Andy Reid has chosen to break the trend.

In a recent interview with the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Eagles’ longtime coach threw his support behind Goodell and his strict handling of BountyGate

“I don’t agree with bounties,” Reid said. “I know I don’t believe in that, and I know I support what the commissioner did.”

Despite the heavy amount of negative press Goodell receives on a frequent basis, Reid says the commish is doing a “great job” of improving the game and “making people accountable” for their actions.

“I think the league’s done a great job, and I think if you look at the big picture of Roger Goodell, people kind of micro-analyze him, I think. You have to look at the things that he’s doing he feels are the best for the game,” Reid said.

“He’s making people accountable for their work and what they say and what they do, and I don’t think that’s bad,” Reid said. “Do people like change? No, people don’t like change, so there’s going to be people that gripe . . . but I think for the betterment of the game, for the betterment of the NFL, I think he’s keeping perspective on that.”

It’s hard to argue with Reid, who feels defenders “don’t need the other stuff. You don’t need the extra sugar on it.” With news emerging of former players battling with illnesses and abnormalities stemming from their time in the NFL, it’s imperative the league nips this in the bud, and, hopefully, the severe penalties cast upon New Orleans was a much-needed wake-up call to any would-be offenders.

Though that deal has since fallen through, the same type of rumors are starting up again, this time involving the Broncos, who’ve reportedly shown an interest in the veteran cornerback.

Two NFL sources tell the Denver Post’s Mike Klis that the Broncos “have expressed interest in acquiring” Samuel, floating over two proposals to Philadelphia — one involving a late-round draft pick, and the other an undisclosed player.

However, Denver “no longer believes” they can strike deal with the Eagles, so a swap ultimately appears unlikely.

Philly has made it clear they’re looking to deal Samuel, preferably in advance of next Thursday’s NFL draft. Despite negotiations apparently stalling, the team, at this point, would take just a fifth or sixth-round pick for the 31-year-old, so talks can still re-ignite at any point.

If there’s no progress in the coming days, look for a deal to be consummated on draft day, with the Broncos as the most likely suitor. No matter the destination, however, it’s become painfully obvious Samuel will have a new home in 2012.

A league source tells CSNPhilly.com that Samuel could be traded to the Titans “sometime in the next few days,” with Tennessee sending a conditional third-round pick to Philly in exchange for the veteran corner.

Samuel’s agent, Alonzo Shavers, said the ball is completely in the Eagles’ court.

“At this point, the Philadelphia Eagles are driving the train,” said Samuel’s agent, Alonzo Shavers. “They don’t have to do anything. They have always been very professional about their business and we would expect them to continue to be.”

Earlier Wednesday, it was reported the Titans “have at least some interest” in trading for Samuel, who hinted that he’d be open to restructuring his contract if it helped expedite a potential pact. He’s set to make $9.5 million in base salary next season.

Assuming the Titans pull the trigger, they’d be filling a huge need after losing former All-Pro Cortland Finnegan to the Rams in free agency. Samuel, though a bit long in the tooth, is still capable of performing at a high level, grading out as the NFC’s fifth-best cornerback in 2011.

Unlike previous attempts, however, it may actually happen — and soon.

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Samuel is still on the trade block, and the team hopes to deal him before next month’s draft.

As the Inquirer points out, Samuel’s $9.5 million salary in 2012 could prohibit Philly from finding an interested party willing to fork over worthwhile compensation for the 31-year-old.

Though, we shouldn’t “underestimate the Eagles’ negotiating powers,” considering the front office’s tact negotiating ability and penchant for engaging in trade talks nearly every offseason. Just last week, the club dealt DeMeco Ryans to the Texans, a move that nobody saw coming.

It may not be be easy (nor likely), but there should be a handful of suitors willing to make the Eagles an offer. Samuel, though creeping up there in age, proved he can still play, and would be a worthwhile asset to a team in need of secondary help.

In any case, it seems Samuel has played his last down in Philadelphia.

Though, if he had his way, the veteran receiver’s next destination isn’t but a short drive down I-95.

In an interview Tuesday with Philadelphia’s 97.5 The Phanatic, Burress openly stated that he’d like “nothing” more than to sign with the Eagles.

“Nothing else would make me happier,” Burress said. “Obviously coming to Philadelphia, instituting myself into that offense, it just adds a unique dynamic to what is already in place.”

Specifically, Plax would “love” the opportunity to haul in passes from quarterback Michael Vick, a long-time friend who grew up in the same area.

“For us to get together and be able to play together, especially coming from where we’ve come from, obviously the things we’ve been through, I just think it would be a special deal,” Burress said. “I really believe he can bring a championship to Philadelphia, and I would love to be a part of it.”

For several reasons, this doesn’t come as much of a surprise.

For one, Vick personally consoled Burress during his time in federal prison last year, knowing first-hand what he was experiencing behind bars.

And when Burress waltzed out of the clink, alongside agent Drew Rosenhaus, he sported a Philadelphia Phillies baseball cap, a clear indication he wanted to take his talents to the City of Brotherly Love.

But it wasn’t to be, as not even Rosenhaus could make the dream a reality for Burress, who eventually signed a one-year, $3 million deal with the Jets.

After a decent 2011 campaign, Gang Green has decided to move on, and won’t bring back the 34-year-old for a second stint.

