The Philadelphia Eagles have again enjoyed a successful offseason signing key players at critical positions. After Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters ended his 2012 season before it started Philly brass added Demetress Bell formerly of the Buffalo Bills. They added Pro Bowl linebacker DeMeco Ryans via a trade with the Houston Texans. Finally, the Eagles look as though they had a tremendous draft and have received high praise and grades from all the experts.
Still, there is one looming position that still needs an upgrade. One final player that needs to be added for the Birds to consider this a truly exceptional offseason for the second consectutive season. That “need” would be adding a veteran presence to the Eagles safety position.
According to Jeff McLane, who credited a league source, the Eagles might just be one step closer to achieving that goal.
The Eagles have been in discussions with soon to be former Miami Dolphins veteran safety Yeremiah Bell for some time now. I say “soon to be former” because Bell has narrowed his choices from four teams down to two — the Eagles and the New York Jets. So it’s safe to say that wherever he decides to sign he’ll not only be seeing green in 2012, he’ll be wearing it also.
Bell, an eight-year veteran, was selected by the Dolphins in the 2003 NFL Draft who has gone on to make it to the Pro Bowl after his level of play in 2009. In each of his last four seasons he has grown in to a productive member of the Dolphins defense recording over 100 tackles in each of those seasons.
There are a number of reasons why Bell (34) would look to Philadelphia as his final NFL home. The Eagles have been a consistent playoff contender and are once again believed to be contenders this season — on paper. However his close connection to Eagles new secondary coach, Todd Bowles, who is the former Dolphins interim head coach, could prove to be Bell’s deciding factor.
Currently the Eagles have a ton of potential talent on their roster, but all members have yet to prove themselves whether it be due to injury or lack of playing time. Nate Allen, Jaiquawn Jarrett, Kurt Coleman, Colt Anderson, and Tom Nelson are all on the Eagles roster as of right now. Allen, Coleman, and Jarrett are the front-runners to win the starting jobs, at this point in time. However if the Eagles manage to land Bell one of those players will become quality depth.
The Eagles are close to completing their offseason plans. Stay tuned as Bell will likely be making his decision within the next few days!
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May 18, 2012
