A recent report by Geoff Mosher indicates that the Eagles may look at acquiring Carolina Panther-soon-to-be-free-agent middle linebacker Dan Connor, a Strath Haven High School and Penn State University graduate and former 2007 Chuck Bednarik Award winner.
This report is right on par with what the Eagles like to do. Acquiring lesser known talent to strengthen the team at a relatively good price (See Darryl Tapp, Phillip Hunt, etc.). Upgrading the linebacker position is a necessity and I believe the Eagles realize this. Although Jamar Chaney says that he will be ready by the time mini-camps come around, you can never guarantee that a player will perform at 100% after any type of surgery.
If they happen to sign Dan Connor at a reasonable price, it could end up being a win/win situation for both the team and the player. Connor is looking for a place to establish himself and become a leader. What better way to establish yourself than by doing it in front of family and the city you grew up not too far from?
There are mixed reviews coming from the fans out of Carolina. Some say that he could start on many other teams and the only reason he isn’t penciled in at the top of the depth chart is because of Jon Beason. Let’s be real here, I can only think of two or three MLB’s in the NFL that would start over a healthy Jon Beason. Others are saying that Dan Connor never really stood out on their defense and didn’t contribute enough game-changing plays. My question to them is, did any player stand out on the atrociousness that was the 2011 Carolina Panthers defense?
The Eagles are looking to improve a position that needs attention. They may or may not be able to pursue a guy like Stephen Tulloch or Curtis Lofton, that would depend on the price tag each player is going to demand. Judging by the deal the Cleveland Browns gave D’qwell Jackson (5 yrs/$42.5mil), I don’t see the Birds making any type of offer like that to Tulloch or Lofton. They will get that (and most likely more) from a team like Tampa Bay or Seattle, who have the need and the cash.
There’s a misconception that the Eagles refuse to spend money but they have shown over the years that if a highly-coveted player is available, they’ll open up their wallets and “make it rain” for lack of a better analogy. However, with an impending deal for Desean Jackson most likely on the horizon, and a certain running back that will also be looking for a new contract soon enough, spending big money on a linebacker (a position they have shown they do not covet) would be irresponsible.
I can see the Birds offering the Wallingford, Pennsylvania native a 3 yr/$15 mil contract. Should he accept, he would be inked in as the starting MLB immediately. The Birds would then be able to attack the draft and move up to the #2 position with the intention of possibly selecting their future QB (one can dream, right?).
As for those that would rather address the MLB position through the draft with someone like Luke Kuechly. Well, consider Dan Connor as the more advanced version of Luke Kuechly. The similarities are downright scary. Both were tackling machines in college. Both won various Linebacker awards. Both ran 4.6 40’s at the combine. Both were/are students of the game.
The only difference? One has the NFL experience, the other one doesn’t. I’ll take the one that knows what it takes to play at the NFL level. Signing Connor, however, doesn’t mean that the Birds won’t still draft Kuechly. They can easily select the Boston College standout with the #15 overall pick and ease his transition into the NFL by letting him play sparingly or in certain packages that are tailored to his strengths. When the coaching staff feels that Kuechly is up to par, they can insert him as the starting MIKE and move Connor to one of the outside positions. The fact that Connor doesn’t have a “natural” LB position speaks volumes about his versatility, another reason why the Birds shouldn’t hesitate to sign him.
What do my brethren think?
Would seeing Dan Connor hold up an Eagles jersey during a press conference on EAGLES LIVE! next week bring a smile to your face? Or will it make you bury your face in your hands?
Mistake……..He sucks…. I wouldn’t offer him a 2 million a year deal, let alone a 5 million a year deal, especially when he’ll probably get hurt in training camp.
They really haven’t learned that, it is more important to draft better in this area, instead of bringing in washed up never were’s like Dan Connor. If you sign a free agent LB, make it a starter. Whoever suggested this move should be fired immediately!!
I’m sure some will disagree, and thats respected, but with all due respect, he sucks. People are still hanging on to the potential, they thought he once had, that never came to fruition. He’s done nothing to garner this type of appreciation as a professional. Again this would be a mistake, and money wasted that they could give Curtis Lofton, LeSean McCoy, or
DeSean Jackson.
