Philadelphia Eagles Free Agency Update: Bargain Hunting

The Eagles have expressed interest in former Buffalo Bill linebacker Angelo Crowell who missed all of last season after having arthroscopic surgery on his knee last August. He was only going to be out for four weeks but the Bills decided to put him on IR anyway, forcing him to miss the entire season and solidifying his chances of playing for another team next year.

This is not so much of breaking news but last week the Eagles signed a back up defensive back, Rashad Baker, who played in 10 games with Oakland in 2008. He did have three interceptions while covering for an injured Michael Huff, and that possibly made him more marketable to the Birds. This move however is strictly to replace Sean Considine.

The Eagles like looking at these fringe types of guys especially those with questionable health. Coming off an injury like Crowell, or even their big free agent signing to date, Stacy Andrews who is coming off knee surgery, puts the Eagles in a position of leverage where they can either undercut the player in pay or years of contract. This has worked out for them in the past. A few years ago in 2002 then Redskin, Shawn Barber, signed a short-term deal, played well, and then got a good deal from Kansas City. So we’ll see if they are able to strike it rich again with some of these bargains that they are looking for to fill roster spots. Where would their sense be in actually trying to improve a position when you could throw what you hope is a healthy body out there and get the same results as if you know there’s a healthy body out there? I think it’s funny that they will justify not signing Tra Thomas because he has had back problems, but they’ll sign other guys despite red flags in the health history because they can get them on the cheap.