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Impending free agent George Iloka isn't the only player that Eagles fans are trying to recruit to Philadelphia via Twitter. Now the Philly faithful have locked in on a new target: Cardinals safety Tony Jefferson. It all started when Jefferson "liked" on this tweet by BGN's Radio own John Barchard:
— John Barchard (@JohnBarchard) March 7, 2016
Then Eagles fans started to slide into his direct messages, and he responded:
Good morning! ICYMI I DMd Tony Jefferson last night, an RFA safety for Arizona. pic.twitter.com/sR86HpcupK
— Colin Benner (@ColinBenner) March 7, 2016
@IgglesCoverage @JohnBarchard update: pic.twitter.com/4wULjcRCfI
— DutyHead (@sportsgeek3) March 7, 2016
@sportsgeek3 @IgglesCoverage @JohnBarchard pic.twitter.com/CResSzmjdO
— Nation of Eagles (@NationOfEagles) March 7, 2016
@BrandonGowton apparently I don't know how RFA works but he still responded! I like this guy! Do it @eagles pic.twitter.com/kN9rN60Wua
— Kyle Rehm (@kreh005) March 7, 2016
Then someone edited his Wikipedia page to put him on the Eagles, which he thought was funny:
@eaglesgeek lmao y'all wildin
— Tony Jefferson (@tonyjefferson1) March 7, 2016
The tricky part with Jefferson is that he's a restricted free agent. The Cardinals gave him with the lowest possible tender, however, so any NFL team can sign him to an offer sheet. From there, Arizona will have a week to match another team's offer or else lose him without getting any compensation in return.
Based on his Twitter timeline, Jefferson seemingly feels slighted about receiving a low tender. It's been suggested he's not in the Cardinals' long-term plans.
If that's the case, the Eagles could look to capitalize on Jefferson. The 24-year-old safety could be a good value for the Eagles. Measuring in at 5-11, 212 pounds, Jefferson started 17 games for Arizona since joining the team as an undrafted free agent in 2013. He's recorded 146 tackles, two interceptions, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and one defensive touchdown in his three-season career. He just might be worth the risk for Philadelphia.