• March 28, 2024

Free Agency And The NFC East In 2012

In the first week of free agency the Washington Redskins made some big splashes. To answer, the Eagles did nothing but pay their own. There was rumors of Penn State product Dan Connor, who has since signed with the Cowboys, a premature tweet about linebacker Curtis Lofton being an Eagle, and a visit by former Redskin safety Laron Landry.

The Redskins bolstered their offense by adding two wide receivers, Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan. Of course, these two have been added to help Robert Griffin III, the Baylor product expected to go with the number two overall pick that the Redskins gave so much up for.

Along with the Eagles, the Giants have been relatively quiet, only signing a few of their own through the first four days of the 2012 offseason. The Cowboys have signed Kyle Orton to play behing Tony Romo and have added Dan Connor, Brandon Carr and Brodney Pool to help a defense that was one of the best at pressuring the quarterback last season.

So what does this all mean in the NFC East?

While the Redskins are improving greatly on offense, their defense, barring any big signings, will be without some major pieces that they had last season. London Fletcher, one of the most consistent linebackers in the league, is a free agent. So are safeties Laron Landry and Oshiomogho Atogwe. In a division with Dez Bryant, Hakeem Nicks, and DeSean Jackson, a poor defensive backfield is not an option.

The Cowboys haven’t done much to improve their team as a whole. While backup quarterback is a big deal in Dallas, where Tony Romo missed 10 games just two seasons ago, it is not a season changing move. The additions of a linebacker and two defensive backs will help improve a defense that was 23rd in pass defense and 7th in rush defense.

The Giants and Eagles have showed that they are pretty happy with where they sit. The Eagles might have an answer at linebacker in the draft if Luke Kuechly drops to the 15th pick or maybe they are waiting for the market for linebackers to develop so they know what kind of offers to make. They have rewarded DeSean Jackson with a five year contract that nets in excess of $50 million. Antonio Dixon, Trent Cole, and Todd Herremans have all been recipients of new contracts as well.

The Giants have resigned cornerback Terrell Thomas and backup quarterback David Carr. The only additions they have made are Martellus Bennett at tight end and safety Chris Horton.

From the looks of it, the Eagles, forgetting the fluke that was last season, should have a real shot at regaining their dominance in the division. The Redskins will be led by a rookie quarterback and for the most part, rookie quarterbacks are rarely successful in season one. Andy Dalton is an example of an exception to the rule. The Cowboys always find ways to lose games they should win. The Giants are defending champions but the Eagles have had their number lately winning seven of the last eight matchups.

The question lies outside the division where the Eagles will be playing against offenses like the Ravens, Falcons, and Bengals at home and the Saints on the road. The Eagles can be the best in the division without question. But to be a true contender come playoff time, changes still need to be made by bringing in veteran defensive players. Expect those changes to come.

Brenden Peddigree

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Turk
Turk
March 16, 2012 7:30 pm

Dan Conner only got 2 years, $6.5M; $2.7M guaranteed) so the Eagles couldn’t match that this team needs 2 starting linebackers they have the worst unit in the NFL they better wake up.

schiller
schiller
March 16, 2012 7:51 pm

turk, reports are that the Eagles barely wanted Conner at all, and that they had no intention of really signing the guy after the visit, unless he realized himself that he’s not worth starting money. Realize, 0 other LBs of any trace significance have signed at this point. There are 5 or 6 better guys still out there. I hardly think the Connor situation is an indication of how they’ll treat the position this ear…

Turk
Turk
March 16, 2012 8:15 pm

I’m looking at the money Conner got thats up the Eagles alley and why we waiting for every one else if you see a guy you like go get him this linebacker situation is a issue.

EaglesSuck
EaglesSuck
March 16, 2012 8:37 pm

” should have a real shot at regaining their dominance in the division”

LMAO really? out of the last 7 years the Eagles have only won 2 division titles. You call that dominance?

