Eagles Should Sign Free Agent FS Darren Shaper

Written By Bob Cunningham On Wednesday, April 14, 2010

The Eagles got a close look at what Sharper can do.



It's no secret the Eagles have a lot of holes to fill with the upcoming draft, and I don't think I'm shocking anyone when I say most of those holes are on defense. But do the Eagles seriously believe they can fill all of these holes with rookies?

Something tells me Andy Reid doesn't believe that, and neither do any realistic fans. So, in order to make a real push towards the Super Bowl in 2010, the Birds must find other ways of filling these gaping holes.

Enter Darren Sharper. Sharper has always been a ball-hawking free safety, and is exactly what this young, but talented, Eagles team could use.

While I believe the talk of having a "leader" is always overrated and overblown, it wouldn't hurt to have a veteran like Sharper now that a guy like Sheldon Brown is now in Cleveland.

With Sharper in the mix, the Eagles could draft a safety like Myron Rolle out of Florida State or Rashad Jones out of Georgia in the third round or so, and let the rookie learn behind a guy who has shown he still has what it takes to be one of the best, even at 34 years old.

Then Reid and GM Howie Roseman could focus on drafting a defensive end and linebacker in the first two rounds. Both positions need a significant upgrade, but free safety is the position truly lacking a starter.

Quintin Demps and Macho Harris have shown they're not starting-caliber free safeties, and Marlin Jackson is a huge unknown who might best be suited as a backup cornerback.

Sharper would be willing to play on a one-year deal, as he did with the Saints last year, and would be a terrific stop-gap at free safety while a rookie is groomed. The Eagles don't like signing older players, but if he's playing on a one-year deal, there's very little risk -- especially when we look back at his nine-interception 2009 season.

Not only that, but he's coming off a knee surgery (although minor), so he's precisely what the Birds are looking for in a free agent.


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