Eagles make their move, Samuel and Clemons

February 29, 2008 · Paul Raymond · Jump to comments

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Looking to boost the talent on an aging defense the Philadelphia Eagles hit the free agent market in a big way. In very non-typical fashion the Eagles spent money like there was no tomorrow, showing the urgency of a team desperate to get back into the playoffs. The first move is official, its the long rumored signing of corner back Asante Samuel. The second, could come tomorrow or within days and thats defensive end Chris Clemons.

First Samuel. Samuel gets a 6-year deal which is more then expected, earlier today rumors had him getting $47.2 million over 5 years. So just maybe that year was thrown in for salary cap purposes. The exact break down of the contract has not been released but its believed to be $10 million per season over the first 3 years. While I don’t feel Samuel is a true pro-bowl corner he goes to a defense that fits his style much better. You’re going what? didn’t he play for the New England Patriots? Yes, he did but the Patriots scheme wasn’t always to all-out blitz a quarter back, and if you go back and watch the Super Bowl and other Pats games he was exposed in the games that his team did not get to the QB. Going into Jim Johnson’s system, he should easily look like a pro-bowler as he blitzes almost every other play.

Second Clemons. Clemons’ agent Donal Henderson told Comast that his client is going to be in town taking a physical on Saturday. Usually when that happens if all goes well then the deal is signed, the Eagles wouldn’t be bringing him in if it wasn’t close to a done deal. Clemons should get the chance to increase his sack totals, as he is definitely a pass rusher in a pass rushing system. Last year the 26 year old had 8 sacks.

Both of these are huge moves for a team who was starting to get old and honestly pretty weak on the defensive side of the ball. Their corner situation could get sticky but if Lito Sheppard is healthy. The Eagles have 3 solid CBs with Sheppard, Samuel and Sheldon Brown so if all are healthy they’ll all want their playing times. The positive there thou is the Eagles run a lot of 3 corner sets which should keep them all on the field quite a bit, and actually be an offensive coordinators nightmare. Johnson will really be able to dial up the blitz and who knows where it would be coming from.

I hate the Eagles, but finally Andy Reid and the rest of management made some smart decisions.

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