Eagles signing veteran DT Akeem Spence to replace Malik Jackson

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The Eagles are signing veteran defensive tackle Akeem Spence to a one-year deal, according to a league source.

Spence, 27, will replace Malik Jackson, who suffered a foot injury in Sunday’s opener and was officially put on Injured Reserve Tuesday.

ProFootballTalk first reported the deal for Spence.

During his NFL career, Spence has played in 88 games with 57 career starts. In 2018, he played and started all 16 games for the Miami Dolphins. Before that, he spent one year in Detroit and the first four years of his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tampa Bay drafted him in the fourth round back in 2013.

In Miami last year, Spence played for then-Dolphins defensive coordinator Matt Burke, who is now a defensive special assistant with the Eagles.

While the Eagles still have Tim Jernigan and Hassan Ridgeway, signing Spence will immediately boost their depth at defensive tackle. It might take him a while to get up to speed, but Spence should definitely help. Remember, their depth at the DT position last year was not very good.

Spence had two sacks last year and has just 10 1/2 in his six-year NFL career. He tied a career-high with three in 2017, his only season in Detroit. Spence has 18 QB hits over his last two seasons.

Since Spence was not on the Eagles’ initial roster, his salary as a vested veteran will not be guaranteed.

The Eagles on Tuesday, in addition to placing Jackson on IR, also waived tight end Alex Ellis. So after this trio of moves, they’ll still have a roster spot open.

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