This tells me they don’t trust themselves in drafting what is an obvious weakness. Andy, you, and Howie will deserve to be fired for not having a clue, and trying to save face on with all your failed draft picks.
Gmcliff – give reasoning as to why he sucks. He has the 9th best tackle to missed tackle ratio in the entire NFL. 15 tackles for every one he misses. By comparison, none of the eagles linebackers were even close to accomplishing that. I believe Chaney had the best ratio with 9 tackles for every one missed.
Even Dqwell Jackson had a lower tackle to missed tackle ratio. Dont let the fact that his immediate stats arent impressive fool you, the kid is a player. Why does he suck again?
How is this news?
Pathetic
I would rather see them go after a Tulloch or Fletcher for starting MLB.
I have long been a Dan Connor fan….and think that he has been limited in Carolina because of playing with a very strong group of backers, but at this point in his career and since his injury, I would rather see him as a backup LB for this team and not someone that we are trying to build our defense around.
Id also like tulloch hes played in the wide 9 before and dominated.. and shown he can step right in and dominated.. hes a very underrated linebacker… at least he was LAST year when we should have signed him.. Are the eagles incapable of making perfect decisions.. seems they just make a bunch of “good enough “decisions..
Greenfan, I agree. I highly doubt the Birds will build their D around him. He is a great complimentary player to what we already have on defense.
@ Berto – That goes to show us that stats mean nothing. His Tackle to missed tackle ratio?…Who cares. Can the guy play at a high level, and put this team over the top, because he hasn’t done that in his career. I say he sucks, in reference to that standard, and in the fact that he is nothing special. The funny thing about potential, is that all it means is that you haven’t accomplished anything yet…He’s still in that category, another reason he sucks. He also has no useful speed, and most tackles, are gang tackles not mano e mano, which is another reason he sucks.Have you given any attention to the fact that, he hasn’t played in as many games as D’Qwell Jackson, or more serviceable LB’s, thats why that unimpressive stat you use as defense for signing him, is all you can hang your hat on…I will state it again to you, Howie, and Jeffery Lurie…He flat out sucks also in comparison to what we need to win a SuperBowl.
There are so many fans of Linebacker U, that they think every their all above criticism. He is the poster boy, for why that’s not true. Not every Penn State Linebacker, is the second coming of Lawrence Taylor, or Ray Lewis. Look, I don’t want him, the Eagles don’t need him, they have better options….He sucks.
That whole blog you just wrote brought nothing of substance to the table. People like you want pro bowlers at every position and thats just not realistic.
Saying he sucks because hes not the linebacker YOU want is just immature and idiotic. The plan was to address the lb position and thats exactly what they are doing.
As for PSU linebackers. Connor comes from the same core that Pozluzney, Navorro Bowman and Sean Lee. They all get the job done and it wouldnt be too far off to believe Connor will as well.
Is Andy and Joe trying to outsmart everyone else again? Next…
and Pozluzney (PLEASE!!), and Sean Lee in my opinion, aren’t all that. Lee will come back to earth this year from playing over his head. Navarro Bowman, is the best of the bunch, and besides that, there are MANY who are more talented.
I don’t want ProBowlers at every position, I want talent. He’s washed up, not talented enough to be what the Eagles need him to be. So why waste your time?
You think Conner will get the job done? ..OK, WHEN!!!! But I get it you are a fan of his, and Penn State Linebackers…nothing against Penn State Linebackers, I liked Shane Conlon, and Lavar Arrington, but I am more fan of talent. I call it like I see it.he sucks..no thanks
The Eagles need to address every spot in that Linebacker corps. Not just middle linebacker.
They could be looking at signing Connor and putting him at the SAM. Nobody knows. What I do know however, is that if Connor gets ahold of you, youre not breaking loose.
Dan Connor is a good football player, he is smart, but he is not what the eagles need at linebacker, and to say that keuchley is his clone, but Connor more advanced thus a better choice, then doom the defense to more mediocrity if they are stupid enough to draft keuchley or sign Connor as a starter
Brian Rolle to me is the best Linebacker on this team along with Jamar Chaney, they are younger, faster, and bring more to the table than Dan Connor. That being said we need upgrades, not downgrades. You do this through the draft. What happens if Rolle gets hurt, or Chaney regresses? You trust him to man the position? Your the one thats idiotic. Sign Curtis Lofton, and draft Zach Brown, and Nigel Bradham to play the outside, once they learn the system, so they can start for the new Defensive Coordinator next year. Because with moves like this Berto, they will be fired for sure.
