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.

Eagles Officially Sign Clemons

As had been rumored, the Eagles have signed former Raider defensive end Chris Clemons to a five year contract. Clemons figures to slide into the defensive end rotation, replacing Jevon Kearse. He is a pass rush specialist, although he can also play some linebacker, so he could be another Chris Gocong-type hybrid player. Clemons had 8 sacks last season.

Although the value of the contract has not been announced yet, I would bet that the Eagles didn't break the bank with this deal. As long as they didn't overpay, I am fine with the signing. You always need depth along the defensive line, and Clemons appears to be on the upswing of his career. Of course, the guy couldn't find a team in 2006, and he played for the awful Raiders in 2007, so he could just as easily amount to nothing.

Two good moves in two days. Now let's go get a receiver.

UPDATE: The contract is 5 years, 18.5 million

Eagles to sign Chris Clemons

It looks like the Eagles are making more moves on the defensive side of the ball. The Eagles are reportedly going to sign free agent defensive end/linebacker Chris Clemons. Clemons started his career with the Redskins, and played for the Raiders last season. He had a career year last year, accumulating 8 sacks. It appears that Clemons will be the guy that replaces Jevon Kearse at defensive end.

Also in the article linked to above, it reports that the Eagles have inquired about Larry Fitzgerald, but found the Cardinals asking price to be too high. The Eagles look to be loading up on defense, what will they do to address the offense?