The Eagles continued to stay active on the third day of NFL free agency, making two significant moves on Thursday.
The Birds started off the day by announcing a trade for New Orleans Saints running back Darren Sproles. The Eagles shipped the fifth-round pick they acquired in the Isaac Sopoaga trade with New England to New Orleans in exchange for the explosive running back. Sproles has been an electric playmaker throughout his career, and will bring a strong additional punch to the offense along with the kick return game.
Several hours later, the team announced that they had signed veteran cornerback Nolan Carroll to a two-year deal. Carroll made 12 starts last year for the Miami Dolphins, and recorded three interceptions and two sacks. Carroll helps upgrade the team’s cornerback depth.
Thoughts on Darren Sproles
Sproles is a tremendous fit for the Eagles, and I believe he’s going to help this team in so many ways.
Chip Kelly has got to be overjoyed to add a versatile weapon like this to his toolbox. He’s made his mark as a pass catcher out of the backfield and a kick returner, and he should contribute strongly in both areas for the Eagles. Anytime Sproles touches the ball he’s a threat to take it to the house.
Sproles is good for at least 60, possibly 75, receptions out of the backfield. With all of the other weapons that Eagles have to work with on offense, the addition of a guy like this is going to give defensive coordinators nightmares. When you think about all of the weapons on this offense (LeSean McCoy, DeSean Jackson, Riley Cooper, Jeremy Maclin, Zach Ertz, Brent Celek), combined with a strong offensive line and a quarterback that doesn’t turn the ball over, this could be the strongest offense that we’ve seen since 2004.
Sproles could also be the team’s long awaited answer at the kick return position. For years, the Eagles have struggled to find an effective option at kick returner, and they’ve now got their best returner since Brian Mitchell.
Thoughts on Nolan Carroll
I’m thrilled that the Eagles have continued to add to their cornerback depth and created more competition at the position.
Cary Williams and Bradley Fletcher did respectable jobs last year, but the team had no depth behind them, and adding another young talented starter with good size can only help. He may turn out to be an upgrade over Fletcher, or at the very least he’ll be a solid fourth corner.
Here you’ve got a young guy with good size who has shown he can make plays in a number of different ways. He can cover, he’s had some success as a blitzer, and he’s also averaged 24.1 yards as a kick returner.
i am good with the Sproles deal, dont know much about Carrol. Still hoping there is something out there to help the D besides the draft. On paper I like where our Offense and Special Teams are at right now but still need alot of improvement in the D
Is there any D players left out there that are young and could help our current roster? I see names but dont think there are any true fits for us. I am thinking its all draft from here.
OLB James Neal (Packers)
ILB Brandon Spikes (Patriots)
OLB Shaun Phillips (Broncos)
CB Walt Thurmond ( Seattle)
Safety J Inhedigbo (Ravens)
DEJulius Peppers (Bears)
DE Harred Allen (Vikings)
QB Tyrelle Pryor (Raiders)
QB Mike Vick (Eagles)
All these Players still out there and could help upgrade the Overall Roster
Whether compete as Starters,Quality Back-Ups
Neal re-signed yesterday. Vick is a 50/50 to return. No one else on your list can truly help this team. They are all old and/or don’t fit the Eagles system.
As a self appointed “NFL expert” you sure don’t research much before you throw things out there. Keep your head high though and keep working at your craft buddy.
While I think that BPA is still the name of the game for the draft, I think these moves allow the team to focus on the defense- particularly a rush OLB, DB and D line depth. I am sure that more trading will happen as Howie/Chip/Tom continue to acquire the types of players they want on the team. Though you can never know if a move in the off season will pan out, I do think that a plan is in place and that the front office is on the same page with the coaching staff. Under Reid, it was the acquisition of players rather than bringing in athletes who fit a system. G-d help the Chiefs if Reid is in charge of their personnel.
Solid offseason so far. The team is better than it was at the end of the season. Isn’t that the point?
Obviously Eagles felt ST was a bigger priority than D. 3 signings/trade to improve ST.
Jenkins:
Improvement at S
Sproles:
Improvement at backup RB
Improvement at KR
Braeman:
Improvement on ST
Margos:
Improvement on ST
Carroll:
Improvement of depth at CB.
You “sky is falling” types soooo upset we didn’t sign a pro-bowler at $30 million. This team isn’t one pro-bowler away.
