Eagles Safety Search: Stevie Brown

The Eagles will look to add some safety talent this season through both free agency and the draft. With three long-time Eagles safeties set to hit free agency and Pat Chung probably on his way out, Philadelphia may need to add several players at the position. The Eagles biggest priority for free agency may be bolstering the safety unit.

New York Giants safety Stevie Brown is an outside the box idea kind of player for the Eagles to consider. Brown is coming off an ACL injury that he suffered in preseason. The Eagles took a chance on a former Giants safety with injury issues last year in Kenny Phillips. As we all know, it didn't exactly work out. Phillips couldn't stay on the field during training camp and preseason and was subsequently released in final cuts. Whereas Phillips' injury concerns were much more serious, Brown is reportedly healthy. So maybe a former Giants safety could become an Eagle for the second year in a row. Brown is the No. 8 ranked available safety on Rotoworld's top free agent list.

NFL Career

Stevie Brown was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the seventh round of the 2010 NFL Draft at pick No. 251. In one season with the Raiders, he started one game and played in 15. The Raiders released him in September 2011. Shortly after that, the Panthers claimed Brown off waivers but cut him three days later. Then the Colts picked him up a few weeks later. He appeared in eight games for Indianapolis but played very sparingly.

Brown finally caught on with a team when he signed with the Giants in 2012. He effectively replaced former starter Kenny Phillips and played in 16 games while having started 11. He racked up a league-leading 8 interceptions for a total of 307 INT return yards, which is the fourth highest single-season total in NFL history. He also recorded 11 passes defensed, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, and 56 tackles. Brown missed the entire 2013 season with an ACL injury.

Appeal to the Eagles

Steve Brown, who will turn 27 in July, has decent size at 6-0, 221 pounds. Given the flash of success Brown had in 2012, it might be worth taking a chance on him without having to break the bank. Stealing him away from the Giants would be an added bonus.

Appeal to Brown

Brown will likely want to return to the Giants. He's reportedly already had discussions with them about returning. Then again, maybe the Giants do Brown just like they did like Phillips and don't want to bring back a player coming off a major injury. Not only do the Eagles have the money and a starting job to offer Brown, they've also shown they like to take chances at the safety position.

Bottom Line(s)

If the Eagles feel there is more to Brown's one-year-wonder 2012 season, he could be a smart buy at an undervalued price.

If Brown can't come to terms with the Giants, why not spurn them and help out the Eagles?