Taking that into account, and Philly’s obvious need for a red-zone target, the door is wide open for Plaxico to finally get his wish — assuming the interest is mutual, of course.

[Quotes via the Sporting News, photo courtesy of CBS New York/Getty Images]

Though, before he learns his fate with the organization, the All-Pro cornerback decided to do a little market research.

On Saturday, Samuel asked his Twitter followers — all 61,387 of them — where they’d prefer he ended up in the event of a trade.

If they trade me where would you guys like to see me go????

— Asante Samuel (@Thepresidentcb) February 18, 2012

Some of his aforementioned tweeps have chimed in, suggesting, among other teams, the Patriots and Broncos ( … because, evidently, he’s the missing piece of their championship puzzle. Whaddya know.)

Just last week, Samuel iterated that he’d “of course” like to remain with the Eagles, but acknowledged the club hasn’t shown its hand to him yet.

By polling his fans, he might’ve been given some indication that he’s not in their future plans.

Or maybe he’s just bored. Such is life in the offseason.

The subject of many a trade rumor during his time in Philly, Samuel faces more uncertainty surrounding his future with the team.

Nevertheless, if the three-time All-Pro had his druthers, he’d choose to stay put.

When asked Friday by the Philadelphia Inquirer if he’d like to return to the Eagles next season, Samuel responded, “of course,” but wouldn’t divulge any further.

The club hasn’t given “any clear indication” as to what may be in store for the 31-year-old. In other words, they’re not showing their hand — at least not yet.

“I just take it day to day, see what the future holds,” Samuel said.

While it’s hard to predict Samuel’s future, his bumpy, tumultuous past with the organization has been well-documented.

From being dangled in trade talks (again, and again, and again), to criticizing team president Joe Banner for playing “fantasy football” with his roster during the conquest for fellow corner Nnamdi Asomugha, it’s become obvious that Samuel is not a permanent piece of the puzzle.

He’s slated to make $8.4 million in base salary in 2012, and carries a cap hit of $9.5 million. Ask yourselves, is it really money well spent?

Samuel can still play, and at a high level to boot, but all of the whispers — like the one saying he’ll soon be the “odd man out” of the secondary — and a future tinged with murkiness — point to the Eagles unloading him this offseason.

Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.

In cases like these, the old adage almost always applies.

According to the team’s official website, owner Jeffrey Lurie announced Tuesday that Andy Reid will return for a 14th season as head coach.

“If our focus is on trying to win a championship next year, the best coach for that is Andy,” Lurie said.

Reid had faced speculation of his demise after several embarrassing losses this season, which culminated in an 8-8 finish, but Lurie evidently doesn’t place the blame on Reid, praising him for his “great” track record and coaching intangibles.

Although spared from the hot seat, Lurie hinted that it’s going to be a make-or-break year for Reid, describing this past season as “completely unacceptable” and “unfathomable.” Reading between the lines, it appears the Eagles will have to make the playoffs in 2012 — or else.

Assuming Reid tweaks his coaching staff a bit — particularly on the defensive side of the ball — that feat shouldn’t be too hard for Philly, whose collection of Pro Bowl performers still makes them a contender in the NFC.

If you’re Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, you probably answered none of the above, and are instead feeling frightened at what’s to come from the once dubbed ‘Dream Team.’

Per Tim MacMahon of ESPNDallas.com, Jones appeared on a local area radio station Tuesday and admitted to being scared of the Eagles, who shellacked Dallas, 34-7, during their first meeting of the season.

“Because it is the Eagles and after the butt-kicking they gave us up in Philadelphia, I’m scared,” Jones said Tuesday on KRLD-FM. “It’s that kind of feeling. The respect turns into being afraid of what they can do to you if you have some breakdowns out there, so you can put that scared there if you want to. I think sometimes I know I do my best when I’m scared.”

The ‘Boys and birds face each other this Saturday at the Jerry Dome and the tilt will have major playoff implications. As shocking as it may be, Philadelphia could actually capture the division by beating Big D, and by receiving some help from the Giants, who’d need to lose to the Jets this week and beat the Cowboys in Week 17.

Under that scenario, each of those three teams would finish 8-8, with the Eagles winning the NFC East due to a 5-1 divisional record.

Dallas, on the other hand, would clinch a postseason spot with a win and a Giants loss, a more likely outcome but far from a sure thing.

Per NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora, Philadelphia has officially ruled out — among others — quarterback Michael Vick and receiver Jeremy Maclin for their Week 13 contest versus the Seahawks.

This will be Vick’s third missed game in a row as he recovers from broken ribs suffered against the Cardinals in Week 10. He’s apparently still dealing with a significant amount of pain, which is hampering his throwing motion and velocity.

Vince Young will start in Vick’s place, and looks to build upon the 400-yard effort he had against the Patriots, a career best. He’ll take on Seattle’s suspect secondary.

As for Maclin, who’s dealing with shoulder and hamstring ailments, he will also sit out his third consecutive contest. The balky hamstring is the real issue, as it has prevented him from practicing even on a limited basis.

Riley Cooper is expected to draw the start opposite DeSean Jackson, and, if last week was any indication, should be targeted heavily by Young.

While Vick looks closer to returning than Maclin, the Eagles would be wise not to rush either of them back. At 4-7, their playoff hopes have all but evaporated, making it unnecessary to subject two of their best offensive weapons to further injury while the team closes out a very disappointing 2011 campaign.