• March 29, 2024

Eagles Acquire Two-Time Pro Bowl MLB DeMeco Ryans

The Philadelphia Eagles have announced that the organization has traded for 2 time Pro-Bowl linebacker DeMeco Ryans.  The Birds will send the 4th round pick they acquired from Tampa Bay to the Houston Texans for Ryans, in addition to swapping third round picks.  The Eagles will move from 89th to 77th in the fourth round.  This appears to be a great deal for Philadelphia, and they likely got the Pro Bowl middle linebacker due to the fact that he doesn’t fit as well in the Texans 3-4 scheme as he will in the Eagles 4-3.

Ryans is coming off of an Achilles injury he suffered in 2010, but he had an incredibly productive year in 2011 for Houston.  He saw over 50% of the defensive snaps and over 20% of the snaps on special teams.  In the 16 games he played in last year, Ryans accumulated 64 total tackles.  He should be able to come in and make an immediate impact on a Philadelphia defense that is desperate for a quality middle linebacker.  Ryans is only 27, and players are generally even more productive in their second year coming back from an injury as devastating as an Achilles.

The move is sure to alter the Eagles draft strategy somewhat, but I still don’t feel it would be out of the question for them to go after Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly, if he is still available when the Eagles make their first selection in the first round at number 15.  For a team that lacked firepower at the linebacker position last year, having quality options certainly can’t be a bad thing.

Just one thing to consider; the Eagles used a 4th round pick last year on Casey Matthews and traded a 4th round pick this year for a 2 time Pro Bowl linebacker.  Maybe they have started to realize the true value of that position, especially in their wide 9 defensive scheme?

Carl Conrad

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Turk
Turk
March 20, 2012 10:01 pm

Great pickup one thing about the Eagles you never know what there gonna do when it comes to free agency and draft they never tip there hand.

jbird
jbird
March 20, 2012 10:03 pm

Well he is better than Chaney. An achilles always seems to get re-injured though. I hate being that guy….but. Great trade in theory. He struggled most of last year. PB was three years ago. And he’s got a bad wheel. Still better than what we had and an upgrade. But don’t be fooled into thinking we got a guy that’s a PB player. That was long ago and far away. I would be surprised if there are any PBs in his future career with the bad wheel. And he is about 40% likely to blow it out again. Let’s hope he stays healthy. This was a reach for $5.6M. Why not just give Lofton $7M. He is younger and not damaged goods? And clearly this is not a three down LB if he struggled last year and has an achilles history. I like it. Don’t love it.

eagles0superbowls
eagles0superbowls
March 20, 2012 10:21 pm

Great trade — that means at least one of the crappy no talent Eagle linebackers won’t be back next year —— now let’s replace the other 5 remaining horrible linebacker draft picks still left on the roster

paulman
paulman
March 20, 2012 10:22 pm

the fact that he came back halfway thru the season tells me it couldn’t have been a major tear on his achilles for that usually that means your out for the Season so maybe it’s not as bad as you think, but th chance of recurring will always be there.. .

pdiddy
pdiddy
March 20, 2012 10:22 pm

Why give lofton 7m when he is not a three down lb either and he’s healthy?

pheags88
pheags88
March 20, 2012 10:23 pm

Happy about this trade based on what they gave up and in the fact that none of this guy’s money is guaranteed. Would have rather had Tulloch but Ryans is def an upgrade over what we got (almost anything is these days)…There are still of questions about this guy so as of right now its hard to really judge the move…Can this guy stay healthy? Will he get back to where he was in 07-09 days? he has been nothing compared to what he was but hopefully that regression was due to the change in the defense…

At least he won’t get burned by Brandon Jacobs for a TD like the rest of the crap Reid has drafted in recent years at the position…Also this guy is a leader from everything i read which is exactly what we need…still need another quality LB tho playing next to him

eagles0superbowls
eagles0superbowls
March 20, 2012 10:25 pm

the Eagles still need to replace the other 2 starting linebackers spots —- they have one NFL linebacker on the roster now and 5 pretenders

pdiddy
pdiddy
March 20, 2012 10:25 pm

Lofton is a two down LB, he sucks in coverage. I think this was a great move and usually people comeback in their second year stronger than their first. He has a proven pro bowl record Lofton or Tulloch don’t so we shall see.

pdiddy
pdiddy
March 20, 2012 10:28 pm

I never liked Lofton, how good is he really if Atlanta dumped him for a guy who didn’t play football at all last year. Tulloch would have been a pretty good choice but I really like this acquisition.

pdiddy
pdiddy
March 20, 2012 10:30 pm

I think Rolle can play actually, he will not be replaced just the Sam position is necessary now.

