It's Official: Asante Samuel Signs with Eagles

The Eagles are answering Donovan McNabb's call for playmakers. After hours of speculation, the Eagles have finally signed Asante Samuel to a contract. The deal, pending a physical, is reportedly worth 54 million over six years, which is actually a little more affordable than was originally speculated.

Samuel is an instant difference maker on the defensive side of the ball. While I am not crazy about the Eagles using this much money on one player, this definitely shows their commitment to winning. The Eagles appear to be gearing up for a return into the upper echelon of teams in the NFL, and this move shows they are willing to spend the money it takes to get star players. It is a change of philosophy over their recent offseasons, where they have shied away from the big name players.

Landing arguably the best free agent available is a major coup for the Eagles, but what happens next may be even more important. They appear to be set on the defensive side of the ball after they sign defensive end Chris Clemons, but what will they do on offense? McNabb will need at least one more weapon, and since it appears Larry Fitzgerald is no longer an option, who will it be? Is there still an interest in Javon Walker?