Del Rio denies Sheppard reports

The Philadelphia Daily News, citing league sources, recently reported that the agent for Eagles cornerback Lito Sheppard, was working on a deal that would send his client to Jacksonville.

I finally got in touch with the agent, Lamar Smith, who said he couldn't confirm or deny the report. No need. I spoke with Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio, who said Tuesday that the club has never even discussed the possibility of bringing in Sheppard, a Jacksonville native. In fact, Del Rio said he spoke with Philadelphia coach Andy Reid over the weekend during the NFL draft and "Lito's name wasn't mentioned."

According to the Philadelphia Daily News report, Smith is working on a plan in which the Jags would give the Eagles 2009 draft picks as compensation for Sheppard. Reid was asked after the draft Sunday if he expected Sheppard to remain an Eagle in '08.

"As I sit here right now, Lito is an Eagle," Reid told the Philadelphia Daily News. "That's how it is, just like every other guy on this football team."

Del Rio, meanwhile, viewed the report as nothing more than an agent posturing for a new deal for his client.

"We have not even discussed him in our building," Del Rio said.