Ok sign Connor and then Draft Luke Kuechly. This LB core needs major upgrades. Two of our first three picks in this draft should be LBs and the other should be a DT. LB should be where we look in round 1. Now is the time to fix the problem, with all these quality LBs in the draft we should set our LB core up for the next 6-10 years. The safety position should be fixed in free agency or keep what we have. Sign LaRon Landry to get that big hitter at the safety spot. He would pair nicely with Allen. I here there may be an injury issue with Landry so that should be right up the Eagles ally. I think he’s the best safety option in FA if he’s available, since the other guys got tagged.
gmcliff….I scouted out the available MLBs a while back and pegged this guy as the guy right away. I figured he was “good enough” and not too expensive. The Eagles are not cheap. But they do not want to spend a lot here in this area. Also Jackson and Brooks just set the price on LBs this year way too high. Many teams have under valued the position for several years now. But the position is making a comeback when you look at the 2010 Final Four and the success of defenses like Balt and Pitt based off the LBs. And even if one were to study “why the ‘dream team’ failed?” it would only accentuate the importance of LBs. Unfotunately, they are just not going to shell out for Tulloch or Lofton. Hawthorne is another player that is slightly damaged goods that they would pursue in the cheaper end as well. (He has a bad wheel).
I still say they should pursue a good SAM instead and just go with Chaney in the middle and beef up the DTs. If they were bigger in the middle of the line we would not worry so much about LBs.
gmcliff…..look back at the Buddy days. They had a weak spot at MLB but they had Jerome Brown and the rest of that D line and Seth Joyner. So you really didn’t die from the MLB being less than ideal before B & E got his act together and you had guys like Bret Hager in there. Fix DT and SAM and MLB will be serviceable. MLB is not the most important position on the field. Who did Dallas ever have when they won three SBs? Is Chase Blackburn an outstanding MLB? Its about the line, the line, the line and then the coverage and then the LBs.
Chris you don’t have a clue either.
We could get Manny Lawson for about three mil because he’s a two down SAM and a very good one. We don’t play the SAM for three downs anyway.
And for the record Chaney sucks at SAM so playing him anywhere but MIKE is a waste. Plus he clearly WANTS that position with everything he says and does. Do you want him sulking and playing half assed like he did last year at SAM??
JBird you were wrong if you thought he was good enough. But I do agree with you that the Birds do look at cheap alternatives, that they bring in on a hope, and a prayer…thats Dan Conner.
I get it, you think he will resurrect his career here. Which makes sense because he hasn’t had much of one because he was injured, in addition to the fact he sucks.
I do feel our first pick should be a DT, preferably Dontari Poe, but I still want a better option than Dan Connor…………….stop it, he stinks.
Ok not sure how I don’t have a clue, but whatevs.
Your point to the Buddy days is a reasonable one. and a good point. But this regime feels we can get by with small DT’s like Trevor Laws, and Mike Patterson. Buddy knew Defensive Talent, Andy doesn’t…..more of the obvious if they sign Dan Connor……in my Curtis Payne voice DON’T DO IT ANDY!!!, DON’T DO IT!!!
gmcliff….You know I enjoy your posts but you need to watch yourself a little bit. It is becoming obivous when you bash a guy like Conor and Penn State and act as an apologist for a D Jack or a Vick. We all tend to favor and identify with people like ourselves.
Don’t you think I see what these south Philly/Northeast Philly boys like?? Yeah they like the Flyers, could care less about the Sixers, bash J Ro and jock Chase Utley.
I see it from both sides. I think it is important we try hard not to let who we are “color” our perceptions. Pardon the pun.
gmcliff….I don’t want Dan Conor either. I want Tulloch or Lofton like you. I just know what they will do. After 14 years a couple of astute fans like ourselves can figure that out. And the south Philly boys will love it.
These are the same guys that if you get a couple beers in them, they will breakdown and admit that they think the reason we have not won a SB is because we have had the wrong kind of QB for the last 25 years.
