Adam Caplan tweeted that the Eagles could be adding a “Joker”. A couple of minutes later Caplan was a guest on Eagles Live and said that the team could make a move with Connor Barwin. “Could happen” were his specific words, meaning this isn’t just a longshot or random rumor. This is a legit possibility.
Stay tuned.
The Eagles just signed CB Cary Williams to a 3-year deal and S Kenny Phillips to a 1-year deal. Really interesting moves.
Williams started slow last year, but played well down the stretch. He is exactly the opposite of Nnamdi and DRC in the sense that he plays with a huge chip on his shoulder. Williams is the guy who shoved the official in the Super Bowl. We don’t want that, but better to have a DB that plays with an edge than a DB that doesn’t really give a damn.
Phillips is a very good player, when he’s healthy. Right now his health is a major question. This could turn out to be Marlin Jackson 2.0. Jackson just could never get healthy in Philly.
Phillips is more of a natural SS, but can play FS. He’s 6-2, 217. He has pretty good hands and solid cover skills. He is a good hitter and tackler. Phillips will battle Nate Allen for the FS job. The Eagles will also spend a pick on a Safety to come in and fight for a job.
Williams is an older guy, but buys the Eagles some time to draft and develop a CB to replace him.
Solid day. Some risk, but worth the reward.
Rick Jean-Francois signed with the Colts for 4 years, $22M, per Adam Caplan. Good for RJF, but I would not have paid that much. He is an ascending player, but isn’t compelling in any way (size, athleticism, pass rush skills).
Here is a follow-up tweet from Caplan:
“Haven’t seen guaranteed $ yet, but APY wise that’s insane money. Way too high for a guy who has never played in more than 27% of D snaps.”
Totally agree with Adam. And “APY” is average per year.
* * * * *
There were reports earlier today that CB Brent Grimes re-signed with the Falcons. That is not true. He is still on the market, hoping for a good deal.
Here is a great article by Greg Cosell of NFL Films on the 3-4 and 4-3 Under and how they work and evolved over time. He doesn’t specifically reference the Eagles or Bill Davis, but offers a lot of great info.
Sean Smith signed with the Chiefs today. Rumor is that he got about $5M per season.
Nnamdi is visiting SF. He better quit tackling when it’s convenient if he wants to play on that defense.
Keenan Lewis is talking to the Saints. No word on a deal yet.
Antoine Cason was reportedly in Arizona, but we haven’t heard a word about that today.
RB Kerwynn Williams finished 13th in the nation with 1,512 yards this past season. The Utah State Senior also ran for 15 TDs. He has added value as a receiver (64-870-5) and PR/KOR.
The Eagles sent RBs coach Duce Staley to Williams recent Pro Day. Here is the scoop from Gil Brandt:
“Kerwynn Williams, RB (5-foot-8 3/4, 193 pounds) — Williams stood on his numbers from the combine (he was a top performer in his position group in the 40-yard dash and 20-yard short shuttle). Staley worked out Williams, who also caught punts and kickoffs from a Jugs machine. Williams, who is quick as a hiccup, had a spectacular performance in Utah State’s 41-15 win over Toledo in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. Williams rushed for 235 yards and three touchdowns in the win, displaying the electricity that could make him an interesting player to follow in the 2013 NFL Draft.”
Williams has the size that Chip Kelly seemed to like at RB. He’s short and able to hide behind his blockers. The fact Staley went there to work hm out tells you the Eagles have definite interest. Williams would replace Dion Lewis.
Damian Ford of Stillman College is a WR that you may not know much about, but the Eagles have some interest in him. The 6-3, 185 Senior was asked at his recent Pro Day about NFL teams and said this:
“Ford said he’s gotten the most positive feedback from the Philadelphia Eagles but has also received interest from the San Francisco 49ers, Miami Dolphins. He spoke with a scout from the Jacksonville Jaguars today.”
Ford is a solid athlete who can also return punts. Late target.
Ricky Jean-Francois is headed to visit Indianapolis. He was in Philly all day long. Can play DE or NT. Nothing special, but the kind of solid, versatile DL that you want when running a hybrid defense.
Jason La Canfora says the Eagles are checking on some guys:
“Eagles still hunting for pass rush, have been talking to Connor Barwin and Victor Butler, among others.”
“Antwan Barnes, who flashed big at times for the Chargers, is another edge player the Eagles are monitoring”
Barwin could play SAM. He can cover and rush. Butler is less than an ideal fit so interest in him sorta surprises me. That could be agent talk.
Barnes was an Eagle for a short while back in 2010. He was cut and went to SD, where he posted 4.5 sacks. Barnes followed that up with 11 sacks in 2011. His production fell a lot in 2012 and the Chargers are letting him look around.
The Eagles liked Barnes going back to college. He lacks the height that we think Kelly wants. Not sure what to think of him.
There are reports that Ravens CB Cary Williams is close to signing a deal with a new team. One of the teams mentioned as his possible suitor is the Eagles.
Beat writers Jeff McLane and Geoff Mosher both say they’ve heard nothing about the Eagles having interest in Williams. Trying to evaluate Williams is complicated. He struggled early in the year, but did play better down the stretch.
I can’t say I’m a huge fan of his, but Williams does play with a lot of attitude and that is something that was sorely lacking from the Eagles in 2012.
