Eagles ink TE Kris Wilson

by JasonB on Mar 26, 2008 10:31 AM EDT in Philadelphia Eagles News

Wilson played behind Tony Gonzalez in KC

Update [2008-3-26 12:33:42 by JasonB]: Pro Football Talk says that Adam Schefter is reporting that Wilson has signed with the Eagles.

As we expected, the announcement that free-agent tight end/fullback/H-back Kris Wilson is meeting with the Eagles soon will be followed by an announcement that he has agreed to terms.

Though the announcement has not yet been made, Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that a deal is done for the former Chiefs draft pick, who was stuck for four years behind Tony Gonzalez. We’d previously heard that it will be a three-year contract.

We’ve also heard that Wilson’s primary position in Philly might end up being fullback, and that his choice of jersey numbers could reflect that.

It will be interesting to hear how the Eagles see Wilson. If it's as a fullback or at least partly as a FB, obviously the competition in camp for that spot will be heavy with Klecko and Davis already expecting to fight for it. We've also seen the Eagles experiment with guys in an H-Back role in the past, possibly Wilson could be used in that way as well.

So says the official site.

Free agent tight end Kris Wilson is visiting the Philadelphia Eagles today. He will meet with the media following his visit at 3 PM...

The 26-year-old Wilson spent the last four seasons in Kansas City, where he caught 42 passes for 345 yards and four touchdowns as a tight end, H-back and fullback. Wilson also has 15 career tackles on special teams. In 2007, Wilson registered a career-high 24 receptions for 180 yards and one score.

I find this one a bit odd. Wilson certainly doesn't seem like a guy with starting potential, possibly he could be looked at as a blocking TE? Schobel hasn't shown much in his time here, possibly Wilson could be competition for the 3rd TE spot? He's versatile in that he plays TE, FB, and special teams. Obviously the Eagles look like they're stocking up on those types of players. It should at the very least increase the level of competition in camp.

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Nice

I knew I had heard something about Wilson before. Then I found an article by John Clayton in which he says that Wilson is the 5th best remaining free agent available on the market. I think it's a smart move.

He writes:

5. Kris Wilson, TE, Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs loved the versatility of Wilson, a former second-round choice. Drafted as a tight end, he's helped out as an H-back, a fullback and a blocking tight end. What's valuable for interested teams is his ability to catch passes. He caught 15 passes in 10 starts in 2006 and had 24 catches last season. A team needing a tight end can use him exclusively as a pass-catcher, but he's also valuable as a blocker. Plus, at 26, he's just entering his prime.

Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=clayton_john&id=3297724

by ajay on Mar 26, 2008 10:53 AM EDT reply actions

Sorry to double post...

I think it's a smart move mainly because Schobel isn't cutting it.

by ajay on Mar 26, 2008 10:55 AM EDT reply actions

Absolutely

I think it is obvious to anyone that LJ is the incumbent, Celek is the new prodigy, and we need a 3rd guy. Schobel has not been a stand out and isn't hard to replace. This kid is smaller, but younger and has been behind Tony Gonzalez so you know he has learned a thing or two. Plus he is a local boy and can be a help on special teams and in goal line situations (blocking).

Not really shocked by this as he will only be a 3rd TE for blocking and such I like them mixing things up and not just keeping guys around because they "don't make mistakes" like how Reno Mahe had a job here for so long stops and prays he doesn't return this year

by Whodie126 on Mar 26, 2008 10:58 AM EDT reply actions

ehh

doesnt really seem like anything to get excited about. he would mostly be watching from the sidelines.

by andyb on Mar 26, 2008 11:06 AM EDT reply actions

Hey

Why not? If he can block, I'm all for it.

by yomjoseki on Mar 26, 2008 11:06 AM EDT reply actions

Not just Block

but the bigger upside seems to be his hands. Look for him to challange Klecko for the Fullback spot, if they bring him in. Looks like the Eagles are just signing guys to have players challenge eachother in training camp so they can get a good look.

by Whodie126 on Mar 26, 2008 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions

Looks like

he could help out on S/T too and we definately need that

by JoeD on Mar 26, 2008 12:20 PM EDT reply actions

The Kevin Curtis Effect

Also, as was noted this guy was stuck behind Tony Gonzalez in Kansas City. Maybe he just needs more opportunities a la Curtis.

by ajay on Mar 26, 2008 2:47 PM EDT reply actions

kevin curtis

i think kevin curtis was a lot better though. He couldve started if it wasnt for his pro bowl wr teammates. This guy wont start but he could go in on situational plays. What about Klecko and Celek though. I like Celek more than this guy.

by andyb on Mar 26, 2008 3:46 PM EDT reply actions

Yeah

I like Celek a lot too. I'm thinking this boots Schobel off the roster. So we'd have LJ, Celek and Wilson. But LJ - in all likelihood - will be leaving in 2009 via free agency.

So do we expect Celek and Wilson to be our two tight ends in 2009? Or do we draft another guy - maybe a late rounder?

by ajay on Mar 26, 2008 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions

A lot of skills

The addition of Kris Wilson as a tight end, not only shows that the management of the Eagles is adding some dept to the roster, but also gives them some quality players for special teams.

Think about it. The addition of players like Wilson, Boiman, and Klecko gives the coaches some competition in training camp, experience and some weapens for special teams

by hejese on Mar 26, 2008 4:47 PM EDT reply actions

From what I read

He's played fullback for the last two years. Although the Eagles apparently see him as a TE. I guess he's versatile and could be moved all around.

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by JasonB on Mar 26, 2008 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Some other ideas...

I know LJ was franchised, and was not "making noise," but a franchised player could sit, hoping to force a long term deal. With Sophmore Brent and Missing Matt, LJ may have felt he had some leverage. A maturing Wilson's appearance on the roster changes that...

One of those 4 will not make this team, either because someone gets traded or cut. Any position of depth provides draft day trade bait too. If not, with Celek and Wilson the Eagles will head into 2009 with legitimate, if not star power, talent at TE.

I see a major effort by the Birds (Boiman, Klecko, and now Wilson...) to add talent to their corps of ST players. These will be supplemented by untraded late round picks, whose best shot at the roster will be via contribution on ST. One key difference between those 12 win teams circa '02 - '05 versus the 6, 10 and 8 win seasons of the last 3 years was NFL leading ST play vs. mediocre to poor ST play.

It'd also help if Akers and Rocca could find a time machine and cut 5 yrs of age off their legs.

by meangreenmachine on Mar 26, 2008 8:31 PM EDT reply actions

for the sake of argument

LJ openly admitted that he knew this was coming because he was injured and didn't perform. He turned down an extension at the end of last year because he thought he would explode in his contract year but didn't. He knows that he has to play great this year to get at the very least the deal he turned down. To quote LJ "I wasn't healthy (last year). I wasn't able to perform at a high level." he went on to say "I understand why I didn't get a long-term deal," said Smith. "I feel great right now. I'm healthy. Nothing is going to keep me from performing at a high level again.

So don't expect him to hold out or be a distraction he was humble about the situation.

If anything the signing of Wilson looks like the end of the Schobel era which makes me happy because I wasn't a big fan. Wilson also has experience at H-Back and Full back and is a solid ST contributor.

by Whodie126 on Mar 26, 2008 9:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Wilson ain't bad

He went to Pitt (my alma mater) and he was a great pass-catching tight end in a west coast offense. If anything, he's solid. I can seem him being good on special teams.

by master94 on Mar 26, 2008 8:42 PM EDT reply actions

why

I do not understand how it can be expected that this couls be lj's last year here. like it was said he got the franchise tag because of his injury, and he turned down the extention because I thought he could be better then what he was last year. he says he wants to be here. so the question is do the eagles want him. I think they would. I know you could say well we drafted celik but that was in a draft where all the experts said about us is that we have no needs to fill so we traded our first round pick and startwd picking up players who could replace a vet who is in a contract year if they decide to leave.
but what it comes down to is I don't see celik or anybody on our roster better then lj any time soon

by NickPampani on Mar 27, 2008 8:25 AM EDT reply actions