Eagles cut LB Will Witherspoon

The Eagles haven't managed to sign any free agents as of yet but they have made another move today, cutting linebacker Will Witherspoon. Witherspoon was acquired from the Rams back in October for Brandon Gibson and a 5th round draft pick and was an immediate contributor on defense, especially in his first game against the Redskins (1 sack, 1 pick, 1 TD). Witherspoon was due to make 5 million dollars next year.

The move comes as a surprise, especially when you consider how thin the Eagles are at linebacker. Sure, Stewart Bradley will be returning to the middle next year, which will push Akeem Jordan back to weakside linebacker, but it's not like the Eagles are brimming with talent after those two. It's likely a question of money and age; the Eagles probably don't want to pay Witherspoon to be a 29 year old, multi-million dollar backup linebacker. Even in an uncapped year, the Eagles are showing that they won't be throwing money around.

Eagles trade Brandon Gibson for MLB Witherspoon

The NFL Trade Deadline is nothing like the baseball or hockey deadlines but occasionally some teams pull off interesting trades. The Eagles were one of those teams today, trading wide receiver Brandon Gibson and a 5th round draft pick to the Rams for veteran linebacker Will Witherspoon.

With Omar Gaither possibly out for a few weeks nursing a foot injury and Jeremiah Trotter being a disappointment at middle linebacker, this trade was a move the Eagles needed to make. Witherspoon, who is an 8 year NFL veteran with the Panthers and Rams, will step in immediately for the Eagles and be the starting MLB. Witherspoon is a hard-working player and a solid tackler who Andy Reid likes because of his ability to cover running backs and tight ends. Although Trotter hasn't been great so far, it is likely the Eagles will still employ a rotation at middle linebacker with Trotter in for running plays and Witherspoon in on obvious passing downs.

Trading Gibson, who was a training camp wonder, is a gamble that he will never reach his full potential. While he has plenty of upside, the Eagles are dealing from a strength so it isn't that big of a loss. When 5 other quality receivers are ahead of you on the depth chart, there really isn't any room for you.

While this trade doesn't guarantee the Eagles a Super Bowl run, it does help solidify their questionable linebacker situation. Ever since Stewart Bradley went down in the preseason, the Eagles have been trying everything to fill their middle linebacker spot. Hopefully Witherspoon can be a stopgap for the rest of the season.