Free Agent Moves That Could Bolster Eagles’ LB Corps
The linebacker corps is the heart and soul of any football defense and moves this week show that the Eagles are in a true period of transition and rebuilding this offseason.
“Youth” is the keyword around the Eagles and this is evident with the release of unrestricted free agent LB Nigel Bradham.
Bradham suffered through a shortened 2019 season and was limited to only 12 games and recorded 63 tackles in those games. Bradham has been an anchor in the Jim Schwartz defense the last four seasons and his release shows the seriousness that the Eagles are taking to bring health and youth to both the offense and defense.
One of the key elements that the Eagles need to look at is the ever-changing dynamics of the spread offense and how this pass-oriented scheme forces defensive coordinators to look more at hybrid defenses which heavily impact how and where linebackers are used. In traditional defensive lineups, the 3-4 or 4-3 will be anchored by LB’s but the spread offense has truly changed the nature of defensive fronts.
Many NFL teams are starting to move more towards some element of the 4-2-5 defense created largely by TCU head coach Gary Patterson. In this defensive front, more DB’s are on the field to counter the multiple receiver threats while the LB’s are true inside linebackers countering inside runs and pass coverage on shallow crossing routes. The Eagles must look to more LB’s who are strong in pass coverage and can also contain the run game.
The good news for the Eagles is that this offseason provides ample opportunity to pick up numerous unrestricted free agent LBs throughout the NFL.
Cory Littleton
At the top of many lists is Rams LB Cory Littleton.
Littleton registered 134 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles last season and is on track to do more of the same this upcoming season with any team that is willing to give him a raise off of his $3.1 million salaries last season.
Littleon is healthy and at 26 is at the top of his career path and could immediately bolster the Eagles defense.
Joe Schobert
Another free agent consideration is Joe Schobert of the Cleveland Browns. Again, Schobert is healthy and at the age of 26 could be another key in the youth movement the Eagles are looking for.
Schobert was an anchor in the Browns defense last season with 133 tackles, 2 sacks, 4 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles. Schobert was a relative bargain for the Browns last season at $2 million and moving from Cleveland to Philadelphia may the sort of transition to change Schobert’s career into a stellar, long-term prospect for the Eagles.
Linebackers are the lifeblood of a defense of and key free-agent acquisitions at this position could help strengthen the Eagles defense to help make a stronger push deeper into the playoffs next season.
Featured Image: ---
Discover more from Philadelphia Sports Nation
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.