Dannell Ellerbe to sign with Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles are signing veteran free agent linebacker Dannell Ellerbe, according to an announcement from his agent.

This move doesn’t come as a total surprise. The Eagles brought Ellerbe to Philly for a workout a couple weeks ago. Here’s what we wrote at the time.

Ellerbe, 31, has played in 77 career NFL games and made 42 starts since entering the league in 2009. During that span, he’s recorded 272 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 13 passes defensed, three interceptions, and two forced fumbles.

The Baltimore Ravens signed Ellerbe, who went to Georgia, as an undrafted rookie free agent. He played four years there before earning a big money deal with the Dolphins. After two seasons in South Beach, Miami traded Ellerbe and a third-round pick to the Saints in exchange for Kenny Stills. New Orleans waived Ellerbe this summer after he suffered a foot injury in July and was placed on injured reserve.

The Eagles are likely checking up on Ellerbe’s medical status. They clearly already have familiarity with the linebacker thanks to the Joe Douglas connection.

The 6-2, 245 pound Ellerbe has struggled to stay healthy during his career but he has some talent.

The Eagles likely aren’t bringing in Ellerbe to count on him as a full-time starter. He gives them more depth at linebacker with Jordan Hicks being out for the year. Perhaps he’ll see some rotational playing time in place of Joe Walker.

Philadelphia hasn’t officially confirmed this roster move, but a team announcement is expected on Monday. The Eagles will have to cut someone from their 53-man roster to make room for Ellerbe.

Here’s a brief Ellerbe highlights video.