Photo courtesy of NFL.com
- It started off with the signing of Jason Babin, a pro bowl defensive-end from the Tennessee Titans. Babin was also a former Eagle let go two years ago. He did not make his presence known here as an Eagle, however, thrived in the Titans system. Newly acquired defensive line coach, Jim Washburn, was also the defensive line coach for the Titans last year. He worked with Babin in Tennessee and made him into the player he is now; they are once again, reunited. Recording 12.5 sacks last year, Babin looks to compliment defensive-end Trent Cole on the other side of the line.
- Trade rumors swirling about Kevin Kolb had finally ended. He was traded to the Arizona Cardinals for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a second round draft pick. Cromartie, a pro bowl defensive back, is a player known for his footwork and speed. He recorded three interceptions last year as well as 44 tackles. Cromartie looks to bolster an already dominant backfield.
- Then it was the signings of Donald Lee and Johnnie Lee Higgins. Lee, a tight-end for the reigning Superbowl Champion Green Bay Packers, served as a backup. In 15 games played last year, he recorded three touchdowns. Lee is another big body to add to the Eagles offensive arsenal. Higgins, a wide receiver for the Oakland Raiders, made more of an impact on the special team's side of the ball. He is a punt return specialist. This will give Desean Jackson a well deserved breather in the punt return game.
- With Kolb gone, the Eagles were looking for a veteran quarterback to backup starter Michael Vick. This is where Vince Young of the Tennessee Titans came into the picture. Young, a two-time pro bowler, has been an inconsistent player. He has been through his ups and downs from controversial rumors dealing with suicidal thoughts to being the leader in Tennessee. He feels that he can learn a tremendous amount from Vick. Vick could guide him as a mentor and make him into a better player on-and-off the field. If Vick, God forbid, goes down this year, we will have a comfortable replacement to look to.
- The transactions did not stop there. In a blink of an eye, they stole the number one coveted prized free agent, Nnamdi Asomugha of the Oakland Raiders. Asomugha, labeled as the second best cornerback in the league behind the Jets Darrelle Revis, was in strong talks with the Jets and Cowboys. How strong you might say? Well, Jets coach Rex Ryan spoke with actor Adam Sandler to try and persuade Asomugha to come to New York. Why Adam Sandler, right? Asomugha wants to be an actor when his playing days are over, so Ryan used networking as his bait. He thought Sandler could provide a significant connection to jump start Asomugha's acting career when his football career ends. That Ryan sure is a sneaky little trickster. However, in a last second decision, Asomugha had a change of heart and signed with the Eagles instead. This provides the Eagles with a frightening secondary: Asante Samuel, Cromartie and Asmougha; teams will think twice every time they throw it. Asomugha may not have the typical stats a top cornerback in the league would have. That is because every quarterback in the league is afraid to throw his way.
- Another huge addition to the defensive line was made Saturday afternoon. Run stuffer and pass rusher Cullen Jenkins, brother of Kris Jenkins from the Jets, was signed by the Eagles. Jenkins recorded seven sacks in 11 games for the Packers last year. This prompted a trade. Defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley was then traded to the Cleveland Browns for draft picks. Jenkins will give the defensive line more of a push and enable them to cause havoc for opposing quarterbacks. Evan Mathis, a guard from the Cincinnati Bengals, was also picked up by the Eagles early Sunday morning.
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