Rocko
Rocko
March 20, 2012 10:32 pm

“Ryans is coming off of an Achilles injury he suffered in 2010″…Crap. hope he ain’t washed up.

RegalEagle
RegalEagle
March 20, 2012 10:37 pm

People.. Ryans played ALL 16 games last year.

I suppose we should assume vicks ribs will hinder himm again this year?

Negadelphia you suck!

Glad I am just hangin out in the Lehigh valley

RegalEagle
RegalEagle
March 20, 2012 10:38 pm

By the way Negadelphia does not apply to any remarks made about the HC

after all these years Win or Go away

RegalEagle
RegalEagle
March 20, 2012 10:43 pm

Ryans will make the other LB’s better

The young guys will be able to play with instinct because the VETERAN will get them lined up right. I predict that those backers that make it out of camp will surprise.

paulman
paulman
March 20, 2012 10:44 pm

He did play the final 8 weeks Rocko so it could not have been that serious of a tear, with afull off-season and back playing at his natural MLB spot in a 4-3, he should bounce back and be ready for a big season.. I like the pick-up and he’s a big upgrade than anyone else that is on the Eagles Roster and even who was availalbe in Free-Agency in my opinion (as long as he’s healthy)

eagles0superbowls
eagles0superbowls
March 20, 2012 10:45 pm

Paulman who are the best man to man cover corners to compliment Asomugha’s skill set
.
Eagles 1st round draft needs
Luke Kuechly out
Cornerback in

paulman
paulman
March 20, 2012 10:49 pm

Just got word that Eagles Package MLB Ryans, WR Maclin and their 1st Round PIck (#15) to the Bronco’s for WB Tim Tebow and MLB Joe Mays… Good Greif

RegalEagle
RegalEagle
March 20, 2012 10:51 pm

Lol

RegalEagle
RegalEagle
March 20, 2012 10:53 pm

It’s ok pman we just resign TO and it will be all good.

Tebow to TO = TD

pheags88
pheags88
March 20, 2012 11:01 pm

Agree that this does give us options when it comes to the draft. I am still sticking to my position in drafting Barron. There is so much depth when it comes to the DT and DE positions in the draft…further we have quality starters in both..so i still dont get why u guys are pleading for 1st round pick to be DT/DE..

Demps, Jones, Harris, Marlin, Page, Considine, Gaddis should be names that make all you people sick..

larrwd
larrwd
March 20, 2012 11:05 pm

they wont take another saftey .. i think coleman is alot better than nate allen… and if jarrett can play this year.. we should be ok.

Rasheed1
Rasheed1
March 20, 2012 11:12 pm

If the guy can stay healthy, this is a great move. The Eagles should focus on drafting the best player on the board at 15. I wouldnt mind a D tackle. Just make a player who can make a difference immediately… And not another small undersized mofo..

no more ‘high motor’ guys. We have enough of those already

RegalEagle
RegalEagle
March 20, 2012 11:14 pm

Yup

Grab shure as shi# Talent at 15

larrwd
larrwd
March 20, 2012 11:22 pm

at DT devon still is the guy to draft … poe looks soft as babyfood on tape.. and brockers is slow and weak.. cox is ok

Jon Hart
Jon Hart
March 20, 2012 11:39 pm

Larrwd– DStill is one of my favorites too. Im not one to make a big deal out of combine numbers, but wouldnt Dontari Poe be hard to pass up if hes available at 15? I mean picture that guy in Washburns system.. relentless, fast, strong.. hes most likely a top 10 pick all off his combine numbers… the birds may end up trading back and acquiring two first round picks from a team that has multiple first round picks.. but we gotta see what happens from here in FA..

Rasheed1
Rasheed1
March 20, 2012 11:50 pm

It is truly difficult to comprehend the WEAPONS that juan castillo has on defense. The guy is a lucky man to have the opportunity to coach a defense with this number of good players on it. This is generally known to be a durable player… If he can keep it that way, there is no excuse for this defense not to be a dominating one.. And that should take the pressure off the offense…

I know Im getting ahead of myself… But the Eagles are potentially set up to have a great season (barring injuries of course)…

Jon Hart
Jon Hart
March 20, 2012 11:51 pm

Just saw video of Demeco Ryans arriving at philly airport and guess who was there to greet him tonight? Juan Castillo. I mean does this guy ever sleep? I bet hes ecstatic to have a guy of his caliber in the middle.. he may be happier than us..

larrwd
larrwd
March 20, 2012 11:52 pm

poe is intriguing because of his size 345 speed and strength but Dstill makes alot of plays for DT..those are the 2 guys i like too..

