The Eagles announced the signing of former Cincinnati Bengals LB Rashad Jeanty today. Jeanty started 32 games for the Bengals from 2006 to 2009 but, wait for it.... spent last year on IR with a fractured fibula. The 6-2 243 pound Jeanty is 27 years old and actually was a college teammate of Asante Samuel.
It's a one year deal for Jeanty, who generally played at the SAM position in Cincy. As for his injury, It's actually a kind of sad story about how he came to miss the 2010 season. In fact his agent blames the Bengals organization. He fractured a fibula against the Jets in the 2009 playoffs and the team told him he would not require surgery. However, as a restricted free agent he made a visit to the Miami Dolphins, who after examining him, told him he would need "major surgery to stabilize his ankle."
So Jeanty went ahead and had the surgery only to have the Bengals release him for failing to pass a physical. His agent David Canter was understandably angry at the Bengals handling of the whole situation.
"It’s a tad shocking how he was released and was done in a disheartening, callous and unfair manner. The only reason why he isn’t healthy and wasn’t able to pass the physical is because they failed to fully diagnose and mistreated the injury."
Jeanty was considered a team leader for the Bengals and was voted as their Ed Block Courage Award winner in 2008. By all accounts, Jeanty is a good guy who was dealt some really bad luck last season. Here's hoping he gets to take out some of that frustration he must feel next season.
[Note by JasonB, 02/20/11 12:29 PM EST ] Reuben Frank says the Eagles like Jeanty as a special teamer and depth at strong side linebacker.