Each move so far has been an improvement over the players they had. Slow steady growth. All players acquired (save Sproles) around 26 with their primes to come.
Lots of $$ to roll to next year to re-up their core players.
Nicely done so far.
agreed. tired of everyone shooting down all the moves. if they do well in the draft on the defensive side of the ball the team will improve that much more.
Agreed. Now I ecpect a draft day trsde of Djax. A top 10 and #22 for Djax.
I would have no problem moving Djax and #22 pick and his 10 million dollar contract to get in top 10 for Mike Evans on a 5 year rookie contract.
Mike Evans – who may be a pedestrian Pro….
All this stupid ass talk about trading desean has got to go… Dagg u have no problem getting rid if 80catches, 1300yds and 9 TDs. Incase u don’t realize DJ pulls double coverage every play on a regular basis. U don’t need to double neither coop or Mac. And u wanna put all ur eggs on mike Evans. A unproven rookie for a pro bowler..(mike Williams, Charles Rogers, ect) This is some of the dumbest shit I’ve read.
Question let’s say the eagles do get into the top ten with that trade that you guys are talking about who do you take when you get there
Watkins
Mack
Evans
Barr
Mack…
Huh? Isn’t Mack going top 3?
Our O is fine. Solid. Leave it alone..
This draft is all about the defense..
The only trade I see the Eagles doing are with Miami for Jordan who wants out already.
We aren’t gonna give up draft picks in the deepest draft in 15 years. It’s logic
Gloomy if we get into the top ten it’s for a defensive stud. Not offense. Even with Watkins and Evans there. We need a safety. Pryor is the dude. Trust me there not gonna pass up on a blue chip safety like we did with earl thomas.
and what if he isn’t a blue chip Safety in the pros Silencer?…
Then all this talk about Calvin Pryor would be for naught right?
As long as he stays healthy,he will be a blue chip safety in the pros.
Healthy doesn’t mean he can play. He’s got to PROVE he’s as talented as his hype, and play up to the hype…..NOT just because some posters like him…he still has to prove he is a pro player based on his NFL performance.
My question was…..What if he isn’t a blue chip Safety? and lets say we miss on a future Pro Bowler we could have had in the 5th Round? Then what?
I understand what you’resaying Cliff, but no one is truly guaranteed. The draft is a crap shoot from the # 1 pick all the way to Mr. Irrelevant. Look, I’m biased because I’ve wanted Pryor to wear the wings since September. He’s my guy…ok… I feel funny saying that!…But you know what I mean bruh!
LOL!! Yes Brother, I know what you mean…
and I am not saying, I don’t like Pryor, because I do. But I keep getting this feeling a lot of these guys that are talked up for months are going to be bust, and there are players in the 3rd -6th Rounds that will be better pros, because they are hungrier, as opposed to being over confident in their press clippings….or just because we said we think so..
Cliff, Pryor is the real deal. I see BDawk, in him & Buchannon. I want Dix, but if Pryor is there at #22, & Buchannon is there at #54, I’m grabbing both of them.
DCAR…Yes. That’s my game plan, If Pryor is there in the first and Bucannon is there in the second, I’m taking both of them too!
I think we all {hope} he is the real deal DCar. That remains to be seen. It’s likely , if he is there that they draft him. My question was – what if he isn’t the real deal, and becomes just another prospect posters went ga ga for, that didn’t pan out? Which is a real possibility for all prospects…I don’t take any prospect for granted
I will continue to say they have to address a better pass rush, because if Dix, and Pryor are off the board – which is also possible – you have to prioritize – and it isn’t WR
We are going to look back on this and see who was right. I remember a similar discussion on Fletcher Cox, Devon Still, and Dontari Poe – How’s that worked out so far?????
and I have had Deone Buchannon, on my mocks for months, so you know I like him as a prospect. Jimmie Ward is a player as well…
I like Pryor, but ………I have some doubts..
I’m sorry but they don’t value safety y’all need to wake up and realize that. As much as I want a safety if trade to the top you can’t take safety there it has to be olb or wr not a safety in the top 10
Great pick up! He will be Brian Mitchell 2.0 for this team. He will also help us troll the Saints should we play them again.
A lot of rumor talk that the Eagles are going to sign safety Clemons, I’m really hoping that becomes a reality.
