Former Eagles star Chris Long offers suggestion for upgrading LB corps

You may not believe this if you’re among some of the younger Philadelphia Eagles fans, especially after what’s been going on in the organization for the past few seasons, but there was once a time when the Birds moved on from guys earlier than they probably should have as opposed to moving off of guys a year too late.

Sometimes, it was the decision of the player, and it seemed like the organization could have done more to hang on to them (Reggie White). At other times, it seemed like the player wanted to stay, and it was the franchise’s desire to move on (Brian Dawkins). We’ve even seen guys get their walking papers and come back for a successful second stint (Jeremiah Trotter).

Roster turnover is unavoidable in the NFL thanks to the salary cap and free agency, but even though Howie Roseman has dished out his fair share of deals that have signed aging players for way too long (and too much money), there have been a couple of instances in which he’s made the error of letting some guys out of the door a tad too early. Throw Chris Long‘s name in that discussion.

Chris Long has a suggestion for upgrading the Eagles roster in 2022.

Chris Long wasn’t a member of the Eagles organization for long. He made one start in 37 career games, but he’s a part of the franchise’s history books forever. During his time with the midnight green, Long became a hero both on and off the field. How could he not be after donating an entire season’s salary to charity?

As far as football goes, this son of Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Howie Long was equally as impressive. It was Long that caused the pressure on Case Keenum that resulted in Patrick Robinson’s pick-six in a very memorable NFC Championship Game on January 21st of 2018. He also jumped on a fumble caused by a Derek Barnett strip-sack in the same game.

Since his retirement, one that wasn’t too long after Philly detailed with him that their plan was to decrease his snap count by giving more to Derek Barnett (bad move), he’s focused on several philanthropic efforts while remaining visible in the media.

He’s always got his eye on what the Birds are doing as well. Recently, he shared his thoughts, via Twitter about someone that he thinks could help the Eagles defense out.

What’s that saying? Game recognizes game, right? Currently, there aren’t any dots that connect Will Compton with Philadelphia in the coming offseason, and Compton’s best days are clearly behind him. This feels like a guy throwing a good friend a shout-out.

Still, if Philadelphia is looking to upgrade the second level of their defense in free agency, something that they’ve been known to do, Compton is someone the Eagles could take a look at… but only if they’re covering every base.

An undrafted rookie free agent signed by Washington in 2013, Compton racked up 294 tackles from 2013 to 2017. That includes 12 in his lone playoff appearance and 46 versus the Eagles; however, he’s evolved into more of a journeyman over the past four seasons, having seen four locker rooms during that time.

Most recently, he appeared in two games with the Las Vegas Raiders (he was also with the Raiders while they were still in Oakland in 2019), but Vegas released him on January 11th. Yeah, we love Chris Long and all, but it’s hard to co-sign on this one.

T.J. Edwards has been ignored for too long. Davion Taylor’s stock could rise once he returns from injury. The Eagles could extend Alex Singleton if they want. They could also continue to work with Shaun Bradley and JaCoby Stevens or select someone in April’s NFL Draft, so we the people, on behalf of the Eagles organization, with all due respect to Chris Long will have to decline his offer at this time.