I agree that we need a big DT but LB should be priority 1. That being said I don’t care if he plays outside or inside we need get 1 young quality LB that can be with the team for the next 6-10 years and plays at a pro bowl level. From what I see we don’t have anyone currently in the LB core that can do that. Get that and then get the DT that can be plugged in beside Jenkins.
To say that Dan Connor sucks, you are either a moron or have an agenda
Chris…you would have to want to play a DT next to Jenkins other than Patterson. I question whether AR wants the best man for the job there or if he just wants Patt because thats his guy. I see it being very difficult for a rookie DT to take Patterson’s job. That is also why I think they will ignore Wash when he asks to take a look at Fat Al. Andy will not do Patterson like that after what he has been through. So Patterson is what we are stuck with.
JBird….My Grandmother is Italian, one of my Grandfathers is a blue eyed Caucasian, my cousin married an Oriental gentleman who I love like my black brothers, and sisters. I am a lover of the human race, not just the black race. I get what your saying, but that’s not me. So, please don’t play that card with me..(saying this as respectful as I can), and I am from Wilmington, Delaware, and love all Philadelphia Teams. I like you are tired of mediocrity, so I criticize, players that represent that, like Andre Igoudala (he’s black), Trevor Laws (he’s black), Dominic Brown, and Ryan Howard (their black).
JBird your my man, we disagree at times, as I do with Paulman, but that’s my man too…..I think Dan Connor stinks in terms of what I know the Eagles need, not because of the color of his skin.
I’ve dealt with prejudice down here in Delaware my whole life. I have had girlfiends of all races, and loved everyone of them, and are still friends with them while I’m married. I hate people like that, and it makes me feel a certain type of way if someone thinks I’m of the type of ignorance. Thats not what this is about…..I think he sucks. Period
Everything makes sense in Berto Osorio’s story of the Eagles pursuing Dan Connor. Need, cheaper than Tulloch and Lofton, coming off injury, except the 3 year 15 million contract ———– that is still too expensive for Joe Banner’s money positional worth chart % of MLB salary cap pay —- If Dan Connor accepts under 4 million a year more likely 3 million than Joe Banner is interested and Howie can write a speech how this is the guy they targeted loaded with superlative crap
Jake dog, I just know football talent..he does suck. Lets go after better options.
I’m not saying the guy is going to take Patterson’s job I’m just thinking after Next season, because I doubt that Patterson will be back after that. The DT doesn’t need to come in day 1 and be a starter. Sorry if I didn’t make that clear.
I’ve watched Dan Conner over the 4 years he has played in Carolina and I can tell you the following things about him
#1) He does not Suck, he’s a solid LB, not flashy, not a game changer or a player who is going to force turnovers..
#2) What he will be is a smart, headsy player who will make the proper calls, put his teammates in the proper position and as 1 poster already mentioned, when he gets his hands on you, he tackles you. He’s not the biggeest or fastest player on the field but is a good leader and locker room guy..
I see Connor a solid 4th LB for most team, where he can back-up all 3 postions.. I do believe he would be an upgrade over Fokou,Jordan & Clayton and could probably be a nice mentor for Chaney,Rolle & Matthews and whoever they Draft but I do believe there are better options out there who can make more of an impact for this Eagles Defense..
and remember, I am not sure anyone is convinced that Chaney will be a 100% from his Neck surgery that he had in January even by Camp Time..
If Eagle medical staff and coahces know he’s a good 6-8 months recvoery, then maybe adding a Connor who can play MLB and OLb may not be a bad idea dus to his versatility..
One last thing, I am not a big fan of Jamar Chaney at all and think he plays with his head down way too often and therefore, misses many tackles and often takes poor angles on tackles.. Connor at MLB over Chaney is an updgrade in my opinion.. but again, I would like to see a Tulloch/Manny Lawson/Lofton bring a bigger physical presence in the middle where COnnor is more of a thinking man’s LB..but to say Connor sucks is just not an accurate statement, the man can play but has physical limitations..
Eagles0Superbowls, thats right. I don’t mind them signing him as a 1million a year player, AS A BACK UP/ SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER fine……but not as a starter, or a so called upgrade, because he’s not that; he sucks as that option.