EaglesSuck
EaglesSuck
March 16, 2012 8:40 pm

Michael Vick is officially the WORST quarterback in the NFC East. I put Romo, Eli, and RGlll ahead of him.

Erock
Erock
March 16, 2012 8:42 pm

I’m looking for them to get Tulloch in here soon. Im getting a feeling Detroit isnt ready to shell out the bread to keep him around. They wanted him last year and made a huge mistake by not making it happen. Pro Bowl year and would of been a big time leader last year.

I’m pleased witth them getting there guys signed but im going to look at the offseason as a solid c+ unless they get Plax and or a vet MLB. He would solve red-zone and blitz sit. problems immediatly.

Is anyone else thinking ill take Fletcher for two years until a rook learns the ropes? Guy DOES NOT miss tackles.

Erock
Erock
March 16, 2012 8:50 pm

The fact that your putting Romo ahead of Vick shows how much partisan you have and haterade you pump.Ok…im given you Eli…no doubt…guy shows poise like no other right now and with an improved o-line is gonna continue to be top shelf.Romo has done nothing to even be compared to Vick. Sorry, E.s….NFC Title game appearance,beat Pack 1st time ever at Lamb.in p-off game,running ability,much better accuracy on deep ball, when both are locked in with there arm im taking Vick power and pocket movement over Romo. Romo is a tough s.o.b. and does get some crap from us cause hes a Cowboy. But don tbe a narrow minded Eagle hater. Rg3??? He hasnt played a down yet.

Angry Greg Ryan Fan
Angry Greg Ryan Fan
March 16, 2012 8:50 pm

Eaglessuck- I have Vick as the 3rd best QB in the NFC East.

Erock- Tulloch is a beast. I heard that the Birds wasn’t interested in him. I like the Eagles selecting a DT. I think now that Bunkley is gone and Trevor Laws just isnt cutting it I think thats a position that Andy wants to fill asap. I also have reason to think that is because with this team you think you have it all figured out like we know they need a safety a LB etc but come draft time they always seem to shock us. Thats just how I see it.

EaglesSuck
EaglesSuck
March 16, 2012 8:56 pm

Tony Romo

Completions 346
yards- 4184
Ints- 10
TD- 31

Michael Vick

Completions- 253
yards- 3303
ints- 14
TD- 18

In the words of Jay-z men lie women lie numbers dont.

greenfan
greenfan
March 16, 2012 9:02 pm

Looks like the child molester is looking for more attention…..going to threaten anyone else tonite? EaglesSuck, get ready for another long night. I can’t wait for more stories about your mother.

Angry Greg Ryan Fan
Angry Greg Ryan Fan
March 16, 2012 9:08 pm

Wow people can be really dumb. Talking about someones mother on a sports blog website. Makes you look immature.

greenfan
greenfan
March 16, 2012 9:17 pm

Shut up Ryan. Stay in Downingtown. This loser Giants fan will hear from me everytime he starts his act on here. I could care less what you think you media-whore Ryan.

schiller
schiller
March 16, 2012 9:36 pm

turk, I hear you. But be patient man. Tulloch wants to be paid like he’s the best LB on the market, and he’s not. There’s still Hawthorne (who I want for SAM), Lofton, Fletcher, and a few other quality upgrades out there – all better than Connor is. And despite how you seem to paint it, free agency is ANYTHING BUT SIMPLE. It’s a complex game of chicken, poker, and different teams with different needs.

Just take Connor – the Eagles and Cowboys D’s are so different from eachother. Connor in Dallas will be playing with Ware, Lee, and in a 3-4. Not here, totally different situation. So even for 1 given player, just from a football standpoint, each situation is unique….

Erock
Erock
March 16, 2012 9:53 pm

Vick is a better quarterback then Romo.Thats my call…quoting JayZ doesnt make you right.It means your basing an answer to a opinon based question on #’s. Stop dude…Vick has out performed Romo in his career and will finish with a better resume. RG3….???

