NFL ROUNDUP News and notes

Eagles place franchise tag on Simon: The Philadelphia Eagles placed the franchise tag on former Pro Bowl defensive tackle Corey Simon on Thursday. Simon had 24 tackles and 51/2 sacks this season and is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on March 2. The Eagles would have seven days to match any offer made to Simon, a Pro Bowler last year after leading the team with 71/2 sacks. If Philadelphia declines to match the offer, the Eagles would receive two first-round draft picks as compensation. Unless he re-signs to a long-term contract, Simon would play next season under a one-year deal for the average of the five highest-paid players at his position. The Eagles, with about $18 million under the salary cap for next year, have several players from this year's Super Bowl team who could leave via free agency, most notably Pro Bowl middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter. Guard Jermane Mayberry, defensive end Derrick Burgess and tight end Chad Lewis are also unrestricted free agents, while running back Brian Westbrook is a restricted free agent. Simon, out of Florida State, was the Eagles top pick in 2000.
Millard joins Raiders: Keith Millard was hired to be the Oakland Raiders' assistant defensive line coach Thursday, leaving the Denver Broncos' staff to work for their AFC West rivals. Millard, a former All-Pro defensive lineman for the Minnesota Vikings, will be Sam Clancy's assistant with the Raiders. Millard, a Bay Area native, had been the Broncos' defensive line coach for the past four seasons.
DA offers teenagers a deal: A prosecutor has a deal for five teenagers arrested during the New England Patriots' Super Bowl parade: If they read a book that tells the story of drugs and desperation in a Boston neighborhood and write a report about it, he'll drop the charges. The book Suffolk District Attorney Daniel Conley wants them to read is Michael Patrick MacDonald's memoir "All Souls," about growing up in South Boston projects. The youngsters must write a 2,500-word essay about the book. In addition to the book report, the teenagers must attend two meetings with probation officers and stay out of further trouble, Conley spokesman David Procopio said. Three of the boys were arrested and accused of throwing snowballs and bottles. A 15-year-old boy allegedly hit other people at the parade with a can of silly string. The 16-year-old girl was accused of indecent exposure.
Associated Press