Paul, he can’t MENTOR nobody. What has he ever done to think he can teach what he himself can’t do? I do agree that he is back up material, but as a starter, and an upgrade to put us over the top, he sucks.
jakedog — I tried to be more politically correct, but you hit the nail right on the head.
Classified as a starter, or referred to as an upgrade……I think he sucks fellas. Thats all.
The guy has been in the league for 4 years I see him being more of a player like Ike Reese was for us. Can come in when needed, get some of the competitive juices flowing. Possible quality special teams player. If that’s the role he has 1.5 – 2 Million isn’t that bad. We’ve wasted money on worse.
I trust Paulman’s evaluation on Dan Connor and Jamar Chaney —- the only thing that stings is a belief that money is the #1 reason for a signing by Joe Banner not talent — like he is targeting a specific price range for a replacement MLB option first
Hard pill to swallow E0S, but, closer to the truth, than some realize, but this is where thy think they’re smarter than most, and the talent falls short from what the team needs as a whole.Thats why GMCliff want true upgrades based on real talent.
Upgrades cost money,…you will pay a better player better money that’s how it works, (except in DJAX case) but this is part of the business in football and for every one of us that works a 9-5, where your paid based on education/experience/knowledge. Of course teams have to evaluate the price tag of a player, the salary cap ensures they do that.
GM, do you think Chaney is Starter Material at MLB , for I don’t
I would rather have Conner as a starter at MLB over Chaney
but I would rather have Fletcher,Tulloch.Loftin as a Starting MLB over Connor, but since those signings won’t happen, I would sign Conner and play him over Chaney from Day 1, then Draft a big,athletic SAM LB In Round 2 and Keep Rolle at Will and the Eagles LB has been updgraded, not to a dominating level, but more talented than it has over the last few seasons…
I just don’t see the Eagles siging a big long-term deal with a big name player who are going to command big contracts (tulloch/Loftin wll the be looking for $6-7 Million range with big bonus $$. Fletcher is strictly short term at best, Lawson could probably be had for about $3-4 Million..and I still think that the Saints will be releasing MLB J VIlma is a salary cap move and plus his connections with the BOunty Scandal that has rocked the SAints and Vilma was supposedly the ring leader and kept the tabs of the $$$ so he may even end up getting suspended by Commisioner for his role.. Lots of moving parts..
gmcliff….I love your posts and appreciate our banter. I too am a Delawarean who lives in Northeast Philly. Very working class/white/catholic. Thats why I can tell you I see the colored perceptions from both sides. These guys I talk to are so all about ‘white guys.’ It is sooo obvious. They don’t have a clue about the Sixers. And I want you to know I was not playing any cards with you. I just get frustrated with guys like the ones I live near that clearly have a cultural bias and guys on here like Real Talk who have a blatant cultural bias in the other direction. I just wanted to make sure you are not going in that direction so we could have an intelligent (rather than an emotional) discussion about players. I can see now that you are not on that page so its cool. I myself will not refrain from criticizing a guy because I can identify with them. If you suck, you suck. Period!
I also do not identify with this Philly “work ethic” bullshit. They love guys that work but can’t play. And they bash guys that can play but don’t work. For myself I’ll take Lito Shepperd any day of the weak over Sheldon Brown. But Philly fans just love these salt of the earth guys that have limited talent. Do you see what I’m talking about??
@jbird – you are a dumb ass! For the record, my wife is Italian! So what bias do I have?
and….Actually, I brought up Connor to Paulman, yesterday…yeah I pretty much started the whole back and forth discussion on Connor yesterday…I was interested in how he could help the Eagles, is why I asked Paulman his opinion. Green, yellow, purple, white, black, doesn’t matter if you can play, you can play…if you can help my squad, the Eagles, I support you.
paulman….I don’t want Vilma and his distractions. Plus he is a guy that “has ring and will take the cash” Always be leery of guys that have already won the SB looking for big dollars. But I agree with everything you are saying. Connor is “better than what we got.” And lost in this is THE NECK. Once a guy hurts his neck or back you have to put him out of your plans and anything he gives you after that is a bonus. Chaney is damaged goods now. It would be absolute suicide to go forward with him penciled in at Mike.