I do see d’anthony Thomas an eagle though.
To a all and frail 5-9″, 175lbs will be very difficult to be nothing more than
A Special Teamer & as at Back and Eagles just got Sproles at 5-9″,200lbs
Too small I meant
Nah I see them still drafting a guy like De Anthony, Sproles would be a good tutor for him..
In years past with the old regime, we would have never seen them bring a Sproles here when they already have 3 RBs on the roster..
Remember, Chip wants as many mismatches and weapons as possible.
I could see them drafting Thomas too in addition to keeping the current RBs
Chips very unorthodox.. Honestly he probably views Sproles more as a WR than a RB because that’s how he was best utilized in NO.. so they could bring another RB like a Sproles here, that dual threat type..
maybe in the 5th round..
The Eagles do not value the safety position like other teams. Unfortunately, to win in today’s NFL you need good players safety because of the NFL offenses ability to spread the field and pass the ball. That being said, the Eagles will not be a legit SB threat until they bring in better players. Watch some games of Malcolm Jenkins, the guy is average at best, no improvement at S.
The draft is not for picking starters on D- Its for picking the best players on our list. That is what good teams do.
Djax is going no-where. Just look at his numbers and then stop typing this crap.
Still need a safety. No- sky is not falling (nor was it when Vinnie was crying about Vick) but we still need players on D.
They will be better on 2 out of 3 sides of the ball. and the D is still weak. Times yours.
Denny no way in hell sproles gets 60-70 catches on this team. Half that is probably closer to reality on this team with the weapons we have.
Sproles should get 35-40 Receptions with McCoy getting around 50 or so..
Clifton Geathers just signed with Washington.
the Eagles now only have 2 defensive ends on the team and one of them is making just $645,000. Cedric Thornton is not playing 16 plus games as a starter for $645,000.00 while the special team players get a million dollars each.
I am convinced now more than ever that Hageman or Tuitt is the first round draft pick.
Tuitt is better Eagles.
I’m sorry Big…Tuitt blows. When Hageman wants to play….because he does disappear…he’s an unstoppable force (true beast mode), Watching Tuitt this year, I saw no impact. He was very good in his junior year, but put on weight, lost it and didn’t return to the form he showed in his jr. year. He lacked explosiveness. He was on the field, but that was it….he was just there.
LOL, Hageman has all the tools he just doesn’t really want to play, in the long haul Tuitt is going to be the better pro just watch Eagles. The three ND kids will be better pros then college players. Nix, Tuitt and Shembo. Shembo will be drafted last and probably be the better of the 3. I know Nix’s family he’s from Jacksonville he has multiple interest and I don’t know how serious he is about football.
I agree with you Eagle. Neither one should drafted by the Eagles – to me run of the mill prospects at that position.
and neither one is a game changer
We need some game changers! I don’t think Sproles has a lot left in the tank…why would the Saints give up such a weapon? The question is will we be able to run with the big boys in the conference…are we ready to compete with Seattle and San Francisco – Carolina? We don’t have a cupcake schedule this year…we need some impact players…which is why would should have went after Byrd. This is a deep draft…i’m not sure about passing up draft picks for a old guy like Sproles!
With that said… You have to develop a wait and see attitude when it comes to free agency and the draft…the moves don’t excite me…but you have to give Chip a little room here
When you sign players like Byrd some players you might want to keep have to go, Sproles is that casualty. He is a luxury item in an offense bc you love to have him but he is not a must have. Sproles is like that extra expensive watch/belt/or tie nice to have to go with what you already got but can’t help much by himself lol. Saints used him a lot when the run struggled to loosen up the D. Saints better hope Byrd makes then a top 10 defense.
The Eagles have done well so far.
For those crying over Jairus Byrd, the Saints gave him a ridiculous contract, and the guy has two bad feet.
Billy Davis is trying to build a solid, workman like defense, with players he can mold into his scheme, and a defense that will have quality depth. This is what it takes to win a Super Bowl, not high priced free agents who cause dissension in the locker room, and who lose incentive once they get that guaranteed money.
Sproles is a nice player: He will give LeSean McCoy some competition, and can help out with the return game.
Look for the DL to be addressed in the draft, along with other defensive needs.
For Seahawks fans, Seattle had no ‘super stars’ on defense, just a bunch of hungry young players, and good depth who could be coached.
