Eagles sign fullback Ryan Mueller to two-year deal

On Friday afternoon, the Eagles announced they signed converted linebacker Ryan Mueller as a fullback.

#Eagles sign FB Ryan Mueller, a former linebacker for the Chargers.

Welcome to Philly, @R_Mueller44! pic.twitter.com/6OXb2GvpZ9

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) April 1, 2016

 The length of the deal was revealed in the team's press release. It is a two-year contract for Mueller.

The Eagles signed fullback Ryan Mueller to a two-year contract on Friday, April 1. Mueller, who was a four-year letterman as a defensive lineman at Kansas State, played linebacker for the San Diego Chargers as a rookie in 2015 and spent time on the club’s practice squad.

Offensive lineman Tanner Hawkins was released by the team on Friday. Hawkinson was signed off the 49ers' practice squad on October 13, 2015 and spent the remainder of the season with the Eagles, but never suited up in a game.

Head coach Doug Pederson had expressed his interest in utilizing a fullback in his offense earlier during the offseason. There was some speculation that a player currently on the roster such as Trey Burton could fill the role. It is possible that offensive coordinator Frank Reich's familiarity with the Chargers organization led to their acquisition of Mueller.

Somers Price is a contributor for Eagledelphia.com and can be followed on Twitter @somersprice