The trading/free agent signing period is fast approaching, so the Eagles front office will have to decide who they plan to pursue come March 5th. Over the next few weeks at BGN, we will be taking a position-by-position look at who we could see in an Eagles uniform come training camp. Today's position? Defensive ends.
It's been said for a while now that one of the Eagles big offseason needs is a dynamic pass rusher opposite Trent Cole. Juqua Parker, while productive, is not an every-down end and will turn 32 this May. Backups Chris Clemons, Victor Abiamiri, and Darren Howard can contribute when needed, but none are quite starting caliber. Preseason star Jason Babin has not received an extension on his one year deal and could be departing via free agency, but was never the starting solution anyway. Thankfully, defensive end is one of the few positions in the free agency market with some good options available. Here are a few players that the Eagles might consider:
Julius Peppers (UFA): The talk of the town this offseason, the 30 year old Peppers will likely be getting his wish of playing for a new team in 2010. If the Eagles bite, he could prove to be the spark that their defense has been looking for. His 6'7" 283lbs frame can explode through the line and chase down the quarterback with a surprising amount of speed. Peppers' 42 tackles, 10.5 sacks, and 2 INTs last year propelled him to his fifth Pro Bowl and landed him a spot on the NFL's All-Decade Team. He also wouldn't present many injury concerns, as he has also only missed two games due to injury in eight seasons with the Panthers.
Aaron Kampman (UFA): The 30 year old Kampman has been another name tossed around the Eagles fanbase for some time. He has experience playing both linebacker and defensive end, but would play DE in the Eagles 4-3 defensive scheme. This two-time Pro Bowl selection has the shifty moves needed to take down the quarterback and should provide valuable leadership to a very young defense. The only concern with Kampman is his ACL tear that he suffered back in November, which could limit his participation in training camp and preseason activities.
Adewale Ogunleye (UFA): At 32, this former Pro Bowler has continued to produce in the pass rushing department, accumulating 5 sacks during the 2009 season and 67.5 over his nine seasons with the NFL. Unfortunately, with the tragic death of Gaines Adams this January, it's unlikely that the Bears will be willing to part with their only remaining starting-caliber DE.
Other Available Free Agents:
- Richard Seymour (UFA)
- Kyle Vanden Bosch (UFA)
- Ray Edwards (RFA)
- Marcus Spears (RFA)
- Jason Taylor (UFA)
- Jarvis Green (UFA)
- Darryl Tapp (RFA)
- Johnny Jolly (RFA)
- Vonnie Holliday (UFA)
- Mark Anderson (RFA)
- Jason Hatcher (RFA)
- Dwan Edwards (UFA)
- Stephen Bowen (RFA)
- Phillip Daniels (UFA)
- Reggie Hayward (UFA)
- Leonard Little (UFA)
- James Hall (UFA)
- Tyler Brayton (UFA)
- Derrick Burgess (UFA)
- Travis Kirschke (UFA)
- Jimmy Wilkerson (UFA)
- Paul Spicer (UFA)
- Renaldo Wynn (UFA)
- Jevon Kearse (UFA)
- Marques Douglas (UFA)
- Victor Adeyanju (RFA)
- Dave Tollefson (RFA)
- Dave Ball (RFA)
- Ryan Denney (UFA)
- Jason Hunter (RFA)
- Frostee Rucker (RFA)
- Le Kevin Smith (RFA)
- Nick Eason (UFA)
In the next installment, we will be taking a look at outside linebackers. Feel free to leave any suggestions on who to examine in the comments section. For more information on unrestricted vs. restricted free agents in a potentially uncapped year, check out this great article over at Mocking The Draft.