3 ways the Philadelphia Eagles can add depth at linebacker
The Philadelphia Eagles must improve at the linebacker position quickly.
The Philadelphia Eagles were already lacking depth at the linebacker position, and now, with the loss of inside linebacker Joe Walker, the Eagles are looking for answers. They need to add some depth to this unit, and they need to do so now. Here are three options that would be the best fits:
Eagles
Number One: Sign Stephen Tulloch
This one is probably the easiest answer and safest route. He’s a veteran and a leader who already has a relationship with defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. Don’t forget he’s experienced in playing in this defense. Tulloch played for Schwartz for a total of 6 years as a member of both the Tennessee Titans and the Detroit Lions.
During that span, Tulloch was named an NFL All-Pro by PFF and had his best statistical season of his NFL career. After recording 135 total tackles, 3.5 sacks and 1 interception in Schwartz’s last season in Detroit, it’s safe to say Tulloch could help some of the young guys on this team learn the defense. As a mentor, he’d be invaluable and a security blanket in the linebacker corps.
Number Two: The Eagles could trade for Vincent Rey
While this idea might seem a bit far fetched, it could happen. Rey has shown flashes in a 4-3 system while playing with the Cincinnati Bengals. Unfortunately for him, Rey isn’t seeing the field as often and the Bengals have already replaced him in the starting line-up.
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The Eagles have been “wheeling and dealing” all off-season, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if they made another trade. Last season, Rey had 98 tackles, a sack and one interception. The Eagles get good value here by exploring the Rey option as it immediately upgrades the linebacker position and adds depth.
Option Three: They can roll with what they have
This might be the least popular option, but it’s also the most likely. We figure the three starters are Jordan Hicks, Mychal Kendricks, Nigel Bradham. Then there are notable names on the roster like Najee Goode and Deontae Skinner.
Goode has been a consistent and valuable as a special teams player since joining the Birds. He’s proven to be very productive when he’s needed to be and he’s even been inserted into the starting role a few times. Skinner, on the other hand, has been, exclusively, seen on special teams and has been inconsistent.
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Don’t forget about some of the undrafted free agents at linebacker that the Eagles have signed. There’s Myke Tavarres, Don Cherry and Quentin Gause. All have flashed during the pre-season and all could grow into fine additions to the roster. Gause had an impressive interception that could have made anyone’s “top 10” list. Tavarress and Cherry have been running sideline to sideline on defense and have been great on special teams.
In conclusion, the Eagles have a lot of talent that can fill into important roles if Tulloch and Rey are not options.