:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/9156803/20130113_jla_aa6_048.0.jpg)
The Franchise Tag season has come and passed, and with the tags placed and left hanging, we now know what the market is likely to be for free agency. Of course, there is a reason to believe a good chunk of the potential free agents are going to be resigned before the annual spending spree begins, but for now, the market looks terrific if you are looking for secondary help. Luckily, the Eagles need so much secondary help that we created a whole section (DB Watch 2013) to look at their options. One of the most appealing potential free agents is Houston Texans safety, Glover Quin.
Quin is not a just an awesome name, he is a legit option for the Eagles at free safety. Quin began his career as a cornerback, after he was drafted by the Texans in the 4th round of the 2009 NFL Draft. Quin was a three-year starting cornerback at the University of New Mexico before being selected by Houston. He played mostly cornerback his first season in the league, starting 12 of the 15 games he appeared in. Following struggles in the 2010 Texans secondary, Quin was moved to free safety and that is where he has started all 48 games since (3 straight seasons).
Let's take a look at Quin's stats to get a better idea of what we are looking at as a potential target:
As you can see, Quin has been able to stay healthy over his career, having missed only one game. He has a plenty of experience as a starter at both safety and cornerback and has very impressive pass deflection numbers. While he only has 5 interceptions, it is clear he is batting down balls. Pro Football Focus has gone as far as calling him a Secret Superstar. They acknowledge his versatility, noting that he was used in the slot and in man coverage while with the Texans.
Quin's ability to play man and in slot led to what some would call "eh" numbers. He was tied for the lead in targets for safeties at 65 and surrendered six touchdowns. He did however rank fifth among slot corners in "Yards Per Snap" count (0.83 yards per snap). Pro Football Focus ranks Quin as the fifth best safety free agent.
Quin would not likely be a superstar signing for the Eagles but he is the type of guy the team could have interest in. He's young, has a ton of starting experience, has played in behind both a 3-4 and 4-3, and has solid coverage ability. Free agency has tons of options, but adding a free safety of Quin's caliber could be a solid investment for the Eagles.