NFL Free Agency Rumors: Eagles Have Interest in Antoine Bethea, None in T.J. Ward

With the official start of NFL free agency drawing closer and closer, the rumors are flying in fast and often. Here's the latest:

S Antoine Bethea

Eagles are actively looking into the safety position.Mike Mitchell has been mentioned. Antoine Bethea also a name to keep in mind.

— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) March 10, 2014

Tim McManus of Birds 24/7 is reporting that the veteran safety Antoine Bethea is drawing interest from the Eagles. BGN recently previewed Bethea as an Eagles target. Bethea would likely be a short-term answer. At 30 years of age, he's a proven starter in the NFL. He's also proved to be durable, never starting less than 13 games in a season. It's worth noting that the Colts have a lot of cap space, so they should be able to bring back Bethea if they so desire.

S T.J. Ward

Eagles do not appear to be involved in the TJ Ward sweepstakes at this time.

— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) March 10, 2014

McManus is also reporting that the Eagles don't seem to be chasing Browns free agent safety T.J. Ward. Ward avoided being tagged last week and will enter the free agent market as one of the top free agent safeties available. Ward, a former Oregon Duck, will likely draw a big pay day. His price might be beyond what the Eagles want to spend on the safety position.

S Jairus Byrd

Reports indicate that Byrd is seeking up to $9 million a year for his services. It's no surprise that Byrd wants to become one of the highest paid safeties in the NFL. It's being reported that the Redskins have expressed interest in Byrd. Given their big spending history in free agenct, it makes sense, but I'm sure they won't be the only team.

OLB Mike Neal

Name to pay attention to starting Tues is GB OLB/DE Mike Neal. Didn't drop much in 1st year as OLB, but has size/versatility/athleticism

— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) March 10, 2014

Neal is a player that's already been brought up in previous rumors. It seems like the Eagles would have interest in him as a depth player at outside linebacker.

DE Lamarr Houston

BGN mentioned yesterday that the Eagles showed interest in Lamarr Houston. Les Bowen of the Daily News confirmed that interest on Monday morning.

The Eagles have looked into Raiders edge rusher and pending free agent Lamarr Houston, I'm told. He'll attract a lot of interest.

— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) March 10, 2014

CB Nolan Carroll

BGN already discussed this rumor earlier, but it bears repeating: the Eagles are interested in Dolphins free agent cornerback Nolan Carroll.

CB Corey Graham

They've inquired, I'm told. We'll see what happens MT @eaglesnut Suggest you check on Corey Graham. CB has exp at S, played for Chip at NH.

— Geoff Mosher (@GeoffMosherCSN) March 10, 2014

Graham is a player BGN has discussed as an Eagles target before (special h/t to Mike Kaye). His versatility and background with Chip Kelly could make him an intriguing option.

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That's it for now. Plenty of rumors still to come! Stay tuned to BGN for all of your free agency coverage needs.