Tuck and Woodley to the Raiders.. They need better corners, that Dline and LB core wasn’t bad..
But both guys will bring experience, leadership and toughness to that team.. Two guys that would punch a teammate in the mouth if they get out of line, they need guys like that..
Now all they need is a QB, maybe Tahj Boyd or Johnny Football
Browner signs with the Pats, so lets see, they sign him to go along with Revis, the Broncos get Talib, San Fran got Bethea, the Bucs upgraded, Indy upgraded, the Seahawks are still the Seahawks, is everybody following the trend here? My question is, how come the Eagles aren’t?
Simple…because the Eagles have a different plan. The acqisition that the Pats, Colts and Bucs doesn’t guarantee them a championship. We see this every year, what team that wins in free agency wins the bowl. What big splash has Seattle made? They build through the draft. Pats, Colts got 1 year rentals like the Bucs last year and Denver is still in position to go for it again. Don’t get caught up in the free agency frenzy. Howie said he wasn’t going to splash so I don’t know why people are having a fit. All that glitters isn’t gold….dream team! Build through the draft…plug holes with FA’s until you draft replacements!
I agree with every single thing you said Eagleshaslanded, great stuff as always
Thanks JH!
i agree.
Browner’s agent is reporting that he has not signed with the Patsand that he is talking to 3 other teams as well as the patriots about his client.
Would be nice if Philly were one of them…..He would be a real challenge to Bradley Fletcher, – and would take his spot – as opposed to Nolan Carroll, whose here more for special teams, and depth…
Bleeding Green Nation is reporting that the Eagles attended SS Deone Bucannon’s pro day and liked what they saw, now they are briniging him in for a private workout. I know Chip likes him..as he (Bucannon) intercepted Marcus Mariotta 3 times in two games so he knows him as a player and what he can do. Sort of like Zack Ertz. Hopefully he will be there for us in the second like Ertz was!
and hopefully he’ll be, more effective at his position, have more potential, and a better pro than Ertz…
gmc, that’s your’s, & my boy. I hope he’s there at 54.
I’m hoping they can trade down, or make a trade to get a couple of extra picks, so they can ensure they can get him in the second before their #54 pick….
They need more picks…..and my boy Ealy Is still an option, but we need more than those two…..Attoachu, and two more corners…
I want Vince Wilfork too…
Cliff, I’m not a big fan of trading down…but I’m starting to agree with you. Trade down and get more picks, take Bucannon earlier than #54. They need to jump in front of Dallas .
Definitely need more picks! I’d rather have Ealy than Ford. People are talking up Ford now. I think he’s too small, & weak. Although I don’t think Ealy is a fit, I wouldn’t scoff at it, if they do draft him with #22. Attoachu, Buchannon, Matthews, Benjamin, Robinson, Moncrief, Bryant, Jean-Baptiste, Desir, Ed Reynolds, Dixon, Barrow, Skov, McCullers, Ellis, Quarles, Urban, are guys I really want.
If you could trade down and still get Buchannon and Attoachu, I would be down with that.
Bugs, there’s a good chance that will happen. Graham, & Curry can also get us 2 3’s, & Brown can probably get us a low 4th- 5th. Don’t be surprised that we start hearing those DJax whispers again. Right now, I wouldn’t be opposed to it, if we could get a 1, or a 2+
As much as I like Curry if he can net us a third rounder do it, I think Graham can get a 4th or 5th. I can’t trade DJAX this year DCAR. I want to see how explosive this team can be with him and the rest of our guys…JMAC, Sproles, Shady …the list goes on and on. I may consider it for Sammy Watkins, but that’s not happening.
Late first round through late2nd/early 3rd could be the sweet spot this year. If they could get 2 picks in that area, then you could get both of those guys plus maybe Benjamin.
Eagles, I don’t think DJax is going anywhere either, but if say, the Raiders trade us their 2nd (#36), & their 4th (#103) for him, I’d drive him to California.
I think he needs to lose weight DCar – which he could on Kelly’s Nutrition Program – that would help increase his speed, and flexibility to be what we need him to be…so give me
1. Kony Ealy DE/OLB
2a.Deone Buchannon SS
2b.Jeremiah Attoachu OLB
3a Gabe Jackson OG
3b. Keith McGill FS/CB
4a. Walt Aikens CB
4b. Phillip Gaines CB
5a. Justin Ellis DT
5b. Andrew Jackson ILB
6. Logan Thomas QB
7. Colt Lyeira TE
Oregon State has their Workout today not far from Washibgton State
And I expect the same Eagle Scouts to check out
WR Cooks and DE Scott Critchon,who I believe the Eagles will target in the Draft ..