Muimuiman
Muimuiman
March 20, 2012 11:57 pm

Im with Devon Still at 15. I think hes the best DT. Poe could be the next Mamula ( we really don’t want that do we). Pick up plax in FA. I think we can draft a LB in the 2nd round, and maybe trade up one of the picks and go for Coby Fleener?

Guy I like in the 3rd round is CB Chase Minnifield. He’s got size, bloodlines, and can return kicks.

Turk
Turk
March 21, 2012 12:00 am

I wouldn’t be surprise if the Eagles draft Qb Ryan Tannehill if he’s there at 15 since linebacker and reciever spots are no longer needed.

Muimuiman
Muimuiman
March 21, 2012 12:02 am

Breaking News*********************

DC Coordinator Juan Castillo says he will be having Demeco Ryans dropping back in coverage most plays.

Muimuiman
Muimuiman
March 21, 2012 12:03 am

I certainly hope not. Tannehill is a sure fire bust in my opinion.

Turk
Turk
March 21, 2012 12:07 am

Remember the Eagles always surprise us with there draft picks I don’t know what there gonna do.

DCar
DCar
March 21, 2012 12:20 am

Castillo likes him because he WORKS HARRRD!!!

Muimuiman
Muimuiman
March 21, 2012 12:20 am

I think DT this time. I was right last year about offensive guard. Im not as positive this year, but check back with me in a month and Ill have my prediction. I doubt it will be Tannehill though.

I think the Eagles should look at Burflict in the later rounds.

Muimuiman
Muimuiman
March 21, 2012 12:27 am

Castillo is a teacher not a coach

DCar
DCar
March 21, 2012 12:27 am

In all seriousness, this is a great move. Give us a legit MLB, & free’s us up to take all of the best available in the draft. Now all we need to do is sign Safety Yeremiah Bell, & a WILL, put Chaney at his natural Strong side LB. All will be good. 😀

Jon Hart
Jon Hart
March 21, 2012 1:04 am

DCar– its not a stretch to think Bell would want to join his former coach Todd Bowles on a team with Super Bowl aspirations. But obviously, there would have to be mutual interest. And i ll do my due diligence and temperature the interest level if there is any by looking into it. But if i was to answer right now, i would think that the birds are interested. Hes a 34 year old veteran that is a flat out leader and can still play at a high level. Was a probowler in 2009 and has had multiple 100 tackle seasons. Hes instinctive. Hes a vocal leader.. sheesh sounds like the guy we let walk who also played safety, BDawk.. But since the jets got to Landry before the birds could, i can see Yeremiah Bell as a guy the birds would add to solidify that safety group and bring great leadership and high character to the team…

DCar
DCar
March 21, 2012 1:52 am

JH, you’re right, that was the first thing that went through my mind, when I saw that he was released. He is the perfect veteran for this team. Bowles is secondary coach, he is very durable, solid player, likes to hit & tackle. He doesn’t get too many turnovers, but doesn’t get burnt & tackles. Unlike our current Safeties. Allen, Jarrett & Coleman can learn a thing or two from him for a few years until they mature as players. He’s a poor, poor man’s BDawk. Good fit though. Get-er done Rosebuds! Also try to sign either Erin Henderson or Leroy Hill, for Weak side & have Chaney play his better suited position of strong side, or sign Manny Lawson for strong side & have Rolle & Chaney fight it out for Weak side. Draft all of the best available. It’s starting to get very entertaining now. >BD

sullybleedsgreen
sullybleedsgreen
March 21, 2012 2:07 am

Ok now let’s lock up Shady sign Burress and get ready for the draft. I like this move, the Eagles only give up a 4th rd pick and swap 3rd rd picks. They still have a 4 th rd pick to waste on a 240lb De that they will try and convert to a Sam Linebacker ( Chris GoCong, Bryan Smith, Ricky Sapp ). DeMeco Ryan’s is a very good player and an instant upgrade at the mike position. His achillies injury was in 2010, not last year. He played all 16 games last year so hopefully he is closer to 100% this year.

