A few weeks ago we looked at what holes the Eagles needed to fill to come back in 2010 as a stronger, fitter, and better unit. While some of those needs will be addressed through the draft, there are a number of free agents who fit in very nicely in midnight green.
To refresh your memory, the places the Birds need help include offensive line, defensive end, safety, and running back. While I don’t expect all of these needs to be filled, a majority of them need to be addressed for the team to go much deeper in the playoffs next season.
Julius Peppers (DEFENSIVE END): This is a big potential name on the market, one that wore the franchise tag for the Carolina Panthers last season. This guy is a stud whose style of play would fit in brilliantly with the Birds. Imagine him and Trent Cole as the team’s starting defensive ends? Absolutely amazing. According to ESPN’s John Clayton, this is a possibility that the team will step in and explore Peppers. If this happens, I’ll be thrilled, but let’s hope it turns out better than Jevon Kearse. The Panthers have until March 5th to give him the franchise tag or re-sign him. (Unrestricted)
Leonard Weaver (FULLBACK): He made his first Pro Bowl this past season with the Eagles. The question here is not why should he be signed for multiple years, but why the hell the team hasn’t done it yet. With questions about the future of Brian Westbrook and the still emerging talent LeSean McCoy, Weaver needs to be signed long term. (Restricted)
Jerious Norwood (RUNNING BACK): While there is the potential of better running backs being available in free agency, the 26-year old Norwood is the type of guy who could return to his winning ways in Philly. Despite losing his job in Atlanta to the emerging Jason Snelling, Norwood would still be a solid pick-up. Not only would be an excellent addition to the running corps, he’d also add another threat to special teams. Last year he averaged 25 yards per kick return, which was not much different than Quintin Demps. (Restricted)
Bobbie Williams (GUARD): While he’s 33, bringing back guard Bobbie Williams would be a prudent move for the team, especially one that needs a guy that’s excellent in blocking for the run. Chances are that he stays in Cincinnati, but if not, the Eagles need to make a run at him. The offensive line needs major work. (Unrestricted)
Barrett Ruud (LINEBACKER): While I totally expect Tampa Bay to lock up this explosive player, if he’s available come March 5th, the Eagles need to aggressively pursue him. A great tackler with excellent instincts, he’d be another young centerpiece to go with Stewart Bradley, moving the team one step closer to have the vaunted defense that had in the middle of the last decade. (Restricted)
Much of this is pure speculation, and the list of who’s available and whether they’re restricted or not will become much clearer pending March 5th and the status of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. For right now we can refer to this as our wish list to push the Eagles to the next level and hope that they can lock up Weaver and pull in at least one of these guys come next month.
