After trying Tony Hunt and Dan Klecko at fullback, the Eagles decided it was finally time to bring in someone who can actually play the position. They signed former Patriot Kyle Eckel, a Philly native, for the remainder of the season. To make room for Eckel, the team released safety J.R. Reed.
Eckel played 12 games last season with the Patriots and ran for 90 yards and 2 touchdowns. He was waived by the Patriots back in September. Eckel should bring some stability to the fullback position that isn't a huge part of the Eagles offense, but it is still going to be nice to have someone who can actually block in the backfield. Should help out on all those chances at the goal line.
J.R. Reed has been a useful player but he is a victim of numbers. Quintin Demps has shown enough to slide into the second string strong safety spot that is now vacated. Reed has been released and brought back by the Eagles before so this may not be the last time we see him with the Birds. He is a good enough player that he will be competing for a job somewhere next season.
Reed also apparently wore a Tampa Bay Rays jersey yesterday so he deserves to get cut!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Eagles bring in a new fullback and cut J.R. Reed
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Eagles sign J.R. Reed, tender Joselio Hanson
The Eagles made two minor moves as they prepare themselves for free agency. Safety and kick returner J.R. Reed was re-signed to a one year contract, and corner Joselio Hanson was tendered an offer sheet worth 1.47 million for next year. Other teams have seven days to make an offer to Hanson, which the Eagles can match. If the Eagles choose not to match an offer, they would receive a second round pick as compensation.
The moves are small, but somewhat significant. J.R. Reed will be trying to make the club as a returner again next year. The Eagles should be looking to bring in some competition for him, and I had heard the name Andre Davis brought up as a possibility, although he just re-signed with the Texans. Bringing Hanson back would provide some depth in the secondary. Hanson finished last season as the third (nickel) cornerback, but hopefully he is being planned on as nothing more than a fourth next year.
It's worth noting that if the Eagles pay Hanson 1.47 million, that is already more than half of the money the saved from cutting Kearse.