I doubt it – neither is that great
Cooks ran well at the combine – That’s all – that speed doesn’t eliminate his deficiencies as pro WR –
Critchon – to me just a run of the mill prospect
Not a fan of critchon either. I respectfully disagree with you about Ertz Cliff. I think he has probowl potential. The Eagles havea lot of weapons so the ball will be spread around, but for a rookie he had a very good year at the TE position.
I know you as well as other do Eagle, and I respectfully disagree as well…
If the ball is spread out that much, he won’t be as impact as you may think. Sproles will get a lot of touches, as will Celek, so Ertz, won’t stand out to be considered a Pro Bowl Player – except to those who would probably sing his praises even when he flushes the toilet –
I agree with you on the Sproles touches, however, I think Ertz supplants Celek this year as the starting tight end and will get more touches.
He won’t if he isn’t on the field as a true TE…..
Celek is more valuable on the field than Ertz, because he is an actual blocker. You guys keep ignoring that, and with Sproles now in the fold, that limits his presence on the field to do the things you claim he will accomplish…..
although I wouldn’t be surprised to see them both on the field at the same time…your assuming plays are going to be designed exclusively for Ertz, to ensure his production – He will be a option in this Offense, but I don’t see a star by any means…
We disagree….but time will reveal whether or not he’s a star or not….I believe it will start to show this year as this is a leap year for rookies going into their second year.
You guys said Ertz was going to supplant Celek last year….
Chip Kelly said the first player on his team he thought should be considered for the Pro Bowl was Brent Celek because of everything he does –
You guys are just into shipping him off because of what you THINK Ertz will bring to the Offense, but we would lose more, as would he if Celek isn’t on the field to help with the Line – Giving Ertz, and the other options time to get open. – and he has to considering the fact that Lane Johnson is so weak a RT…….
Dude, who wants to get rid of Celek? That would be a terrible decision at this time especially when you have Casey’s contract that should go first.
I would rather have 2 strong TEs.
Bugs – Paulman, and everybody else that Brags on Ertz….
Who is “you guys” I never said that. I wanted Ertz with the second pick and happy with theselection. I never put that much stock in a rookie as I know it normally takes 2-3 yearsfor them to develop. I want Celek hereas the # 2 because of his blocking skills and he’s good for the locker room.
My bad Eagle. I though you were Pro Ertz….
Celek is #1 TE, for Blocking, and receiving – not Ertz
I am pro Ertz….I still want Celek here though. I just think as far as offensive production is concerned, his pass catching ability and YAC skill hasmore upside than Celek.
I will give you that Eagle, but I don’t like the lack of love for my man Celek, from some…
there goes GMClueless spewing nonsense again.
out of all of Howie Roseman’s high draft picks,
1+Fletcher Cox
2+Mychal Kendricks
2-Vinny Curry
3+Nick Foles
1+Lane Johnson
2+Zack Ertz
3+Bennie Logan
The only one who sucks is the one GMCliff wanrted ( Vinny Curry)
bwahahahahahahahaha
e0, Curry doesn’t suck! He isn’t a fit, & would be very good in a 4-3. Logan is the one that blows. Dude is just a rotational player. He’s a tweener. Too small, & weak for NT, & too slow, & short for 5 technique DE. He isn’t a playmaker.
Reality lesson being taught so get a kleenex tissue and clean out the corner of your eyes of sleppys so this sinks in … Bennie Logan is the starting NT for the next 3 years. No matter how much you huff and puff nothing will be drafted or signed to change that. Vinny Curry is a situational 2nd string pass rusher from the defensive tackle position for the next 2 years. He isn’t getting traded. That is his role as in “role player”
e0, clueless dipshit, Logan is not going to be the starter for the next 3 years. He will be a rotational tweener, like he is now! Learn something, about football, before you talk your dumb shit!