Can you please give me your reg Gmen site so i can come on there and talk football with the rest of the Giants fan.

Angry….you just sounded like Mrs. Brady…fallback and enjoy the ride.He’s busting chops.

EaglesSuck
EaglesSuck
March 16, 2012 10:39 pm

Erock I blog on 3 other sites. A New York a Washington and a Dallas. NY is Bigblueview dot com. Many people including Eagles fans come and jab at the blue view. Its what make sports fun. I get you guys hate me and I wouldnt have it any other way. I may be a Giants fan but at heart I love sports in general so going to these sites like gcobb are helpful. But enough with the sob story.

I know Romos a bitch but you cant deny what he did last year. He played like an elite QB and you gotta give credit where credit is due so the momentum going into 2012-2013 I think Romo has a SLIGHT edge over Vick but that remains to be seen.

Deasr
Deasr
March 16, 2012 11:45 pm

Anyone know Maclin’s deal? He might be inline for an extension too.

paulman
paulman
March 17, 2012 12:51 am

In an under the radar but important Free-Agent signing this afternoon.
The SL Rams signed Free-Agent Center Scott Wells away from the Packers who do not have a viable,experienced Center/Back-up on their Roster..
Veteran Matt Birk already has re-signed withe Ravens and the Texans also re-signed Center Chris Myers to a big deal leaving the CEnter market very thin
Raiders also released, as expected ,OLB Kamerion WImbley who had a very productive season last year but was unable to rework his Deal with the Raiders so they released him in a Salary Cap move.. Wimbley is 6-4 255lbs and has 7 Sacks and 19 QB Hits last Season to go along with his 73 Tackles and 1 INt.. I think he could make an excellent SAM LB on RUnning Downs and Blitz Packages, He is not known as a Coverage LB so on opassing downs a more athletic drop back LB would be needed, but you can move him around, good against the run and excellent when you let him loose to get into the backfield.. Eagles should definitely contact him for he won’t last long on the open markey..

larrwd
larrwd
March 17, 2012 7:30 am

The eagles should draft zach brown … because theyre going to have to go against rg3 twice a year.. and its rumored the giants are interested in brown to stop vick and rg3.. and then sign a free agent for the middle

jbeeeee
jbeeeee
March 17, 2012 8:19 am

This is the eagles dominance i see.Eagles last playoff win was 2008 season then got knocked out first round 2009 and first round 2010 then missed last year.I think if the eagles only win the division and lose in the first round this year andy will be gone and maybe vick too but they really do not have anyone to replace him on the roster right now as kafka only appears to be a backup in this league as he does not seem to have a strong arm to throw the deep balls almost like kolb.

SONGSRME2
SONGSRME2
March 17, 2012 8:47 am

The Giants can really sit back in free agency because their front office actually know how to draft. ….

The Eagles on the other hand are trying to sign their own mimicking the G Men yet bust consistently in the draft concerning defensive players.

The Eagles will never win the big one with this poor FO, mediocre head coach in Reid, and the failed offensive line coach running point as defensive coordinator.

jakedog
jakedog
March 17, 2012 9:05 am

eagles are a bust in draft on defense, draft a pro bowler in second round, djax, and monkey around signing him, they must build through the draft, resign your core players, this is a huge draft for the eagles, they have to get it right this time, if they do and vick steps it up they will win the nfc east easily

jott1972
jott1972
March 17, 2012 9:28 am

The Eagles have not improved from last year so I dont see how they are going to win the NFC East…. they signed their own, but still have major holes at LB and S. They stil dont have a red zone target at WR either. Vick and Reid are basically in their last years so the stress is going to be high this coming season. Its going to be a tougher season than last…. the Skins have improved, the Giants are still very good and the Cowboys a threat.