SONGSRME2
SONGSRME2
March 21, 2012 2:54 am

Why the Eagle’s guy almost definitely comes with question marks?

schiller
schiller
March 21, 2012 5:17 am

Songs, you dont get life. Everyone has question marks, its called being human. Top free agents this year? Manning and Williams. BOTH have significant injury histories and question marks. You live in this world, but somehow your expectations of the eagles are based off of some fantasy land your crazy head swims in….how many times have you done LSD?

schiller
schiller
March 21, 2012 5:23 am

Dcar, seriously man, great to see you so happy and optimistic for once. I agree with most of what you’re saying below this article too. One exception though, I really don’t see Chaney as a natural sam at all. Like him as a Mike and Will lb, and think learning under Ryans will do him wonders – Rolle too. But I’d prefer an upgrade at Sam, with Cheney as a key reserve for all 3 spots, learning and continuing to develop.

Look guys, they can still sign another lb, lofton is obviously not needed now, but there are guys out there…

DCar
DCar
March 21, 2012 5:50 am

Schill, BIG SURPRISE! You disagree with something, someone said on here. What is wrong with you, you can’t agree with anyone, there always has to be a disagreement with you. You can’t pass up an opportunity, to through a dig, or critique something, can you!? You have issues, bro! Both WILL & SS LB are basically have the same duties. Most of the essential principles that apply to a WILL apply to the SS LB. The typical difference between the 2 are that a SS LB is stronger, specifically able to fight off blocking tight ends, & fullbacks, & are more frequently deployed as a blitzer. That is what Chaney is better suited for. Otherwise, the WILL & SS LB are basically the same. On different teams, with different schemes & different personnel, the two positions will be assigned different duties, with different tool & skill requirements. It’s not unheard of for a team, to use its SS LB, in man coverage on the opposing TE & RB. But run stuffing, blitzing, pressing the tight end & short zone coverage are the common duties, for the SS LB. The Birds like to use it’s SS LB as the jack of all trades LB, but haven’t had a good LB at that side, since Emmons in 2003. Fokou sucks. Gocong was a nightmare, that should have been a DE. Gaither, McCoy, Adams, D. Jones, EWWW! That’s my reasoning for my last scenarios, of roster moves.

daggolden
daggolden
March 21, 2012 5:55 am

Just one thing. Wade Phillips turned the Texans defense into something special in 1 year so he obviously is a great defensive coach and knows talent. Im just hoping he doesnt know something that we dont. When a deal is usually to good to be true that means it isnt. Why doesnt a great athlete, a great LB, not fit in his scheme? You would think Ryans could play in ANY scheme. Teams dont just trade great players. Im just saying. Be very very cautious.

DCar
DCar
March 21, 2012 6:03 am

dagg, they were already a solid DF, but Phillips turned his DF from a 4-3 to a 3-4. Thus forcing players like Williams & Ryans out of position, when they played their entire careers in a 4-3. Although still out of position, Ryans started playing good at the end of last year, when he started getting close to 100% healthy. He’ll be fine, & a stud. Knock on wood!!!

Powelton Villager
Powelton Villager
March 21, 2012 6:03 am

Good move by the Eagles. Now all the couch potatoes GM’s can stick a sock in it

daggolden
daggolden
March 21, 2012 6:05 am

When a team gets rid of its “Heart and Soul”, Its Leader, The Cap, The most popular guy in the locker room, a 27 year old former pro bowl player that raises a red flag with me. He didnt fit the system? I thought he was coming off an injury and maybe thats why he didnt fit last year. The Texans arent stupid I would think they would know it takes 2 years to get back fully just like everyone else knows. Why wouldnt they wait and see how he was this year? Why would they remove the undisputed leader of thier team? Name me another team that has done this with a young player? Especially for a 4th round pick. Something stinks here. I cant believe its all about money.

daggolden
daggolden
March 21, 2012 6:07 am

@ DCAR if Ryans started playing good at the end of the season when he was close to 100% why did the Texans trade him? They dont like good players?

DCar
DCar
March 21, 2012 6:13 am

DAGG, they asked him to take a pay cut & he refused. They have salary cap issues. They have Cushing & Sharpton to play the middle, & he doesn’t fit the DF. Thus the trade. It’s not all that mind boggling. If they couldn’t find a trade, they were going to release him. Cap casualties happen all of the time, with players, especially when they refuse to take pay cuts. It isn’t all that mind boggling.