Eagles acquire DT Jenkins; Trade Bunkley
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
Eagles acquire DT Jenkins; Trade Bunkley
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
BETHLEHEM, Pa. -- The rich just got richer.
The Eagles have signed free agent defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins to a five-year contract, the team announced.
The deal is worth $25 million, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com.
With the addition of Jenkins the Eagles traded defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley to the Cleveland Browns for a 2012 fifth-round draft pick. They also brought back free agent linebacker Akeem Jordan.
Jenkins gives the Eagles a pass-rushing option inside. Last season for the Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers, Jenkins racked up seven sacks. He has 29 career sacks in seven seasons of play, mostly as a defensive end. He moved to a three-technique end when the Packers switched to a 3-4 two seasons ago.
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman said Jenkins can play both insdie or out.
"On third down he rushes from inside and we think he makes a difference in that role," Roseman said. "In this defense, in this scheme, it really utilizes all his talents."
The Eagles are giving new defensive coordinator Juan Castillo virtually a new defense. In the last few days they've added defensive end Jason Babin, cornerbacks Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Nnamdi Asomugha and now Jenkins.
The team's embarrassment of riches and its free-spending week has turned the NFL upside down. Aside from the above-mentioned defensive players, the Eagles also signed quarterback Vince Young, tight end Donald Lee and wide receiver Johnny Lee Higgins.
Roseman was asked if the Eagles still had room under the salary cap to continue to make moves. He deferred to team president Joe Banner, who was sitting in the audience.
"Hell, yeah," Banner said.
The Eagles have some long-term decisions to make in terms of money. Currently, wide receiver DeSean Jackson is holding out in the hopes of getting a new contract. Quarterback Michael Vick is also expected to get a new deal.
The Jenkins addition could signal the end for cornerback Asante Samuel, who is slated to earn roughly $15 million over the next two seasons. The Eagles have been receiving calls from teams looking to perhaps trade for Samuel, NFL sources said.
The Eagles could still make more moves. They may need a veteran linebacker, a backup running back, and perhaps another offensive linemen. The team's wide receiver situation -- with Jackson holding out and Jeremy Maclin absent with an illness -- could also influence the Eagles' plans.
Bunkley, the Eagles' 2006 No. 1 draft pick, departs after five seasons. It's fair to label Bunkley a disapointment. He recorded just six career sacks and would sometimes fade for games. Last season, he injured his elbow, missed a few games and eventually lost his starting spot to Antonio Dixon.
I WANT O-LINEMEN...NOW!!!! The writer said "and perhaps another offensive linemen" are freakin' kidding me. Offensive line is our weekest area. Anyone remember the debacle against Green Bay, with Justice taking like 3 holding calls in 4 plays. Pathetic! We need help or Vick will be scrambling for his life.— ziggy26- We still must take care of DJax. Bunkley should have been jettisoned last year. Love bringing Jordan back.
Still say Plax is in the mix...— dudega - Joe Banner says "hell yeah" I love it!— Wise_Owl
- "and perhaps another offensive linemen" Yeah, unless you want King Dunlap as your starting RT on opening day. I love the moves here, they aren't done yet. Burress is next.— MidGreen
- Dare I say "I Love U EAGLES!!!"— FMBNG
- Got to wonder what Banner and his coterie of underlings are up to here. The Jenkins signing is excellent, and Bunkley's on his way to Cleveland for a draft pick. I don't know much about Akeem Jordan, but the defensive backfield will be killer with Asomugha, Jarrett and R-C. They still need to consider the O-line, and oh yes, running the ball this year...hello?
On my first thought: is this Lurie saying he'll load up on big money players for one throw of the dice, and maybe get two or three really good years, maybe even a SB? Then do we go back to the "Nickels and Dimes" deal? I still have to wonder just what Lurie and those guys are thinking, if at all.— MidStaterUXB - All is well in Philly! Very smart and surprising moves that all make sense. They should hang on to Samuel and pay Desean. For one of the first times in the last 10 years I feel like they have become serious about winning vs being competitive. I am very optimistic.— JimSeitz
- We will see how happy everybody is come one January 2012 game in the 4th quarter and Andy has to make a decision.......and you know what happens.— Romus
- u freaks crack me up. all excited huh?
NEVER WON A SUPER BOWL.
nuf said.
WOOT!
— depressed - All we got for Bunk was a 5th...hmmm thought he would give us at least a third. A good run-stuffer and pass rusher in the right scheme...looks like Tom Heckert pulled a fast one over in Cleveland— obama
- my guess on this is that when JIM WASHBURN came here his imput was listened to. there is no other factor that would cause this kind of change. this reminds me of another scene from the godfather. while we were all at the church taking part in the baptism of hunter pence the eagles were taking care of family business behind the scenes. it was like a massacre with replacements. have we ever "dumped" this many eagles at one time? the best off season ever!!! i lived through the early 80's when all 4 teams were amazing. this is off the chart.— atimelost
- wow how people who are eagles fans can complain is beyond me???? Good lord what else do you want them to do 3 days in. Guys are going to get cut who are cap causuaties who are good players let this all play out before we complain what they dont have.— DSU
- For all the people who wanted Haynesworth, guess what? He didn't practice for the Pats today because he failed his physical. What a joke.— p-diddy
- For all the people who wanted Haynesworth, guess what? He didn't practice for the Pats today because he failed his physical. What a joke.— p-diddy
- Bunk was on his way out. Had no chance playing in this defense. Dixon made him completely obsolete last year.— papabear702
