Eagles Score Big in Free Agency

Added on Jul 30, 2011 by Scott in

NFL

It takes talent to win in the NFL. If you don’t have it, you go get it. That’s exactly what the Philadelphia Eagles have done over the last week. Just one day after trading one-time franchise quarterback Kevin Kolb to Arizona for Pro Bowl cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a 2012 second-round draft pick, the Birds landed the prize of the 2011 free agent class, All-Pro cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha.

As free agency officially kicked off at 6pm on Friday, it was thought that Asomugha would sign with either the Jets or Cowboys. As they did with Jevon Kearse in 2004 and Asante Samuel in 2008, the Eagles jumped into the fray and stole the best player available, shocking the rest of the league.

It’s apparent Philly is going all in to win the Super Bowl that has eluded them for 45 years. Head coach Andy Reid has three years remaining on his current contract, so it’s now or never for the winningest coach in team history. With a tough NFC East and Green Bay, Atlanta and New Orleans standing in their way, the Eagles are loading up to make a serious run in the conference.

In addition to the dynamic duo at cornerback, they also added defensive end Jason Babin, tight end Donald Lee, receiver/returner Johnnie Lee Higgins and quarterback Vince Young.

Babin, who played for the Birds in 2009, registered 12.5 sacks and earned his first Pro Bowl last year in Tennessee under the tutelage of line coach Jim Washburn, who now resides on the Eagles coaching staff. Babin is expected to share time at left end, in the absence of last year’s first-round pick Brandon Graham. Graham is still recovering from ACL surgery and might not play in 2011.

Perhaps the most puzzling and controversial move was bringing Young in to serve as Michael Vick’s backup. VY never reached his potential with the Titans, due in large to his childlike antics on and off the field. He flopped in pressure situations, displayed immature behavior and battled an assortment of injuries. In five seasons, he threw for 42 touchdowns and 42 interceptions. If he grows up and responds to coaching, he could resurrect his career; if he doesn’t, then he’ll be on the street sooner than later.

What’s next for Gang Green? Time will tell. As one infamous ex-Eagle once said, “Get your popcorn ready.”