pdiddy
pdiddy
March 17, 2012 10:25 am

Hey the eagles can pick up Jameel Mclain from baltimore and Kimberly wake from oakland. This will solve their linebacker problems, Mclain is a local kid. What do you guys think, Wake can play the Sam

pdiddy
pdiddy
March 17, 2012 10:41 am

Oh my bad Kamerion Wimbley from Oakland, wow I butchered that name.

larrwd
larrwd
March 17, 2012 10:43 am

kamerion wimbley i was so confused i was like theres a dude i nthe nfl name kimberly… hes a beast tho 6’4 255 .. ran a 4.61

pdiddy
pdiddy
March 17, 2012 10:46 am

I know he would cover the tight ends and I believe Mclain can man the middle. He learned behind Ray for years. And there both like twenty six, that would be nice. But they won’t do it.

larrwd
larrwd
March 17, 2012 10:50 am

I dont think theyll do it either .. they gotta do something though.. id take wimbley and keuchly.. i cant see them signing 2 free agent linebackers… or mcclain and zac brown

pdiddy
pdiddy
March 17, 2012 10:51 am

Man that would be nice you get those two guys that solves are linebacker issues for years. Then at #15 we can get our DT and in the second rd we can draft another LB to study under these two guys. I like that scenario what do you guys think?

pdiddy
pdiddy
March 17, 2012 10:54 am

Yeah but that kid from boston won’t be there at #15. They would have to move up to get him. I thought two free agents could work, because I didn’t think Mclain would cost them a ton.

larrwd
larrwd
March 17, 2012 10:58 am

he might be there depends on chiefs and seattle mostly .. becuase seattle lost fatupu but they may take that quarterback.. and chiefs took justin houston last year so he may be there.. if we picked up mcclain we could then draft zac brown

pdiddy
pdiddy
March 17, 2012 11:04 am

Larrwd it’s funny cause we are simply fans and we just solved their linebacker problem. Our scenarios both make them way better at that position now. Let’s see if they can figure it out.

larrwd
larrwd
March 17, 2012 11:14 am

imagine if the dont sign one and the draft comes and they dont draft one..this town will be in an uproar

pheags88
pheags88
March 17, 2012 11:24 am

Reports are saying that the Eagles have no interest in Tulloch, Hawthorne, or Lofton. Tulloch is asking for a contract similar to Jackson’s from the Browns (5 yr 42 mill). No shit…what do you think you get one of the best linebackers in the league for cheap? think you are going to sign Tulloch for like 2 million a year…This seems like it will be a repeat of last year (or basically every year Reid has been here) when he passes on the top linebacker available for the taking…Again this would be different if Reid actually showed he was capable of drafting Lbs but he cant for the life of him…which is why I don’t get why just pay for atleast one stud and have the below average around him..atleast it would be better then having all below average LBs here. Please Reid prove me wrong

Does anyone know the deal on K. Wimbley? would he be a good fit here? (i mean if it really matters anyways)

Rocko
Rocko
March 17, 2012 11:28 am

Lb, S, and a Wr in the red zone are the biggest problems facing us at the moment. This FO staff is awful at drafting defensive players and with JC as D-coord could prove to cost us again.

pdiddy
pdiddy
March 17, 2012 11:47 am

Man look If you can get Mclain from baltimore to play the middle, Wimbley to play the sam where good at that spot. Our safties our here allen, jarret and coleman are it. They will let them play and develop, as far as the redzone they have to just call better and different plays. They are too predictable down there, they have to switch it up. I frustrated because there are players availabe that can help us right now. And they hesitate, bringing in one or two top notch linebackers would not kill us.

paulman
paulman
March 17, 2012 11:48 am

Wimbley is best suited for a 3-4 Scheme for he’s more of a pass rushing LB (With 15 Sacks over the last 2 seasons) then a true 3 Down LB so Probably little interest from the Eagles with him, though I think he could be a good “SAM’ LB on rushing downs and then use him to blitz which the Eagles don’t really do with their LB’s..

schiller
schiller
March 17, 2012 12:06 pm

Pheags, you’re taking that “report” at face value? Since when do speculative reports hold their weight? I say everyone is an option until they are signed elsewhere. If the eagles are in fact interested in any of those guys, wouldn’t it be in their best interest to not say so?

