Eagles reportedly set to sign LB Tulloch

Stephen Tulloch will sign a one-year deal with the Eagles, a league source confirmed Sunday. The veteran linebacker provides much-needed depth to the middle of the Eagles' defense, and arrives with a background in defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz's scheme.

Tulloch, 31, will receive a contract worth up to $3 million with $1.75 million guaranteed, per the source. The move is not yet official, but Tulloch's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, confirmed the signing on Twitter.

The interest between the veteran and the team has been reported for weeks, and the Eagles' need at the position only grew after rookie Joe Walker tore his anterior cruciate ligament last Thursday. Coach Doug Pederson admitted the Eagles would look to bring in help at the position.

The Eagles appear set with their starting linebackers: Jordan Hicks in the middle, with Nigel Bradham and Mychal Kendricks being the top outside linebackers. However, all three players missed time last season because of injuries, and Kendricks did not play in the first two preseason games because of an injured hamstring. It's unknown what role Tulloch will play in Philadelphia, but his experience has come at middle linebacker. He hasn't been a backup since 2007.

Tulloch most recently played for the Detroit Lions, and he played for Schwartz in both Detroit and Tennessee. He started 111 games in 10 seasons, and has 670 solo tackles, 141/2 sacks, and five interceptions.

"I've got a lot of background with Steve," Schwartz said earlier this month. "I was with Tennessee when we drafted him; [he] ended up being starting middle linebacker for us there. When I was head coach in Detroit, we brought him up there. I have a lot of respect for that guy and his production."

Schwartz said then he would defer to the Eagles' personnel staff about whether to sign Tulloch, and he was keeping an open mind about the linebacker depth. The Eagles entered training camp with Najee Goode as the only reserve linebacker with more than one year of NFL experience. Most were rookies, including Walker, who impressed the team as Hicks' backup.

After Walker's injury, former Villanova standout Don Cherry became the top backup linebacker. Even before Walker's injury, the team sought more experience at the position. Walker's injury only exacerbated concerns about depth lacking at the position - and perhaps even enhanced Tulloch's leverage.

"Obviously, that's been a spot that we've looked at all offseason and also in training camp," Pederson said. "I know Howie and his team are out there looking, and with the loss now [of] Joe, obviously something is going to have to be done."

That something appears to be Tulloch. The Lions released Tulloch in July, months after the 5-foot-11, 246-pound linebacker was reportedly told the move would be coming. The Detroit Free Press reported that the Lions held onto Tulloch for health reasons.

His background in the defense would seemingly make for a quick transition, and the Eagles can feel more comfortable about their depth at the position. Once he officially signs, the question will be how Schwartz plans on using him.

The Eagles released four players on Sunday: Wide receivers T.J Graham and Xavier Rush; running back Cedric O'Neal; and center Bruce Johnson.

The roster will be at 85 players after Tulloch signs. The Eagles must trim the roster to 75 players by Aug. 30.

Graham and Rush both joined the team before the draft. Graham is a former third-round pick by the Buffalo Bills who was deep on the depth chart, and Rush was trying to break into the NFL with the Eagles.

O'Neal and Johnson were both undrafted rookies. O'Neal was the sixth running back on the depth chart, with Kenjon Barner, Wendell Smallwood, and Byron Marshall distinguishing themselves as the players trying to back up Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles.

Johnson was an undrafted rookie from Maine who was behind Jason Kelce, Stefen Wisniewski, and Josh Andrews. Isaac Seumalo can also play center.

zberman@phillynews.com

@ZBerm www.philly.com/eaglesblog