There are rumors and reports that, before the Eagles took a serious run at receiver Randy Moss, they tried to swing a trade for the guy who once was a ball boy for Randy’s team in Minnesota.

But, as we’re told, the Cardinals presently plan to keep him.

It remains to seen whether the Cards change their minds.  With huge cap numbers in 2008 and 2009 and a franchise tender that would be in excess of $20 million in 2010, the Cardinals would be wise to trade him, if they can’t get him to restructure his contract.

Regarding a possible restructuring, we’ve heard rumblings that Fitzgerald would be willing to take only (only?) $27 million in guaranteed money, even though he’s in line to pocket more than $31 million ($14.5925 million this year and $17.355 million next season) if he’s on the Cardinals’ opening day roster at the outset of the 2009 regular season.

As the folks at GCobb.com have reported, the Eagles have offered cornerback Lito Sheppard and a second-round pick for Fitzgerald, but the Cards have said no. 

As we hear it, the Eagles would still be interested, if the Cardinal were to change their minds.

The fact that the Eagles made a run at Fitzgerald and Moss is evidence that they are intent on bringing a field-stretching receiver who commands double coverage to town.  As we see it, there are ten other such guys.  Here’s a quick look at the availability of each of them.

Lee Evans, Bills:  Readers have asked us about rumors of a trade that would send Evans and quarterback J.P. Losman to the Lions for receiver Roy Williams.  But while the Bills might be willing to move Evans in order to get in return one of the other guys who draw double coverage, it’s unclear whether the Bills would send Evans away without someone to replace him.

Chad Johnson, Bengals:  He wants out of Cincy but the Bengals seem to be poised to make a point.  Besides, we’re not sure the Eagles would be interested in another potential T.O.

Braylon Edwards, Browns:  His breakout year in 2007 makes him a key component of a Cleveland team that will be everyone’s sexy pick to win the AFC North.  He’s going nowhere.

Reggie Wayne, Colts:  He’s staying put, especially with Marvin Harrison no longer among the league’s elite.

Andre Johnson, Texans:  Their struggles at corner could prompt them to consider a deal that would include Lito Sheppard, but such a move would likely send shock waves through Houston.  [Editor’s note:  My head was momentarily visiting this place when I initially compiled the list, so I somehow overlooked Johnson.]

Brandon Marshall, Broncos:  He has yet to reach his full potential and he’s already shown signs of being a potential pain in the butt.  We can’t imagine the Broncos even considering letting him leave.

Terrell Owens, Cowboys:  Um, yeah.

Plaxico Burress, Giants:  The Eagles and Giants likely wouldn’t be able to agree on a trade of month-old magazines.

Roy Williams, Lions:  With Calvin Johnson likely to become an elite receiver soon, Williams could be expendable.  He is signed through 2009 and surprisingly low base salaries of $574,000 and $912,000.  He might be angling for more money now, and he might only get it from a new team.

Steve Smith, Panthers:  The headaches he can cause are outweighed by his talent.  If the Panthers don’t come up with better ways to use him, they might eventually have no choice.  For now, however, he’s off limits.

Torry Holt, Rams:  We’re not sure how much longer he’ll be a high-end wideout, and with a new wind blowing through the organization we wouldn’t be shocked if they were willing to talk.