And as far as tulloch goes, I don’t thing most would agree with you that he’s one of the best lbs. He’s very good as a run stopper in the wide9, but he hardly one of the best lbs in the league. And he’s asking to be paid like a star.

paulman
paulman
March 17, 2012 12:09 pm

My sources have the Eagles as potentially interested in and looking at
LB’s Jordan Senn, Phillip Wheeler and Safety Reggie Nelson and that’s about it..

pheags88
pheags88
March 17, 2012 12:14 pm

Schiller get real we talked before FA started and told you As long as Reid is here he will not pay top dollar for the best linebacker in FA in the open market and he will not spend a 1st on one for the best talent in the draft. No point of even arguing about it cuz it never happened since Reid has been here and never will…Again i hope Reid proves me wrong and makes me look stupid cuz I think i would be best for the team to sign Tulloch and draft Barron. BUt again it won’t happen, keep living in your fairy tale land.

And tulloch is not asking to be paid like a top star…he is not asking for Ware money. HE is one of the best overall linebackers in the league and his probowls show it. just stop it man lol.

schiller
schiller
March 17, 2012 12:27 pm

Pheags, you are insisting that you know the future. That is obsurd.

And tulloch is a reknowned liabily against the pass which disqualifies him from being one of the best all around lbs. Period. ware is a rush outside 3-4 lb, practically a different position

schiller
schiller
March 17, 2012 12:30 pm

Pheags, if the past always dictated the future, that would mean that people who are virgins will never have children

paulman
paulman
March 17, 2012 12:32 pm

Eagles Strategy appears to lock up their young Core Players from an 8-8 Team. Then Draft well and hope the Team protects the ball better and if they cut their Tunrovers in half, that they will be a 10-11 Win team and make the Playoffs wit h having a full regular Season of OTA’s and Camps together which they believe will really help the 2nd/3rd Year players as well as QB Vick.. Will it be enough as other Teams add Talent to Upgrade their Rosters ….. (TB Bucs, Redskins,Cowboys, Rams & 49ers have been pretty agressive so far and Bears added a #1 True WR as far as Teams in the NFC) Do the Eagles by standing pat actually fall further behind in the improving NFC… These answers we will have in about 9 Months when the 2012 Season is owinding down..
If you want to hear something crazy, I put the Eagles Chances of making the Playoffs in 2012by when they play the Steelers.. If they can play the Steelers within the 1st 2 weeks of the Season (when they won’t have Hampton,Mendenhall, Keisel) then they have a shot of a winning Season.. If the Steelers are on the schedule for later in the season when these players return from late season injuries, then it’s all over.. I would not be surprised to see the Eagles open up with the Steelers & Ravens in the first 2 weeks of the Season which if the can go 1-1 they are fine, starting 0-2 will not be good. .

greenfan
greenfan
March 17, 2012 12:36 pm

Any word on Mathis? Last I saw he was returning to ARZ to decide on offers from Ravens and Eagles. I know that it isn’t as popular as talking about LB’s we want, but taking care of the OL is going to be a big part of the Birds success this year.

pheags88
pheags88
March 17, 2012 12:38 pm

Yea Schiller, I pretty much do know the future when it comes to Reid and his linebackers. Any reasonable Eagles fan that has followed the team does. Reid will not pay top dollar for the best linebacker in FA…if that statement is absurd to you then you need some serious mental help.

