Eagles reportedly have interest in DE Ray Edwards

Rumors are swirling late Thursday night that the Eagles have interest in restricted free agent DE Ray Edwards. The former Viking was tendered by Minnesota at the first round level, meaning any team that signs him would have to give up their first round pick. Of course, the Vikings could also match any offer, making it extremely difficult for someone to pry Edwards away.

That the Eagles are interested doesn't come as much of a surprise. Edwards is the exact type of player the team targets: a young (25) up-and-coming defender with plenty of football left in him. While the Eagles do have a reputation for being cost-efficient (cheap), they might feel it's worth it to give him the big money he wants and to give up their first round pick if he can provide a solid pass-rushing presence opposite of Trent Cole. While there is still some belief around the league that Edwards' numbers last year with the Vikings (8.5 sacks) are due to playing with Jared Allen, he would still be better than any defensive lineman the Eagles could draft with their 24th pick in the first round.

Of course, all indications are that the Vikings will bring back Edwards at any cost. What the Eagles could do to pull off a signing would be to include a "poison pill" clause in their contract offer; something that states he would have to be the highest paid defensive lineman on the team. The Vikings of course couldn't pull that off with Jared Allen's huge salary on the roster. Basically, if the Eagles really want Edwards, they could offer him a massive deal and they might just get their man. The Birds would really have to be in love with Edwards to make that kind of commitment, though, so they better be absolutely sure he's worth the steep price.