BTW, get your Kleenex, & go wipe your ass with them. Let that sink clueless!!!!
none of the suggestions you come up with has Howie implementing for over a year now – you are batting zero point zero since Coach Reid was fired.
dcar I was being kind trying to help you out and get you caught up, c’mon doomy and gloomy Howie will let you on the playoff bound band wagen
Batting zero? Am I making decisions? It’s opinion, & relayed messages, numb nuts! How am I batting zero, there genius! Stop hating on gm, & deal with reality douchebag!
Fletcher Cox, isn’t better than Dontari Poe
Myckal Kendricks isn’t better than Bobby Wagner
Lane Johnson isn’t better than DJ Fluker
Ertz wasn’t necessary, and not better than Celek
Benny Logan can’t tie Sheldon Richardson, or Ziggy Ansah’s shoes
and Foles wasn’t Howie’s pick – He was Reid, and Morningwegs
DCar, anybody who feels that Trent Cole is our best Player on Defense, – and an above average player – should continue to be ignored, because there obviously is no insight or Knowledge, that should be deemed respectable……Just Dumb
DCar remember Fluker made 1st Team All Rookie Team, and Lane Johnson didn’t make 1st, 2nd, or 3rd All Rookie Teams –
Enlightening isn’t it?
I guess GMCliff doesn’t want a seat on the Howie and Chip band wagon. Going to be real lonely in the anti- Eagle I want to see a 9 to 6 defensive 3 yards and a cloud dust dust tumbleweed game section. Too bad, over here on the most exciting offense in the NFC side with Howie and Chip it is a jump out of your seat Touchdown machine Fly Eagles Fly extravaganza. Have fun GMCliff driving in the slow lane and hating the building blocks to the first super bowl ever because the playoffs are over here with Jeff Lurie which you hate.
GMCliff if you decide to join the fun and stop booing the birds. It is easy. Just try, C’mon …
Fly, Eagles fly, on the road to victory,
Fight Eagles fight, score a touchdown one-two-three.
Hit ’em low,
Hit ’em high,
And watch our Eagles fly.
Fly, Eagles fly, on the road to victory!
E-A-G-L-E-S, Eagles!
————————————————————————————
it is really fun Cliff, it puts a smile on your face!
start by tapping your foot, maybe a little finger snap.
bwahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DCar, as Fans who don’t look at our team through rose colored glasses, we understand Offense is just one part of the team strategy.
Which means we are not SuperBowl Champions, because we couldn’t stop the superior teams from scoring on us – no matter how many points we score….
So in order to be more competitive, and have a realistic chance at the Ring – Those who are MORE KNOWLEDGABLE, put emphasis, on fixing the weak link – We fix the Defense…Period, Plain, and Simple……and you don’t have to be a genius to see that, but some people aren’t that bright I guess…..
GMClueless didn’t like retaining Howie.
GMClueless didn’t like hiring Chip.
GMClueless didn’t like hiring Pat.
GMClueless didn’t like Billy Davis.
GMClueless didn’t like CB Williams
GMClueless didn’t like CB Fletcher.
GMClueless didn’t like OLB Barwin.
GMClueless didn’t like FS Chung.
GMClueless didn’t like NT Sopoaga.
GMClueless didn’t like TE Casey.
GMClueless didn’t like SS Phillips.
GMClueless didn’t like LB Phillips.
GMClueless didn’t like OT Johnson.
GMClueless didn’t like TE Ertz.
GMClueless didn’t like NT Logan.
GMClueless didn’t like QB Barkley.
GMClueless didn’t like SS Wolff.
GMClueless is invited to like the Eagles for the 2014 season —
C’mon Cliff it is a year late but there is room.
but some people aren’t that bright I guess…..
I rest my case……
DCar, Daggolden made a good point this morning. Do you think it makes sense to fix the Defense?
daggolden
March 15, 2014 – 4:59 am
Eagles wont be averaging 50 points a game. With SF, Seattle, Arizona, St Louis, Carolina and Dallas(yes Dallas the team that gave them fits), the Eagles will have there work cut out for them on offense. Not saying they wont score, but they aint putting up record numbers this season….
Do you think it’s a good idea to be in a position where you can actually stop somebody?
By Bryn Swartz , Featured Columnist
Mar 14, 2014
Should the Philadelphia Eagles Pursue Nose Tackle Vince Wilfork?
Charles Krupa/Associated Press
The Philadelphia Eagles’ free-agency plan has been very clear throughout this offseason. Like they did last year, the Eagles are interested in improving their team through the additions of impact players, both on offense and defense.