LOL great quote, whats really funny about it is the past does dictate the future when it comes to Reid and linebackers for his Birds team.

greenfan
greenfan
March 17, 2012 12:44 pm

Schill you are wrong in your statement about Tulloch…he is widely understood to be a 3 down LB. He does will on passing downs, and does not leave the field. Unlike Lofton, who has been primarily a 2 down LB with ATL.

larrwd
larrwd
March 17, 2012 12:54 pm

i think the eagles have their eye on keuchly

pheags88
pheags88
March 17, 2012 1:00 pm

Greenfan, agree. And I do not know how it would disqualify Tulloch from being one of the top linebackers in the game since basically every linebacker in the league will struggle against the pass on occasions these days..esp with these superhuman tight ends…see P. Willis getting exposed by JG in the NFC championship game. I guess he is disqualified now too

schiller
schiller
March 17, 2012 1:02 pm

Greenfan, my bad you are correct and I was mistaken for a moment there on tulloch. I just still think that whoever gets him this year will be overpaying a bit, but by no means am I against the eagles signing him. But I want hawthorne for sam. Id be happy with fletcher too

paulman
paulman
March 17, 2012 1:05 pm

SL Rams Sign DE Kendall Langford from the Dolphins to a 4 Year $24 Million deal ($12 Million in guaranteed $$) The relevance of this signing probably means the Rams will not pursue Jason Jones who may still be on the Eagles Radar… jason Jones is really a natural DE at 6-5 275lbs but has been used in pass-rushing downs from the DT position due to his explosive 1st couple of steps, long arms …

More news from Arizona State Pro-Workout Day Friday
#1) QB Prospect Brock Osweiler did not throw
#2 CB Omar Bolden (5-10 202lbs) had a good 40 time and is coming off a torn ACL in which he missed the entire 2011 Season (but word is the Eagles ike him for a potential Safety spot and had a private workout with him along with the Patriots and Giants)
#3) MLB Vontaeze Burfict had a poor work-out day again and disappointed those since he refused to run the 40 Time again.. He did participate in Cone Drills/Short Suttle Drills in which his times were terrible per Rob Rang of NFL Draft Scouts. . Burficts Shuttle Times would have ranked him deal last out of all the LB’s that were at the Indy Combine and Burfict’s 40 Time at Indy COmbins of 5.08 ranked dead last again out of all LB and was actually beaten out by 26 of the 38 Defenseive Lineman who rai nin Indy…
Rang had dropped Burfict as a 5th/6th Rounder at this point and could possibly even go undrafted with his off-the field/character issues let alone his lack of athleticim.. Looks liked this kid peaked 2 Years ago when he was a sophomore for it’s been a steady decline ever since for those who had followed his career… I am still sure that Songs thinks he a difference maker when in fact, a very good possibility that he’s not even in the NFL as as Active Player in 2012…. Go figure..

paulman
paulman
March 17, 2012 1:25 pm

Tulloch would be an updgrade, but how much and at what costs is the issue..
Does the benefit outweigh the cost.. Probably not so the EAgles will pass on him..
Luke Kuechly the Eagles would grab but the problem is that he will be gone by the #15 the PIck.. Some the DT’s have dropped, some the OLB have Dropped while MLB Kuechley has continue to rise..
#1) Carolina at #9 is very high on him (Beasons has had back to back season ending Knee/Achilles Injuries and could be a Salary Cap casualty)
#2) Buffalo at #10 (they signed the big pass-rusher Mario WIlliams and Drafted DT Marcel Dareus with last years #1 Pick) so they may look to address the MLB position with Kuechley and slide LB Nick Barnett to OLB…
#3) KC Chiefs at #11 (now with HC R Crennel running the show and is a Defensive minded coach and he loves having smart, team leadership at the MLB Position like he did back with the Pats)
#4) Arizona at #13 (had OL issues but signed a couple during Free-agency in Adam Snyder and resigning/restructuring Levi Brown contract and may be looking at LB/DE.. They probably need a pass rusher to play opposite Calias Campbell more, but HC Wisenhut may look to add a future signal caller in Kuechly since they have the agining ILB’s Paris Lenon & Stewart Bradleywho are not getting any younger.

These are the 4 Teams most likely to select MLB Kuechley before the EAgles have a Chance at #15