Eagles Closing in on Safety Atogwe

Added on Jun 19, 2012 by Scott in

NFL

A day after inking 2012 first-round pick Fletcher Cox to a four-year contract, the Philadelphia Eagles are close to adding another piece to the defensive puzzle. Free agent safety Oshiomogho Atogwe, who spent last season with the rival Redskins, is circling a reported one-year deal to join the Birds secondary. The 30-year-old Atogwe is entering his eighth season after being a third-round pick by the Rams in 2005.

The Eagles have been searching for veteran safety depth since last season ended. Projected starters Nate Allen and Kurt Coleman are both question marks at the position, and 2011 second-rounder Jaiquawn Jarrett is talented but untested.

Atogwe agreed to a 5-year, $26 million with Washington in March 2011, but became a cap casualty this past spring. Once considered one of the rising safeties in the league, he has now been released twice in 12 months. He’s made 83 career starts and recorded 25 interceptions, 5.5 sacks and 16 forced fumbles.

His best season came in 2007 when he set career highs in interceptions (8), passes defended (12) and scored his only touchdown on a 52-yard interception return. He was named the Rams MVP in 2008 after totaling 85 tackles, five picks and six forced fumbles.

Due to his ability to play both safety spots, Atogwe will provide competition, and should either Allen or Coleman struggle or get injured, can easily transition to a starting role. The Eagles have spent the last two years loading up on big name free agents and promising draftees, but safety still remains one of their biggest weaknesses.

Nate Allen appeared to be on his way to a successful rookie campaign in 2010 before tearing a patellar tendon in late December. His 2011 season was marred by inconsistency as he worked his knee back to full strength. At times he looked great, other times he appeared slow and lost. Being a year and a half removed from the injury and with a full offseason under his belt, the hope is Allen can blossom into an elite free safety. Should Atogwe be brought aboard, Philly has some insurance should Allen falter.

Source: NFL.com