Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Eagles acquire DE Darryl Tapp, sign him to extension

UPDATE: Sources are reporting that the Eagles have agreed to a 3 year contract extension with Tapp.

With the Eagles relative lack of activity in the unrestricted free agency front, you knew some trades would be coming this offseason. Here is your first: according to Jay Glazer, the Birds have acquired DE Darryl Tapp from the Seahawks for DE Chris Clemons and a 4th round pick in the 2010 draft. Tapp recently re-signed as a restricted free agent with the Seahawks.

Tapp is a 4 year veteran who is good against the run and has 18 total sacks in his career. His best year was in 2007 when he picked up 7 sacks but his production has fallen off quite a bit since then (2.5 sacks in 2009). Tapp is actually pretty similar to Clemons in that way; Clemons had one big year in 2007 and has since seen his production and playing time slip.

Add another defensive end to the rotation. While Tapp isn't a big name like Julius Peppers, he is a former second round pick who has the potential to contribute. No, he won't be replacing Juqua Parker at the starting defensive end spot, but he will get after the quarterback for a few snaps a game. While much of the same things can be said about Clemons, Tapp is younger and has more upside.

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