2013 NFL Free Agency: Louis Delmas

This latest edition of DB Watch 2013 features a lesser mentioned target. Free agent Safety Louis Delmas is just one of the many available DBs that the Eagles could target to repair their broken secondary.

Delmas was drafted by the Detroit Lions just outside of the first round (33rd overall, 2nd round) in 2009. He's been the starter at Safety for the Lions ever since. In 49 games played and started over 4 seasons, Delmas has 267 tackles (191 solo), 3 sacks, 16 passed defensed, 3 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles.

Knee injuries have been a problem for Delmas. He's only managed to play in 19 games (out of 32 possible) the past two seasons. The injuries have also affected his quality of play. Delmas played well in 2009 and 2010 but has struggled to replicate that form in recent seasons.

While the Eagles haven't been officially linked to Delmas (yet), there have been reports that multiple teams are indeed interested in his services. One of those teams is the Lions, who have reportedly already made an offer to Delmas. It seems like Delmas will test the FA waters first to see if he can get a better deal.

Delmas recently questioned the Lions commitment to him in an interview with the Detroit Free Press.

"I almost feel like a girlfriend waiting at home that’s got a boyfriend that’s cheating on her," Delmas said. "But it is what it is. I’m trying to see if I can stay at home and get a couple more years out of him."

So who’s being cheated on in Delmas’ analogy?

"The Lions are cheating on me," he said. "They’re going to the club every damn night and staying out late night, trying to come back home to Daddy. But it’s all right."

There's no question Delmas can be a positive contributor when healthy. In addition, he's a vocal player who is viewed as a leader on and off the field. He could be an interesting target for the Eagles because he might come at a discount due to the injuries and related decreased performance quality. In this time of the franchise's transition, it might make sense now more than ever for the Eagles to take a risk on a player like this. Conversely, it could be argued that the Eagles don't need to take this risk when they have plenty of money to spend on other free agent Safety options.