According to Jay Glazer of FOX, the Philadelphia Eagles have acquired middle linebacker Will Witherspoon from the St. Louis Rams for receiver Brandon Gibson and a 2010 draft pick. Adam Schefter of ESPN later reported that the pick is a fifth rounder.
Witherspoon spent his first four seasons with the Carolina Panthers before becoming a member of the Rams, where he has spent the past three years. He is signed through 2011 with a current base salary of $2.5 million, $5 million for 2010, and $5 million for 2011.
After losing Stewart Bradley to injury in the preseason, the Eagles had moved Omar Gaither back inside to middle linebacker. Gaither was adequate but not spectacular before injuring his foot in Sunday’s fiasco in Oakland. Jeremiah Trotter was brought back to the team just last week in order to help on rushing downs. Witherspoon is far more talented than both men and should be a valuable addition to the Birds staff. He can play both the WILL and MIKE positions and rarely comes off the field. Eagles head coach Andy Reid has already indicated that he intends to keep Witherspoon on the field in nickel situations.
McNabb’s and Kolb’s contracts are set to expire following the 2010 season. Wesseling suggests that a second rounder might get the job done and that the St. Louis Rams would be a good fit, pointing out that Rams Offensive Coordinator Pat Shurmur was Kolb’s QB coach in Philly and that incumbent starter Marc Bulger’s time is running short. 
Recent Comments