Eagles: 5 Available free agent DTs who could fill in for Timmy Jernigan

Might the Philadelphia Eagles pursue a defensive tackle with Timmy Jernigan on the shelf?

The answer to everyone’s question has been given, the amount of time Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan will be on the shelf. Four to six months can be seen as a long time, and it is. Unborn babies reach approach their third trimester in that same time frame. Still, if we all think about it, four-to-six months, in the grand scheme of things, isn’t long at all.

Unless, of course, we’re discussing an NFL season, where the season for any given franchise can be, well, four-to-six months long.

It’s time to re-visit Howie Roseman’s ‘band-aid theory’.

Fortunately for the Eagles, the healing process for Jernigan began four months before Philly’s first preseason game will be played. In his absence, the signing of Haloti Ngata now seems more important than it once was. Even with that being said, there are certain things that should be considered.

NFL teams are allowed to carry 90 players into training camp. There are still capable options on the free agent market, and despite the fact Eagles vice president of football operations Howie Roseman once spoke against ‘band-aids’, finding some bridge between now and Jernigan’s return might not be a terrible option.

Here are five free agent defensive tackles that the Eagles might find interesting.

1. Jay Bromley

As disgusting of an idea that the Eagles might consider signing a former member of the New York Giants is, Bromley is still one of the more talented defensive tackles on the free agent market. He’s still young and raw, but, at 26, he can only get better.

2. Cedric Thornton

Here’s a guy the Eagles already know. Signed by Philly as an undrafted free agent in 2011, he left the Eagles following the 2015 season to join, of all teams, the Dallas Cowboys. Might ‘The Birds’ entertain the idea of a reunion?

3. Johnathan Hankins

Hankins racked up close to 185 tackles in his time with the Giants and, most recently, with the Indianapolis Colts. What will impress any interested party about Hankins is the fact that he possesses both run-stopping and pass-rushing ability. Look at his resume, and you’ll also find 12 sacks, seven pass deflections and three forced fumbles.

Next: Here’s a list of undrafted free agents signed by the Eagles

4. Alan Branch

Branch, for whatever reason, saw playing time decrease last season after being a big part of why the New England Patriots won their most recent Super Bowls. On his best day, he’ll never be Fletcher Cox or Timmy Jernigan. He may not even be Haloti Ngata, but he is a nice option for an Eagles team that all of a sudden, needs some.

5. Leger Douzable

Douzable is attractive because of his versatility, He can play as an interior lineman or he can play on the outside. It’s unlikely Philly would sign him, but he is available and you never know.

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