The 5 Best Free Agent Signings in Eagles History
Free agency is set to start on March 18th at exactly 4 P.M., and as usual, the Eagles are primed to make a big splash.
For as many signings that have flopped in past years, the Eagles have also had their fair share of successful signings that made an immediate impact after joining the team.
With that being said, let’s look at the top 5 most impactful free agent signings in Eagles history.
Ricky Watters
Photo: Philadelphia Eagles
Although an Eagles legend, Ricky Watters’ tenure in Philadelphia did not begin too hot. When you play in front of Eagles fans, they expect you to go your hardest, and if you don’t, they’ll make sure to let you know about it. Someone forgot to give Watters that memo until it was too late. In his first game as an Eagle, Watters refused to extend his body for a pass from Randall Cunnigham, in an eventual loss to the Buccaneers.
After being asked about that play, Watters replied by saying “for who? for what?”. Of all of the things he could have said, that should have been the last. Watters quickly learned though and ended up becoming one of the most productive players on the team.
He finished his short career in Philadelphia with 3 straight 1,000 yard seasons, 4,112 total yards, 32 total touchdowns, and 2 pro bowls. Watters also ranks 7th all-time in franchise history for rushing yards.
Troy Vincent
Photo: AP Images
After signing in 1996, Vincent ended up being a monumental piece in the assembly of the deadly Eagles defense in the early 2000s. Vincent’s biggest moment came in his first year as an Eagle in week 10.
The Cowboys were on the verge of sweeping the Eagles that year, as Troy Aikman and the offense were driving at the Eagles 3 yard line, down 24-21. The Eagles defense, however, pressured Aikman into throwing an interception in the end zone to James Willis, who lateraled the ball to Vincent for him to take it back for a touchdown.
Ending his time as an Eagle in 2003, Vincent was one of the best cornerbacks to wear midnight green. He had 28 interceptions, 518 tackles, 5 pro bowl selections, a first-team All-Pro selection, and a second-team All-Pro selection. His 28 interceptions also rank 7th in Eagles’ history.
Asante Samuel
Photo: Nick Laham/Getty Images
Yet another free agent cornerback, Assante Samuel was an absolute ballhawk for the Eagles. He was signed back in 2008 after losing the Super Bowl with the Patriots, a game in which he dropped an interception that would have sealed a perfect season for New England. Nevertheless, he was still a top cornerback and was signed to the tune of 6 years for $56 million. He proved his worth right away, helping himself to 4 interceptions including a pick 6 and a pro bowl selection. In the playoffs, he had another two interceptions including a pick 6, and one that was returned to the 2-yard line.
In 2009, Samuel was the NFL’s interception leader with 9 interceptions, which also set the franchise record for most interceptions in a season. All said and done, Samuel had 23 interceptions and 3 pro bowl selections in 4 years. He’s currently the last Eagles cornerback to have made a pro bowl.
Malcolm Jenkins
Photo: Getty Images
Malcolm Jenkins was signed in 2014 following the season in which his Saints had knocked off the Eagles in the Wild Card round. Signing a 3-year, $16.25 million deal, Jenkins immediately became the heart of the Eagles defense.
More than being an elite safety, he’s a better teammate (despite what a certain someone might say) who’s rallied the team through every adverse situation. His leadership was eye-opening in 2018 when the Eagles hoisted the trophy as a team that was battered with injuries. And who could forget the blow he delivered to Brandin Cooks that night.
Nick Foles
Photo: Mark J. Rebilas/USA Today Sports
And last but not least, the man himself, Nicholas Edward Foles. There’s not much to say about him that you don’t already know.
Drafted in 2012, threw 7 touchdowns in one game in 2013, took a 2-year hiatus thanks to Mr. culture beats scheme, and then won the Super Bowl as a backup.
He won’t ever have to pay for a beer or cheesesteak on the streets of Philadelphia, to say the least about his legend status in this city.
I think it’s safe to say that he is the greatest free-agent signing in Eagles history, and possibly Philadelphia sports history.
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