In an offseason full of surprises, here's yet another. The Eagles have agreed to terms on a 5 year, $25 million deal with former Packers DE/DT Cullen Jenkins. Jenkins had been a highly sought after this year by 3-4 teams looking for him to play defensive end. In the Eagles 4-3, the 300 pounder will likely defensive tackle. However, he could also play left defensive end in certain packages, as Howie Roseman says, has that versatility
"Excited to get Cullen in Philadelphia." said Roseman, "Can play both DT and DE for us, great inside 3rd down pass rusher.
Jenkins is a fantastic pass rusher from the inside. He racked up 7 sacks (in 11 games) last year and had 4.5 in 2009. He has 29 total sacks in his career. He's yet another penetrating d-lineman for Jim Washburn to play with. The Eagles have clearly made upgrading their defense a #1 priority this season bringing in Jenkins, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Jason Babin and of course Nnamdi Asomugha.
Cold Hard Football Facts did an interesting piece on what a dramatic impact Cullen Jenkins has had as his role in the Green Bay defense increased. Very interesting and exciting stuff.
This does make the DT position fairly crowded and it's likely that someone or multiple someones will now be moved on. The prime candidate will probably be Brodrick Bunkley, whose cap hit is about $2 million this year and doesn't seem to have a place on the team. With Antonio Dixon being everyone's pick for a breakout, Mike Patterson just being solid, Trevor Laws showing some real ability to penetrate as a situational guy and now Jenkins... It's hard to see how Bunkley fits on the roster. It's likely the Eagles will try to trade him, but if that doesn't work I wouldn't be surprised to see him cut either.
[Note by JasonB, 07/30/11 5:05 PM EDT ] How is this for protecting your downside?
UPDATE: Michael Lombardi of NFL Network reports that Jenkins’ contract could essentially turn into a one-year, $4 million deal if the Eagles decide to let him go after the 2011 season.