Theres a misconception – really – here on GCOBB.com – a ‘misconception’ – if by ‘misconception’ you mean – there are a whole bunch of people that just make shit up – then – hell yeah – there is a misconception – a bunch of them –
but that’s all right – I love when people make shit up – I am sorry – express their opinion and voice their frustration – so lets get to the topic of Dan Conner –
Dude is a solid LB that can play all three positions – savy, experinced. Much like Lndon Fletcher (for the record I like Fletcher more – but you can probably get 4 years out of Connor) – can be tha veteran that works with the (hopefully) young draft picks coming in – If you go get Tolluch or Lofton – you probably won’t draft an LB in the higher rounds – not saying one way better or worse then the other –
E0S – clearly – you do not follow sports much – for example the movie Moneyball – all about how – within a given price range – teams have to be built – each and every team has a certain pot of money (called a SALARY CAP) – what you point out as a negative – actually should be used as a badge of honor – when was the last time the Eagles had to – had to – realease players because of salary cap issues? When could the Eagles NOT make a biog move in FA becuase they didn’t have cap space – see that shit didn’t happen – doesn’t happen – so they have room to bring in people – franchise Djax – sign Landri and Mathis – extend McCoy – has baseball not shown you that the team that spends the most money does NOT equate to winnig the world series?
So other then the ‘misconception’ the eagles don value the LB position (anyone care to venture how many FAs and how many draft pickes the birds spent on LBs over the years??????? – come on – I figure before you post – the Eagles don’t value – you would have some sort of knowledge or facts) – what facts do people have that would imply the eagles won’t both draft and go out in FA to upgrade the LB corp – absent those ‘facts’ why don’t we wait and see what happens when FA opens (how many predicted the ASMO signing? – and on draft day?
please remember – FA hasn’t started (for all you Darwoin award winners commenting on each ‘camp body signing – you can’t have 80 starters) – Draft hasn’t happened – watched this crap last year after FA started and everyone put all the anti FO Banner is cheap crap all over the place – the ‘no blind side tackle’ ad naseum – then the bandwagon got awful full after the Asmo, DRC, Steve Smith, Vince Young, Jenkins, Babin haul took place – hell – even Songs was on the bandwagon for 30 secs….
Oh God! There he is. Mr. Emotion.
Conner would be the eagles best Lb if they sign him and would provide depth. Adding another in freeagency or draft would be needed as well. Penn St AKA LB U does produce the best LB in the NFL year in year out not even a n argument.
1. T. Hali LB/DE Pro bowler/All Pro
2. C. Wake LB/DE Pro Bowler
3. N Bowman Pro Bowler many beleive is as good or better than Willis
4. S. Lean
5. Pozluzny top 10 MLB when healthy
6. D. Conner
They will have 2 more stud LB’s in Hodges and Fort playing on Sundays in a year or two.
Navy…in defense of the complainers, I would not call tier three and four FAs and drafting guys in the last three rounds aggressively looking for LBs. I would say that epitomizes the value they place on the position. They just keep trying to luck out with a late draft pick looking for that Trent Cole/Quinton Mikell of a LB that defies the odds. And it hasn’t happened. I mean seriously Navy, are Nate Wayne, Mark Simoneau, Shawn Barber, Dahani Jones and Takeo Spikes your idea of strong pick ups in FA at LB?? You know better than to defend that poisiton. It has always been an attempt to catch lightning in a bottle because they think pass rushers and corners are where you spend. Then they sift through tons of coal to find dull yellow diamonds for LBs and safeties.
The Eagles have had exactly TWO guys that were excellent at LB or safety. Trotter and Dawkins. And they were Rhodes’ guys. The rest have been anywhere from “better than average” to downright weak.
@Paulman – No, I dont believe that Chaney, is starter material, but I don’t think Dan Connor is either. I have been clamoring for London Fletcher, is my choice, and as cheap as Dan Connor, short term, or not, I would draft our LB’s we need, maybe draft Michael Kendricks, to groom for the future, and get our OLB targets.
JBird, we are absolutely cool…..for the record, I couldn’t stand Lito Shepperd, after a while either when he was getting burned religiously..he sucked too. In the context of how I’m using the term sucked, ….he sucked.