Free Agent Decisions (Part 2: Defense/Special Teams)

The Eagles have 14 players eligible for free agency when this season comes to an end. Of those 14, nine are on the defense or special teams. In Part 1 we broke down the pending free agents on the offensive side of the ball. In this Part 2, we will look at those players facing free agency on the D/ST, their 2009 campaigns, and the chances the Eagles re-sign them for 2010 and beyond.

A big issue with free agency this year is the uncertainty surrounding the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that expires before next season. If a deal fails to get completed there will be no salary cap, and players with less than six years of NFL experience under their belt would become restricted free agents (RFA) rather that unrestricted free agents (UFA).

Jason Babin (DE)- In the five years Babin has been in the NFL, he has been shuffled between outside linebacker and defensive end. He caught on with the Eagles as a pass-rushing end, where he impressed the coaching staff enough in the preseason to earn a spot on the 53-man roster. Since Sean McDermott loves to shuffle his defensive lineman, Babin received a good amount of playing time throughout the season, totaling 16 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Mediocre production for sure. The Eagles desperately need to add a few more pass rushing lineman to the mix in 2010, and if they do, Babin will be shown the door.

Ellis Hobbs (CB)- The Eagles traded for Hobbs prior to the ‘09 season, hoping he would step in as a 4th corner and as a kick returner. In the first eight games, he performed those roles up to par, but then sustained a serious neck injury which sidelined him for the rest of the season. His status going forward is still very much in the air, as the neck injury Hobbs sustained was considered potentially career-threatening. If he is cleared to play, I would like to see the Eagles retain his services. You can never have too many experienced, starting caliber cornerbacks on your roster.

…More after the jump

Omar Gaither (LB)- In his first four seasons with the Eagles, Gaither moved through all three linebacker positions. He was placed on injured reserve after sustaining a lis franc injury to his foot in Week 5, ending his season prematurely. No one expects Gaither to be a game-changing type of player, but he is a smart guy who knows the defense inside and out. He will not be brought back with the intention to make him a starter, but he would prove a valuable backup and special teams contributor.

Chris Gocong (LB)- For the third straight year, Gocong made the team as the starting strongside linebacker. He battled through injuries and eventually got lost in the linebacker shuffle towards the end of the season. Rookie Moise Fokou performed well in replacing Gocong at SAM, so the former 3rd-round pick could be expendable if the Eagles add another big ‘backer to the mix. My best guess is that Gocong is brought back for a chance to reclaim his starting position.

Akeem Jordan(LB)- This is one guy who impressed me a lot this season. He took over the weakside job and never looked back, except when he missed four games after hyperextending his knee. While his size is a question mark (6′1, 230 lb.), Jordan is a sure tackler and maybe the best coverage ‘backer on the team. Is the James Madison product suited for a starting role? Maybe, maybe not. Either way, the Eagles should recognize the strides he has made in the three years in Philly and sign him to another contract.

Sean Jones (S)- Brought in after spending a few years as the starting strong safety for the Cleveland Browns, Jones split time with rookie Macho Harris at free safety. He was only signed to a one-year deal, so the Eagles wanted to see if he could handle the complex defense run by McDermott. I thought he clearly performed better than Harris, but youth is on the rookie’s side. If the Eagles fail to bring in at least one starting caliber safety, via free agency, trade, or the draft, I would be open to bringing back Jones.

Jeremiah Trotter (LB)- Gotta respect the love for the game showed by Trotter, as he came back to Philly for a third time and played surprisingly well in the middle of the defense. But with Stewart Bradley due back next season and the high chance that Reid and co. bring in a fresh mix of ‘backers, it is unlikely that Trotter is brought back. If the Eagles suffer a plethora of injuries again next season, then Trotter could be called on once again.

Tracy White (LB)- The final one of four linebackers who face free agency, White is a valuable guy on special teams who also was asked to contribute on defense. In both roles he played very well, and he could prove a low-cost option at backup linebacker.

Saverio Rocca (P)- The Eagles experimented with the former Australian-rules footballer for three years, and all signs are pointing to a parting of ways between Rocca and the Eagles organization. He was just too inconsistent, and with new special teams coach Bobby April in the mix, changes throughout the ST unit are going to be made.

Of the nine players just mentioned, Gocong, Jordan, and White would be restricted free agents if the CBA deal fails to get done.

Tags: Akeem Jordan, Bobby April, Chris Gocong, Ellis Hobbs, Jeremiah Trotter, NFL, Omar Gaither, Philadelphia Eagles, Sav Rocca, Sean Jones, Tracy White