The Eagles land a LB, acquire DeMeco Ryans

All offseason, we've been left to wonder what the Eagles will do to shore up their weakest position: linebacker.  After passing on most of the bigger name free agents, the Eagles pulled off a huge trade today, acquiring DeMeco Ryans from the Texans for a 4th round draft pick.  Ryans, who does have some issues with an Achilles tendon, still has to pass a physical before the trade becomes official but all indications are that the Eagles are confident he will pass.

Ryans, a 6 year veteran and a 2-time Pro Bowler, brings a hefty salary with him to the Eagles as he earns over 6 million a year through 2015.  He is a huge pickup for the Eagles and he will be the best linebacker they've had on the roster in years.  The reason the Texans were willing to trade Ryans for very little was his salary and he is better suited for the 4-3 defense that the Eagles employ.

It will be a strange sight to see the Eagles actually have a legitimate Pro Bowler playing middle linebacker for them next season.  At 27, Ryans is young and should be a force in the middle for years to come.  Great move by the Birds to get a young stud player in a position of extreme need for little cost.