The Eagles aren’t slowing down.
As forecast earlier on Thursday, they have added linebacker Connor Barwin to the seven other players they’ve signed since the start of free agency. The team announced that the deal is for six years. Multiple reports put the deal’s total value at $36 million with a chance to go as high as $40 million.
The Eagles will happily pay that for the kind of production Barwin had in 2011 when he sacked the quarterback 11.5 times for the Texans. He only had three in 2012 and while there are plenty of ways for outside linebackers to have an impact, the sacks are going to be key for whoever winds up at outside linebacker in Philly. With Trent Cole and Brandon Graham expected to move to the position after playing defensive end in their old 4-3 scheme.
Of the seven other players signed by the Eagles in free agency, all but tight end James Casey plays on the defensive side of the ball. That gives you a pretty fair idea about the biggest point of emphasis in Philly this offseason and we wouldn’t be surprised to see them add more help come the draft next month.