But they’ve made it clear that they’re not interested in breaking the bank for a star player, which they showed when they passed on All-Pros Jairus Byrd, Darrelle Revis and DeMarcus Ware.
So general manager Howie Roseman and the rest of the team’s front office will have an interesting decision to make as soon as the New England Patriots release defensive tackle Vince Wilfork.
Whom should the Eagles use at nose tackle in 2014?
Vince Wilfork Bennie Logan Draft pick Other Submit Vote vote to see results
According to Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post, he’s frustrated with the Patriots for asking him to restructure his contract after they shelled out $12 million for just one year on Revis. He’s asked for his release, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Mike Reiss, which will make the 32-year-old a free agent.
There are going to be a lot of teams calling about Wilfork. He’s your prototypical nose tackle in a 3-4 defense. He’s a massive body who is effective as both a run-stopper and a pass-rusher. He’s earned five trips to the Pro Bowl and was a first-team All-Pro selection in 2012, his last full season.
He’s basically been the cornerstone of the Patriots defense for the last decade.
The Eagles don’t have a prototypical nose tackle. They had signed veteran Isaac Sopoaga before the 2013 season, but they traded him to the Patriots in midseason, largely due to his ineffectiveness on the field. Sopoaga had been a solid nose tackle during his previous years with the San Francisco 49ers, but he wasn’t the same player at age 32 he had been a few years ago.
Matt Slocum/Associated Press
The Eagles elected to give Sopoaga’s snaps to rookie Bennie Logan, a third-round draft pick in 2013. Logan started the season at defensive end but played better when he switched over to nose tackle. He finished the year with 31 tackles and two sacks, playing in about half the snaps on defense down the stretch.
But Logan isn’t a prototypical nose tackle, and the Eagles may want a bigger body at the position. Logan is undersized (6’2″, 309 lbs), as shown when the New Orleans Saints ran all over the Eagles on short-yardage plays in the playoffs. That likely wouldn’t have happened with Wilfork anchoring the middle of the defensive line.
It’s also unclear whether the Eagles want to count on Logan as their every-down nose tackle in the future. He played in about half the snaps down the stretch last year, but he may be best suited as a rotational defensive lineman.
That’s where the Wilfork question comes into play. The Eagles would be smart to use Logan as the rotational guy he is suite to be, and go with a bigger, more experienced, not to mention more effective player like Wilfork.
Gm- I like Ertz a lot and think that he has potential, but I agree 100% that Celek is a very important member of this team and still a damn good pass catching TE. You don’t just give up on that guy because you think you have something in a 2nd year player. Especially when there is no reason to do so. They don’t have cap issues and they don’t have a replacement that is better (forget Casey). Bringing in a rookie for him is not the answer either. Just another solid option for Kelly and the offense.
He may have not had as many catches last year as he has had in the past, but that doesn’t mean that he wasn’t effective. I think that you could agree that he was more effective all around last year, because the biggest knock on him before (his blocking) suddenly become one of his strengths.
Whoever is suggesting to trade or cut Celek isbeing foolish. Ertz and Celek is a very nice TE tandem. Theeagles will probably cut Casey afterthe draft asI think they will get Colt Lyerla…another player they may look at is TE AC Leonard. He reminds me of the TE Washington drafted from Florida last year.
That would be Paulman Eagle.
WE ARE HERE EAGLE BABAAAAAY!!. I think they draft Colt Lyerla, as well probably in the 7th….that’s WHY YOU ARE MY BOY!!!
great minds think alike….:)
Most definitely do!
Im so glad yawl said colt lyria i brought him up during the combine and people went crazy because of his troubled past but the dude is a freak of nature and chip knows him good so I think we definely want to fraft him just watch some tape he runs like a running back
I would Trade Celek to the Hets/Dolphins for a
4th Rd Draft Pivk in a heartbeat..
I actually like Celek who had a nice bounce back season last year so his Value will never be higher and his Salary does not make him
Untreatable for other Teams in need..
Ertz is the future starting this Season and finding a blocking TE is very easy around the NFL if that is the role the Eagles need..
