Burgess a Candidate to Return to Eagles?

One player already made a return to the city he once played in this week in WR Hank Baskett, and another could soon be coming back to Philadelphia to play with the Eagles. Derrick Burgess, who was selected by the Birds in the 3rd round of the 2001 NFL Draft, played this past season as a member of the Patriots and prior to that spent 4 years with the Raiders, but is now a free agent and potentially looking to rejoin his former employer. Because the Eagles have been mentioned among the teams looking hard for a Defensive End this offseason (they’ve already considered top-tier guys like Julius Peppers and Aaron Kampman), Burgess–who can also perform at the Outside Linebacker spot–is certainly a candidate to return for another stint in midnight green.

In fact, if the organization does take action and seriously consider bringing back the veteran defender, it wouldn’t be the first time they’ve done so in the past year. It was confirmed last August that the Eagles had made a trade offer to the Raiders in hopes of acquiring him; instead, New England was able to swing a deal for him. Nevertheless, it is clear the team remains in a bit of a connection with him, and despite his age (31) and injury history, seems to be a viable possibility as an upcoming free agent addition. Besides, it’s not as if the team has never used older players in a rotation with younger ones that could be obtained via the Draft; simply recall recent defensive schemes that have combined the likes of Juqua Parker, Darren Howard, Jason Babin, and Chris Clemons with players such as Victor Abiamiri and Trent Cole.

A 9-year member of the league, Burgess (pictured) still possesses a sense of explosiveness off the defensive line. In ‘09 with the Patriots, he compiled 35 tackles and 5 sacks in 6 starts as a Linebacker and pass rusher. In his tenure with Oakland, the South California native notched an impressive 38.5 sacks in 4 years, while earning a pair of Pro-Bowl appearances…and with the Eagles, he managed to record only 8.5 QB take-downs, but was a dangerous d-lineman and special teams contributor when healthy.

While there continue to be rumors spread that the team has interest in restricted free agent Ray Edwards of the Vikings, Burgess might just draw some consideration from the front office, especially with the approach the club has taken thus far in the offseason (players have been signed who have had a past of injuries but have potential to succeed and/or have a connection with the team from previous years). As the free agency period progresses, updates on the possible situation will surely be released when necessary.

(picture source)