Stephen Tulloch to the Eagles reportedly isn't imminent

A report emerged on Saturday evening indicating the Eagles and Stephen Tulloch are involved in "heavy negotiations." There hasn't been an official signing yet, though, and Les Bowen reports there have been talks but nothing seems imminent.

Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, who is obviously very familiar with the veteran linebacker, was asked about Philadelphia's reported interest in Tulloch after practice on Sunday.

"First, I got a lot of background with Steve," he started. "I was with Tennessee when we drafted him; [he] ended up being starting middle linebacker for us there. When I was head coach in Detroit, we brought him up there. I have a lot of respect for that guy and his production."

"But last week, when you guys asked me similar questions, I said the same thing. Howie [Roseman] and [Eagles vice president of player personnel] Joe [Douglas], those guys, all the scouts are always looking for ways to improve our team. So, whoever is out there that can improve our team, whether it's a guy like ‘Tully’ who is unsigned, or guys that are on other teams, that they’re looking at roster numbers; we're going to watch pre-season games and be looking at the waiver wire, who might be cap casualties. That's what the personnel department does. I trust those guys to explore every option that would help us."

While it remains to be seen if the Eagles sign Tulloch, there's no denying the team could afford to upgrade their depth at the linebacker position. But if that doesn't happen, Schwartz seems to feel comfortable with the guys he's currently working with.

"We have some good veterans here," Schwartz said. "Najee Goode is a young veteran, but I think he does a great job in that role. I think we've got a good mix of younger players and older players."

"I don't think you go in with preconceived notions that way. I don't think you sit there and say, ‘Yeah, we have ‘X’ number of vets and ‘X’ number of rookies.’ We leave that to Howie and Joe and the personnel guys. We’ll coach who’s out there."

In addition, Schwartz praised one of the team's seventh round draft picks, who has also earned praise from head coach Doug Pederson.

"I think Joe Walker has done a very good job of handling all the stuff that goes along with being a Mike linebacker," said Schwartz. "I said a couple days ago, I wasn't giving gold stars to Jordan Hicks for doing that, but Jordan's not a rookie and Joe is. When he's out there, he does a nice job with it."

Schwartz can praise his current players all he wants, but it's clear he also highly values some of his former ones. He was a factor in the Eagles bringing former Bills players Leodis McKelvin, Nigel Bradham, and Ron Brooks to Philadelphia. Now we'll wait to see if Tulloch is the latest former Schwartz player added to the Eagles' roster.