It is being reported that the Eagles have begun dipping into free agent waters this morning. They had former Green Bay inside linebacker Brad Jones in for a visit. He was cut last month after spending six years with the Packers. Jones is a former seventh round pick in the 2009 NFL draft. He played college ball for Colorado. Jones, 28 years old, played his best NFL seasons in 2012 & 2013: totaling 161 combined tackles, five sacks, four passes defensed, and two forced fumbles.
He comes from a winning culture in Green Bay and could be brought in to provide depth behind rehabbing DeMeco Ryans. Though advanced metrics—a la ProFootball Focus—aren’t large fans of Jones’ work, Chip & Co. thought it prudent to bring him in for a visit.
Let free agency speculation season begin.
***UPDATE***
The Philadelphia Eagles announced that they have signed Brad Jones to a two year contract. While this is the first signing for the Eagles with regard to the 2015 season, it is likely one that provides organizational depth. Assuming DeMeco Ryans can return from injury, and he doesn't fall on the salary cap cutting block, he is the starter. Even still, this is the kind of signing that makes this a better top-to-bottom roster.
Jones is coming from an enviable culture in Green Bay & could add to the list of special teams stalwarts if nothing else. If he is the only LB added to the roster (via free agency, draft, etc.) then this will be largely disappointing. More likely, Jones may replace a guy like Casey Matthews who, despite performing well in Ryans' absence, could get more money than he is worth on the free agency market come March 10th.
