Eagles reportedly offered Nick Fairley a contract before he signed with Saints

The Eagles were reportedly interested in Nick Fairley after all. According to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, Philadelphia was one of a few teams to make offers to Fairley before the free agent defensive tackle ultimately signed with the New Orleans Saints.

"Veteran defensive tackle Nick Fairley is signing a one-year contract with the New Orleans Saints after declining contract offers from the Texans, New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles, according to a source not authorized to speak publicly."

The Eagles' interest in Fairley was first reported two weeks ago. Shortly after that original report, however, NFL insider Adam Schefter shut down those rumors.

Fairley would have been a nice addition for the Eagles since he's had success in Jim Schwartz's scheme. The problem is that a deal may not have made sense with respect to playing time and money. The Eagles already have two starting defensive tackles in Fletcher Cox and Bennie Logan. Fairley would have been a rotational player.

It's probably fair to say the Saints also outbid other teams in the chase for Fairley. It also doesn't hurt that New Orleans is only a two hour drive from Fairley's hometown of Mobile, Alabama.

The Eagles didn't need Fairley but they could afford to improve their depth along the defensive line. The players behind Cox and Logan currently include Beau Allen, Taylor Hart, and Travis Raciti. None of those players are particularly inspiring.