Duce Staley-Still with the Eagles

Duce Staley's job with the Philadelphia Eagles is safe – for now at least.

Staley, a two-time 1,000-yard rusher, is due to receive a $500,000 bonus if he's on the roster Friday. Now that the Eagles have pulled out of the running for free agent Warrick Dunn, Staley probably will receive that money and return next season.

Meanwhile, the Eagles and strong safety Blaine Bishop, a four-time Pro Bowler, agreed on a three-year contract Thursday.

Philadelphia has until Friday to negotiate a long-term deal with two-time Pro Bowl middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, who has been designated a franchise player, or they won't be able to negotiate with him until July 15.

Had the Eagles signed Dunn, who is considering Atlanta or going back to Tampa Bay, Staley probably would have been traded or released by Friday.

Staley's agent, Brantley Evans, did not return phone messages Thursday. In an interview earlier this week, Staley said he understands football is a business and many players are traded or released.

Still, it probably will be difficult for Staley not to have hard feelings. He's one of the most popular players on the team and a fan favorite.

Staley, however, is coming off his least productive rushing season. He ran 166 times for 604 yards, an average of 3.6 yards per carry. But he had a career-best 63 receptions for 626 yards.

A shoulder injury that forced him to miss two games and the emergence of rookie running back Correll Buckhalter limited Staley's carries.

The Eagles, hoping to add a big-play threat to the offense, sought Dunn because he's quicker and more elusive than Staley.

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Author: 6 ABC-AP