Daryl Washington could help the Philadelphia Eagles at linebacker
By Chuck Abel
Linebacker Daryl Washington has been released by the Arizona Cardinals, and the Eagles should be interested.
Linebacker and running back are two positions where the Philadelphia Eagles may not be done tinkering. The Arizona Cardinals just released a linebacker who might get the Eagles attention. Daryl Washington met with the Cardinals, who thought enough of him to meet with him face to face before giving him his walking papers.
Arizona’s talented at the position, and it appears a deal between both sides couldn’t be reached. That makes Washington is a free agent. Last season, the Eagles signed veteran linebacker Stephen Tulloch in an effort to shore up the position, and Tulloch played more than expected as he stole snaps from Mychal Kendricks in the process and gave legs to the theory that defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz didn’t have much faith in Kendricks. Washington could serve as a similar solution for 2017.
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He’s been out of the league for three years
Washington was reinstated by the NFL only a few days ago. He was suspended by the league following the 2013 season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy multiple times. He also plead guilty to aggravated assault in an incident that involved the mother of his child.
Obviously, there are serious off-field concerns with Washington. He’s been out of football for the past three seasons, but he’s only 30 years old, and apparently, he’s admitted and understands the error of his ways. He could be on the road to rehabilitation, but the question is whether or not the Eagles would even take a look? Washington has a ton of talent, and he should have some gas left in the tank after a three year layoff.
Washington’s tale of the tape:
He’re are his credentials. He was drafted in the second round in 2010, and he made the Pro Bowl two years later after a season in which he had 108 tackles, nine sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception. At 6’2, 226 pounds, Washington is an athletic tackling machine that could blend well with Jordan Hicks and Nigel Bradham. He gives Schwartz another weapon to, not only chase ball carriers, but quarterbacks as well (evidenced by his nine sacks).
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Obviously there are some character concerns, but executive vice president of football operations Howie Roseman should, at least, make a call and meet with Washington to determine if he has matured and can be trusted. It doesn’t cost anything to have the conversation, and a contract can be structured on a per game basis with incentives. That makes the deal safe for the Eagles and attractive for Washington.
Come on Howie. Give it some thought, and make the call.