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According to a report, the Philadelphia Eagles have signed undrafted free agent quarterback Taylor Martinez of Nebraska.
I've confirmed with the Martinez family that QB Taylor Martinez has signed a three-year free agent deal with the Philadelphia Eagles.
— Sean Callahan (@Sean_Callahan) May 11, 2014
Martinez had his pick of three different NFL team in negotiations. He settled with the Eagles a couple hours ago. #Huskers
— Sean Callahan (@Sean_Callahan) May 11, 2014
When I asked Martinez's father what position he'll play, "he was not sure" and did not want to "speculate" the Eagles needs. #Huskers
— Sean Callahan (@Sean_Callahan) May 11, 2014
Well, this is interesting. As previously noted, Martinez played quarterback in college. He wasn't a very good passer, however, and he obviously didn't draw enough interest to be drafted. But Martinez is very athletic. Take a look at these numbers (h/t Tommy Lawlor):
Martinez (6-foot 1/4, 201 pounds) ran the 40-yard dash in 4.45 and 4.6 seconds. He had a 39-inch vertical jump and 10-foot-9 broad jump. He had a 20-yard short shuttle time of 4.03 seconds and did the three-cone drill in 6.85 seconds. All of those numbers with the exception of the three-cone would have either been the best among quarterbacks or matched the best among quarterbacks at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Martinez worked out as a quarterback, wide receiver and defensive back at Nebraska’s pro day. Some NFL team will have to take a look at Martinez and decide what to do with him because he’s such a gifted athlete.
In 4 years at Nebraska, Martinez rushed for a total of 2975 yards on 585 attempts (5.1 average) and 31 TD. Once again, he accumulated those numbers while playing quarterback.
It will be interesting to see what the Eagles decide to do with Martinez. It's worth noting there are currently four quarterbacks on the roster: Nick Foles, Matt Barkley, Mark Sanchez, and G.J. Kinne. I imagine the Eagles will want to keep at least five for training camp. Is Martinez the fifth guy or do they want to move him to another position? What does Chip Kelly have in store?
Oh, the intrigue!
[Note by Brandon Lee Gowton, 05/11/14 6:48 PM EDT] -
I'd expect Eagles to give Martinez reps at cornerback or wide receiver but not QB. Also: Still has to pass physical after 2013 foot injury.
— Reuben Frank (@RoobCSN) May 11, 2014