Per Tim McManus of Birds 24/7:
“Nothing in stone yet with Victor Butler. If signed by Eagles, viewed as special teamer/rotational player. Cole/Graham still in plans.”
This meshes with what I wrote earlier…that Butler would replace Phillip Hunt more than challenge the top guys for their role.
Former Cowboys LB Victor Butler has talked to seemingly half of the NFL in his quest to find a job. Now he’s coming to Philly to talk to the Eagles and see if he can work something out here.
Butler is 6-2, 245. That’s not the ideal size Chip Kelly wants in a pass rusher, but Butler could be appealing as a role player. He’s going to turn 26 this summer and is in his prime. He is durable, having played in 63 games during his 4-year career. Butler has been an effective role player, totaling 11 sacks, 5 FFs, and also contributing on STs.
I thought some team would give Butler a chance at a starting gig due to his youth and potential, but after talking to PIT, CLE, and NO, Butler is still in search of a team. The Eagles would see him as a role player. I think Butler would take the role of someone like Phillip Hunt (who is short at just 6-0).
I can’t say I’m expecting Butler to sign, but I won’t rule it out. Sheil Kapadia wrote a great piece on the need for depth on defense and Butler would be excellent value if signed.
Butler fits the mold of the young, hungry player with a chip on his shoulder that the Eagles have added this year. Butler would likely sign a 1-year deal and hope for better results next offseason.
You be the judge.
Jimmy Bama presents the evidence.
I must warn you…what you’re about to see is the kind of violence that butterflies have nightmares about.
Only the most hearty of souls should click on that link.
The Eagles signed P Donnie Jones today. They released Matt McBriar.
Here is the Eagles write-up on Jones:
“Continuing an active 2013 free agent signing period, the Philadelphia Eagles added one of the league’s most accomplished punters in Donnie Jones. A two-time All-Pro selection, Jones agreed to terms for a one-year contract and replaces veteran Mat McBriar, who was released.
“Donnie Jones is a guy that we have admired over the last several years,” said Eagles general manager Howie Roseman. “He has one of the strongest legs in the entire NFL and we’re excited we had a chance to sign him. We watched a lot of tape on him and he’s coming off a very good season with Houston. We feel he’ll add a good element to our special teams units.”
A veteran of nine NFL seasons with the Houston Texans (2012), St. Louis Rams (2007-11), Miami Dolphins (2005-06) and Seattle Seahawks (2004), Jones (6-2, 221) ranks 5th in NFL history in both gross (45.6) and net punting average (39.0). A two-time, All-Pro selection with St. Louis from 2008-09, the 32-year-old Jones holds Rams franchise records in punts, gross average and net average. Jones is one of seven players in NFL history to record a 50.0 gross average in a single season, accomplishing that feat in 2008.
Originally a seventh round draft choice of the Seahawks in 2004, Jones has played in 135 career games and recorded 736 punts, including 226 downed inside the 20-yard line. In his lone season with the Texans in 2012, Jones set team punting records with a gross average of 47.1 and a net of 40.5. He also recorded a franchise-best 54.2 yards per punt against the Denver Broncos on September 23. “
We knew the Eagles needed to do something at Punter. McBriar was nothing special in 2012 and needed competition at the very least. Now Jones is the guy and the team can add a rookie or young player to push him.
Dan Graziano of ESPN’s NFC East blog checks in with an update on the Eagles and their pursuit of OL help.
The Eagles remain quiet. They’ve got the ability to make moves, but aren’t. You can read that a few ways. I think the team is willing to sign a player if the deal is favorable, but otherwise is focused on the draft.
The Eagles were one of a handful of teams at New Hampshire’s Pro Day. They were most likely there to check out DL Jared Smith. He’s 6-4, 296. He ran the 40 in 5.01. He could play the 5-tech DE or 3-tech DT. I’m not sure if he’d fit at NT.
Smith had 4 sacks, 2 FFs, and 3 blocked kicks this year for UNH.
The Eagles sent a TEs coach to the San Diego State Pro Day. There is no doubt about why. TE Gavin Escobar was the big star. He could be a 2nd round pick. Escobar isn’t a great athlete, but is good and also a skilled receiver.
Here’s the skinny from Gil Brandt:
“Gavin Escobar, TE (6-6 1/8, 248) — Escobar ran a 4.78 and 4.81-second 40-time and did 12 reps of 225 pounds. He had a really good workout and caught the ball really well.”
Georgia LB Alec Ogletreee is another player of interest.
“He has a few things going for him. He’s really good — difference-maker kind of good. He also has Dye, long among the most credible of agents. Dye has a reputation for not taking on problem clients. (His current roster of 70 include the Falcons’ Julio Jones.) Before meeting with Ogletree, Dye spoke to some of his former Georgia teammates and coaches and felt comfortable in pursuing working with him.
“Teams have asked questions ranging from, ‘Does he have a problem’ to, ‘What was he thinking?’” Dye said. “But they have to ask. Does it keep him from being a top-10 pick? Maybe. Does it keep him from being a top-20 pick? I don’t think so.”
Put it this way: At least 10 teams already have private workouts or visits set up with Ogletree, including the Falcons. Others: New England, Baltimore, Cincinnati, New Orleans, Chicago, Miami, Philadelphia, St. Louis and Buffalo.
Olgetree was arrested late Saturday, Feb. 9. He told Dye on Tuesday. The two spoke again the next day, and Dye stressed the need to get ahead of the story, come clean publicly and deal with the initial fallout before the combine the following week. “We didn’t want this news to be broken in a private interview with a team,” Dye said.”
Ogletree might remind you of Karlos Dansby, who was a star for Bill Davis in Arizona. Teams have to figure out his value. Ogletree isn’t physical enough and has character issues, but is also very talented. At what point is he good value? Or do you take him off your board completely?
Recently I posted a link where Miami (OH) QB Zac Dysert said the Eagles were one of two teams showing the most interest in him. Dysert has a private workout set up with the Eagles.
Since it is a workout, the Eagles will travel to him. It will be interesting if this is just QBs coach Bill Lazor or if anyone else attends. Dysert is a tricky player to figure out value wise. Is he going in the early 2nd, early 3rd, or where? Really talented player, but only had one winning season in college and does have some question marks. Definitely has NFL potential.
The Eagles had a scout or coach at the Eastern Kentucky Pro Day.
The player of most interest was likely WR Tyrone Goard. He is 6-7, 205 and has 34 inch arms. That is one long WR. He had a good workout at the Combine. In the last 2 years, Goard averaged 19 yards per catch and had a total of 19 TD receptions.
Jimmy Bama hopped into the Wayback Machine to take a look at Connor Barwin and the 2011 season.
Here is a visual journey through all of Barwin’s 11 sacks. Good stuff. Interesting to see who he got, which blockers he beat, and how things happened.
“Chargers are hoping to retain Vaughn Martin, but plenty of competition. Eagles, Lions, Saints and Pats are also interested”
Martin is good value at this point. He is a starting LDE in the 3-4. Turns 27 in April. 6-4, 297. Decent athlete. Has started 27 of the last 32 games. Nothing special about him, but someone that can start and get the job done. Limited pass rusher, but that’s okay for his spot.
