Recapping Eagles’ Offseason Moves

Losses:

CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie: Has the length, athleticism, and cover ability of a #1 corner, but does not have the toughness, attitude, or consistent effort required to be a productive piece on a rebuilding team. (signed with Broncos)

DT Cullen Jenkins: Productive pass rusher, but a liability against the run. Aging, overpaid player who can still play at a high level, but was cut for salary cap reasons. Wish he didn’t sign with rival Giants. (signed with Giants)

CB Nnamdi Asomugha: Once a feared man-to-man corner, Asomugha’s long speed has evaporated. He’s no longer a starting caliber player, regardless of scheme. (signed with 49ers)

DT Derek Landri: Undersized, high-motor interior player who offers good hustle, but does not have the length that coaches prefer in 3-4 players. (signed with Buccaneers)

LB Akeem Jordan: Excellent special teams player who was serviceable at all three linebacker spots in limited playing time. What I’m looking for in a backup linebacker. (remains unsigned)

OT King Dunlap: Towering left tackle with wingspan that bothers pass rushers. Almost no movement skills, making him a poor fit in Chip Kelly’s system, which demands a high level of fitness and agility of linemen. (signed with Chargers)

DE Darryl Tapp: Rotational 4-3 defensive end. Solid against the run, offers inconsistent pass rush. Can hold his own, but won’t ever be an impact player. (signed with Redskins)

DT Mike Patterson: Sat out most of 2012 season, and he may never return to form. At his best, he can be very stout against the run. Contributes nothing as a pass rusher. (signed with Giants)

FB Stanley Havili: Traded because Chip Kelly does not use fullbacks. Versatile player who can block, carry the ball, and make catches out of the backfield. Not exceptionally thick or tough, but a solid fullback. (traded to Colts)

OG Jake Scott: Mid-season addition at guard who had his moments. Aging, but can be solid veteran depth. (remains unsigned)

P Mat McBriar: Released after inconsistent season. Once a Pro Bowl player, but injuries have put a dent in his career. (remains unsigned)

OT Demetress Bell: Signed to replace Jason Peters, but proved to be a turnstile in pass protection. Would be surprised if he was given another shot. (remains unsigned.

Additions:

OLB Connor Barwin: Young but experienced outside linebacker with inconsistent pass rush productivity. Can play on either side of the defense and shows versatility. Can do it all, but lacks elite explosiveness. (signed 6 year, $36 million contract) side note: contract is essentially a 3 year, $13 million pact.

CB Cary Williams: Tall, feisty right corner who likes to mix it up. Not a shutdown corner and will give up his fair share of yardage, but competitive and will never back down from a challenge. Relatively fluid athlete and reliable tackler. (signed 3 year, $17 million contract)

TE James Casey: Extremely versatile. Has lined up at TE, FB, and WR. Not big enough to be an inline tight end, but athletic enough to cause mismatch problems against linebackers. Will play “move” tight end role, much like Aaron Hernandez, Jared Cook, or Jermichael Finley. First player Chip Kelly aggressively pursued in free agency. (signed 3 year, $12 million contract)

NT Isaac Sopoaga: One dimensional run-stuffer who plays limited snaps. Gets good push in run game, but offers nothing as pass rusher. Will play nose tackle in base 3-4 defense. Great attitude. (signed 3 year, $11 million contract)

S Patrick Chung: Short, thick safety who is comfortable lining up deep or in the box. Played for Chip Kelly at Oregon, heavy hitter. Average in coverage, but is young and still developing. (signed 3 year, $10 million contract)

CB Bradley Fletcher: Tall boundary corner who can compete with bigger receivers, but also fluid enough to stay with quicker ones. Stint with Rams derailed by injuries, high draft picks, and untimely penalties. Complete corner with underrated game. The current favorite to start at left corner. (signed 2 year, $5.25 million contract)

S Kenny Phillips: 2012 season marred by injuries, but in past years, he has been a premier centerfielder. Long, instinctive, and rangy, Phillips protects against the deep ball very well. Won’t fly up and make a big impact in run support. Great value deal. (signed 1 year, incentive-laden contract)

QB Dennis Dixon: Former Chip Kelly QB at Oregon, and has played very sparingly in NFL. Athletic, and loved Kelly enough to recruit fellow ex-Raven Cary Williams to follow him to Philly. Has not earned a shot at starting job. (signed 2 year, $1.55 million contract)

WR Arrelious Benn: Former 2nd round pick. Height-weight-speed specimen. Explosive, physical player who can contribute on kick returns and win jump ball situations. Effective run blocker. Oft-injured and runs sloppy routes. Faster than quick. Will compete with Riley Cooper to backup outside receivers DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin. (acquired in trade with Buccaneers)

ILB Jason Phillips: Former Carolina Panther. Will provide depth at inside linebacker and bolster special teams coverage units. Not bad in spot duty on defense. (signed 2 year contract)

DE Clifton Geathers: 3-4 defensive end with massive frame and long arms. Was never productive, but has NFL bloodlines and physical tools. Will compete for roster spot. (acquired in trade with Colts)

P Donnie Jones: Slight upgrade over Mat McBriar. Above average punter, but not elite. Used to kicking outdoors. (signed 1 year contract)

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