In limbo, free agent Mikell works out with Eagles

Monday, June 6, 2011
Posted: 1:46 p.m.
By Dave ZangaroCSNPhilly.com

EVESHAM, N.J.Safety Quintin Mikell is working hard this off-season preparing himself for another year in the NFL. He just doesnt know what color jersey hell be wearing.

Mikell was at the voluntary informal workouts at the Memorial Sports Complex in Marlton, N.J., again on Monday morning. He was joined by Austin Howard, Trevor Laws, Eldra Buckley, Jamar Chaney, former Eagle Matt McCoy and Moorestown High School (N.J.) alumnus and Minnesota Viking Albert Young.

Mikell, 30, is a free agent, and the NFL lockout has added a layer of mystery to his off-season.

Its unfortunate I have no idea where Im going to be and thats because of the lockout, he said. Its tough, but I can control what I can control.

What Mikell has been able to control is keeping in shape. He was on the artificial turf field working out with potential former teammates, doing agility drills and pushing a special weight sleigh under the direction of trainers from Power Train in Cherry Hill, N.J.

Were staying in shape, keeping ourselves busy and in shape, so were doing our part, Mikell said. Our job is to make sure were ready for football.

Last season, Mikell played 15 games and led the Eagles with 88 tackles. Trent Cole was second with 65. Mikell also tied a career-high with three interceptions. So, it should be a no-brainer to bring him back right?

Wrong.

While Mikell has played all eight of his NFL season as an Eagle after being signed as an undrafted free agent in 2003, hes on the wrong side of 30 and the Eagles just used a second-round selection on Temple safety Jaiquawn Jarrett.

Yeah, I would like to be back, he said. I love playing here. I love the Eagles. I love the organization, but at the same time, if Im not wanted, Ill have to do what I have to do. Hopefully, I can come back, but if not, then Ill have to move on.

Q doesnt know if hes going to be playing for the Eagles next year or what team hes going to be playing for, Chaney said. He doesnt know when its going to be, if its going to be a week before training camp or during the season, so those guys are kind of in a bind right now.

And Mikell plans to be in it for a while.

Im not optimistic, Mikell said. I feel like owners are really serious about keeping this thing going. And I dont anticipate this thing being over anytime soon.

Mikell even said that he thinks the league will miss games this season because of the lockout.

I think so, he said. Right now it seems like that. I hope not, but it doesnt seem like it.

Last week it was reported that the owners and players association held secretive meetings, news that was met with optimism from many players and fans. Mikell wasnt one of them.

Lord knows what they were talking about, he said. They couldve been just, you know, having drinks.

While Mikell remains slightly pessimistic about the labor situation, Chaney is hopeful that it will all get worked out.

I always keep hope and faith, Chaney said. I think somethings going to get worked out before training camp hopefully. Not just for myself, but guys like Q and undrafted free agents and the late draft picks that need that time to study the playbooks before training camp even starts.

Mikell said, surprisingly, that hes not frustrated about the lockout and that hell keep showing up to the workouts even though he's unsure of his future employer.

Theres nothing I can do about it, Mikell said. I learned a long time ago not to get frustrated with stuff you cant control. All I can control is coming out here and working out. Yeah, I would love to know where Im gonna be, but since I cant control that, I just come out here.
E-mail Dave Zangaro at dzangaro@comcastsportsnet.com
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