It just wouldn't be Philadelphia without talk of an Eagles holdout.

Seemingly every year, a disgruntled Eagle or two stays home in protest while the rest of the team reports to camp. This year, defensive tackle Corey Simon and star wide receiver Terrell Owens are the guilty parties. Simon feels disrespected by the franchise tag that would earn him $5.13 million this year, and T.O., as has been frequently reported, is still trying to get the front office to rework his poorly negotiated back-loaded contract.

Owens and Simon could stand to learn a lesson from a handful of their teammates. Defensive tackle Hollis Thomas, who spent the last few weeks complaining about his contract negotiations, is present at camp. Jeremiah Trotter signed a five-year deal in March, for less than he was offered by the Chiefs, in order to stay in Philly for the remainder of his career. And a huge sigh of relief was breathed yesterday when Brian Westbrook, the Birds' top running back, reported to camp, ending a mini-holdout and accepting the team's 1-year, $1.43 million offer.

Westbrook was the most important signing of the summer, and when negotiations went poorly, Philly fans expected Westbrook to hold out, skip camp, and eventually end up somewhere else, as has happened so many times with so many Eagles in the past. But Westbrook is different. Two weeks ago, he fired his agent and disappeared for a few days to think about his future. When he returned, he hired Fletcher Smith, the agent who also represents Donovan McNabb. On Smith's recommendation, Westbrook immediately signed the Eagles' tender and reported to camp. Eagles fans are relieved, though ideally, they would have liked to see Westbrook and the Eagles agree to a long term deal, which is something the running back is still looking for. After reporting to camp, this is what Westbrook had to say regarding his negotiations:

"I think I have a better shot of getting a deal done with me here, helping the other players get better as well as myself, and letting the coaching staff know that I'm ready to help our team win a Super Bowl."

Finally, a player with a brain. The Eagles front office has earned the reputation as a stubborn group that will not be bullied by big-name players into paying more money than they feel a player is actually worth. Time after time, players like Duce Staley and Jeremiah Trotter complain, hold out, and end up either making less than they are originally offered or being forced to sign elsewhere, only to regret it later.

Despite the club's track record in player negotions, Owens is still holding out for a new contract. In keeping with the front office's attitude that one player does not make or break a team, several players have expressed their confidence in the team with or without Owens in the lineup.

"I feel that if he plays or not, we definitely have a chance of making it to the Super Bowl and winning it," McNabb said in early May. "That's nothing against T.O. and it's nothing against anybody else. I just feel confident in the guys that we have. With T.O., I think we can do a lot of great things. Without him, I still think we can do a lot of good things."

Hollis Thomas succinctly agreed. "One monkey don't stop no show."

Is it all bullshit? Maybe. Is it posturing? No doubt. It's the players' way of telling Owens that they do not support his selfish behavior. A few months ago, when asked about holding out for a contract renegotiation, McNabb made it very clear that it's not something he would ever consider. "When you sign your name on the dotted line, that's your deal, and that's a decision you have to make."

Football season is now three months away, and with or without Terrell Owens, the Eagles are determined to return to the Super Bowl. The front office and the players are telling T.O.that loud and clear.

Eagles fans everywhere just hope he's listening.