much smarter for the Eagles than giving up a No. 1 or higher for Deion Branch of the Patriots. Even though Stallworth has been inconsistent, he is one of the few former first-round wide receivers to catch 70 passes since being drafted since 2000. He caught 70 passes for 945 yards last year and had 16 catches of 20 yards or more. The price wasn't bad at all. Mark Simoneau is an undersized linebacker who can wear down during a long season. The draft choice value of a fourth-rounder that could upgrade to a third if Stallworth signs a long-term deal with the Eagles isn't bad either. It fits with the value of what other receivers are going for. Ashley Lelie was traded to Atlanta for the equivalent of a third-round choice; Stallworth adds speed and is a threat for an offense in desperate need of help.

Exhibit A of Saints' reconstruction: It's safe to say that the Saints are in a complete rebuilding mode under first-year head coach Sean Payton. The Stallworth trade is just another example of this. They've traded away tackle Wayne Gandy, defensive tackle Jonathan Sullivan, linebacker Courtney Watson, Stallworth and halfback Michael Bennett. The Saints weren't going to re-sign Stallworth after the season, so it made some sense to get value for him. The only problem is that the Saints are now thin along the offensive line and at wide receiver. Joe Horn still is the go-to receiver. The other receiver position is wide open between Devery Henderson, Bethel Johnson and seventh-round choice Marques Colston. Colston has been impressive and is a lock to make the team now.

Going Old School in Oakland: Jeff George's signing in Oakland was the talk of the NFL on Monday. And why shouldn't it be? George has stayed in shape and has one of the strongest arms in the league. Art Shell is trying to go Old School Raiders by bringing back the deep pass, and it's certainly an old school move to bring back George, who hasn't played the past several years. His signing, though, must be a sign the Raiders are concerned about Andrew Walter's right shoulder. Walter has been decent during the preseason but he didn't play against the Lions last Friday. Some think the Raiders wanted to give Walter's shoulder a rest. Though he hasn't been named yet, Aaron Brooks will start at quarterback for Oakland.

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