Derek Landri: Eagles Have The Best Defensive Line In The NFL

Derek Landri agreed to a new one year deal with the Eagles today and spoke to reporters this afternoon. One of the interesting revelations was that he may have had a long term deal done with the Eagles if it wasn't for Jason Peters' injury.

"I would have like to have a long-term contract, and we actually had something done about a week and a half ago and then JP [left tackle Jason Peters] had that unfortunate accident and kind of threw a wrench in it for me. I actually thought I wasn't going to be back there, but both sides had cool heads and we wound up getting something done."

The Eagles weren't the only offer Landri had, but in the end he felt that the Eagles were the best situation for a lot of reasons... including the fact that fans here to seem to like him so much.

"Just the opportunity to play under Coach Reid, Coach Washburn, and the d-line. It's a group unlike any other I've been around, collegiate or professionally, and it's a group you want to play for and play with. That's the biggest pull. As far as the organization, it's the best organization that I've been around. After talking with other guys in the NFL and what I've heard about other organizations, they don't really hold a candle. Those kind of are the big factors as to why I came back to Philadelphia. From what my wife reads to me and my family sending me stuff, I guess I have a pretty big fan base out there, too, and that kind of draws you back a little bit."

Landri also said that despite the fact that the Eagles led the NFL in sacks last season, they still have room for improvement.

"We were the best defensive line in the NFL last year. We have potential to be better than we were last year, and we left a few things on the table last year. I'm not satisfied at all with the outcome, and I decided to come back and be a part of it."