The 2013 off-season has been a relatively quiet one as far as big names go for the Eagles. Following the release of CB Nnamdi Asomugha, CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie departing for Denver and the lack of a leader on defense, where can Philadelphia turn now? How about MLB Brian Urlacher?
Yes, I understand he is 421-years-old (actually 34), but the eight time Pro-Bowler is a proven difference maker. And what do the Eagles need right now? You've got it. A difference maker on defense; A true leader.
Now you may say, "But we already have MLB DeMeco Ryans and just signed LB Connor Barwin." Well if the Eagles were to sign Urlacher, why not slip Ryans over to OLB alongside Barwin? Just a thought.
If you need another reason to sign Urlacher, how about the money? After an insulting one year/$2 million dollar offer from the Chicago Bears, Urlacher is understanding his price tag may be cheaper than he expected. While money should be the least of the Eagles' concerns, I would expect that the team could afford to offer the 13-year veteran a two year/$5-6 million dollar contract. Starting to make sense isn't it?
Although Urlacher is coming off of a season in which he saw his tackle numbers decline, the veteran linebacker managed to record two forced fumbles accompanied by two recovered fumbles with one touchdown. In 2012, Urlacher also added one interception in 12 games.
Whats the risk? With every signing in major sports there is always a risk. For the Eagles and Urlacher it would be the Urlacher is coming off of a hamstring injury that ended his 2012-2013 season in week 13. But Urlacher has said via twitter that he is back in the gym preparing for the upcoming season and plans to return healthy.
This off-season, the Eagles have made some key additions that should bolster the defense that allowed 444 points in 2012-2013. Safety Patrick Chung, CB Cary Williams, LB Jason Phillips, and LB Connor Barwin will join the Eagles with hopes of living up to the expectations this defense has had since late DC Jim Johnson departed in 2008.
While the Eagles could fill the void of MLB from within with combinations of Barwin, Phillips, Kendricks or Ryans, the Urlacher signing could make sense. While there are those on the Eagles have still have much to prove at the NFL level, Urlacher has already shown what he can do on the field, as well as off.
Worst case scenario? Its a low risk, high reward situation. I don't believe the Eagles could lose much if it didn't work out for Urlacher in Philly. While Chip Kelly wouldn't be expecting the 2003 Urlacher that recorded 115 tackles and 4.5 sacks, what Philadelphia really needs is a leader on a team that has searched for a true leader since FS Brian Dawkins left following the 2008 season.
For Philadelphia, it's not so much about the production on the field, but the need for leadership within the clubhouse. Urlacher can be that guy.
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