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Now that the Philadelphia Eagles are reportedly set to trade Kiko Alonso to the Miami Dolphins, they are going to need a new starting outside linebacker for their 4-3 defense. Free agent linebacker Tahir Whitehead just might be his replacement. Multiple reports are already connecting the Temple alumnus back to Philadelphia.
#Eagles have expressed interest in OLB Tahir Whitehead, per a source. Could be Kiko's replacement. https://t.co/g38o8J0rI5
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) March 7, 2016
Heard same and Lions source said he's a 3-down LB. Also can play 3 LB positions for Schwartz... RT (cont) https://t.co/KRWBwFeSW5
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) March 7, 2016
Whitehead shares an obvious connection with Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. The Lions drafted Whitehead in the fifth round of the 2012 NFL Draft when Schwartz was still the head coach in Detroit.
The 25-year-old Whitehead measures in at 6-2, 242 pounds. He's played in 64 out of 64 possible games over four seasons but has only started 24 in total. Nine of those came last season in 2015. Whitehead has racked up 113 tackles, two sacks, three interceptions, 11 passes defensed, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery over the course of his time with the Lions. Here's an obligatory look at his spider graph:
The Eagles are allowed to negotiate with Whitehead's agent since the NFL's legal tampering window began today. They won't be able to officially sign him until Wednesday, March 9 at 4:00 PM ET at the earliest.