The Eagles are amid “heavy negotiations” with former Lions linebacker Stephen Tulloch, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com reports (on Twitter). The Lions released Tulloch early last month after a months-long process that ultimately related to the longtime Detroit second-level cog passing a physical.
He has not been connected to any teams prior to the Eagles’ discussions, which have gone on for weeks, according to Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (via Twitter). The 31-year-old linebacker has started for the past eight seasons, first with the Titans and then becoming a regular in the Lions’ 4-3 setup.
Now run by Jim Schwartz, the Eagles’ defense will transition back to the 4-3 scheme with which Tulloch’s familiar. Tulloch played on Schwartz-run defenses in Tennessee and Detroit, playing for Schwartz for six seasons — from 2006-08 with the Titans and from 2011-13 with the Lions.
Philadelphia also could be dealing with a possible suspension for projected starting outside ‘backer Nigel Bradham after he was arrested late last month. Under optimal circumstances, the Eagles appear set to start Bradham and Mychal Kendricks on the outside and Jordan Hicks in the middle. Behind them, as Roster Resource shows, is a particularly thin group featuring Deontae Skinner, Najee Goode and seventh-round rookie Joe Walker. The team could use some depth in this area, and the Eagles could be a fit for Tulloch on a one-year deal.
Despite their unrelenting spree of extensions doled out this offseason, the Eagles’ payroll includes $6MM+ worth of cap space for 2016, with the financial fallout from the extensions not set to hit the team hard until the 2017 and ’18 league years.
Tulloch led the Lions in tackles last season (108) but his salary was too rich for the Lions’ liking this year. Now, the Eagles could add Tulloch without having to dole out too much money.
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