There are sone good TE Prope TS this Draft that I like
With upside moving foreword
With a diminsh end role for Celek that will see in 2014,
His “Trade Value” will drop to a 6th/7th Rounder or end up released
For no more turn come next off-season
No he isn’t Paul. Ertz isn’t starting over Celek this year, or next year – He can’t block, AND catch….He is a situational player right now, who is an option in the offense…..that’s it.
Celek had a good season because he didn’t have to stay in and block all game to help the Offensive Line as much, which Ertz can’t do – that’s not his strength – Celek does both – That’s a fact
Just dumb to trade your best TE, because a player at the same position does one thing ok…..and nothing else.
I agree paulman celek aint going no where. He needs to stay with us u need to stop with the trade stuff he aint going no where
Id cut Casey too but they consider him as their FB that they don’t ever use lol so he could be here next season but id cut him and open up another roster spot..
I agree JH, but I think it will play out the way that Eagles stated. They will keep him for the draft and then draft a kid to replace Casey. They didn’t get the use out of him that they thought that they would because of drafting Ertz.
Lyerla played the same role at Oregon, at times he was in the backfield to run the ball or block, other times he was split out wide, then he would be put in motion….hell, he was Boobie Miles…… just all over the place.
Haaaa!!! BOOBIE MILES!!!!! lmbo
That’s right Bugs!!
Question for anybody what happen to compensatory draft picks when you lose free agents from last yr
It’s based on the Previous Years Free-Agency activity
Remember the Eagles Signed 4-5 Player who were on Roster
Like Barwin,Fletcher,Cary Williams, Pat Chung and even
Casey & Soapaga made initial 53 Man Roster
Eagles Players in 2012 who were Free-Agents who made Rosters
were Patterson, Babin, Cullen Jenkins, maybe
Clay Harbor, Mike McGlynn and maybe others
If a Player is simply Cut and then Picked up by another Team
(like Danny Watkins) who was not a Free-Agent,
Then that doesn’t count..
All in all, I don’t expect the Eagles to get any compensatory pics
For they probably signed more than they lost last Free-Agency period ..
I kinda figured that with everyone we picked up last year TY paulman
Paulman u n these trade scenarios. Ur Fukn sad. Lmao get real dude. All u do is talk trade shit or repeat news that we are already kno. Trades for players are slim n rare in the league. Quit the dumb shit and try n actually speak about the game and realistic shit that’s going on.
Cliff- Ertz can’t block and is a situational player. Dude will be starting and taking majority of reps by the start of the season. He’s a clear cut starter. And deserves to start. And I forgetting we dropped a 2 on him. He’s starting. He can’t catch. Wow. I will be disregarding everything u say from now on. Ima scroll past the trolls. U guys should really re-read ur post, and realize how stupid it is. Can’t catch lmfao. Celek me lead hands dude. Almost was cut two years ago. Fucker dropped like 3 balls a game. Clearly nobody on here does there homework but a select few. Smdh
Silencer, you sound like another uneducated
Football Fan.. Go back and crawl into the Hole from which you came..
He’s a clear cut starter – Okay Silencer Brother, WE’LL SEE….LOL!!
You won’t be the first to criticize me, and whined up with egg on his face. I can show you better than I can tell you….
What home work do you think I need to do??? lmbo
I NEVER embrace the popular opinion – because it’s generally wrong -….Too many on here take a lot of things with the players for granted……Brother, I think you better do your homework……FYI
U saying the words uneducated after the shit u post is Fukn hilarious..
Puss-man trade alert::::::
Chip KELLY traded to the chiefs for Andy Reid and Quentin demps.. Nothing u say is of value. Hence I see u don’t post articles for GCobb anymore.. Lmfao Fukn little mini shefter.. Goofy lookn and knows about as much as my left shoe
I can Post an Article on GCobb anytime, Silencer…
In fact, I will have one about the Eagles Draft Strategy here in a couple weeks when Free-Agency is about over and the Draft is closer
You could probably write on too if you weren’t a stupid ass, and ugly,
and the King of Farts, but that’s a different story for another day..
I’ll post the Top 5 Gastrologists in the Philly area for you to get help with your problem, maybe then you can get or keep a Girlfriend you skanking
POS…
Well that says a lot for G.. Letting some uneducated assface to post on his website. Is can anyone take u say serious. Do u read the shit u post..still farting in ur general direction troll-man..
Your gonna post about the Eagles draft strategy. Hahahahahahahsbshsbsbshshshshahahahha oh shit this will be good..