Eagles bring back Landri
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Eagles bring back Landri
Jeff McLane
The Eagles signed defensive tackle Derek Landri, a key contributor down the stretch last season, to a one-year contract, the team announced Monday.
In 12 games Landri recorded 43 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two sacks and a blocked field goal.
Despite a strong season, Landri did not get the long-term deal he sought in free agency. The Eagles added the former Carolina Panther last training camp, but he was cut before the first game. After Antonio Dixon tore his triceps, however, the Eagles brought Landri back in early October.
Landri, during a conference call, said that he actually had an offer from the Eagles for longer than one year two weeks ago, but that it fell through when left tackle Jason Peters ruptured his Achilles tendon on March 27.
"I actually didn't think I was going to be back" with the Eagles, Landri said. "But both sides had cools heads and we ended up getting something done."
Landri, 28, was asked if there were any hard feelings when the Eagles had to pull their initial offer.
"You can't let something like that pull you down," Landri said. "But don't believe for a second I won't be using that as fuel for the way I play football."
Landri's playing time in defensive line coach Jim Washburn's defensive tackle rotation seemed to increase with each game. As a result, Trevor Laws saw less action. The signing of Landri makes it all but certain that Laws' days with the Eagles are over.
The Eagles now have five defensive tackles under contract -- starters Cullen Jenkins and Mike Patterson, Landri, Dixon and Cedric Thornton. Patterson had surgery on his brain to correct an AVM this off-season. He is expected to make a full recovery by the start of training camp.
"We were the defensive line in the NFL last year," Landri said. "I think we have the potential to be better than what we did last year."
Despite the numbers, the Eagles should still be in the market to take a defensive tackle high in the draft with Jenkins 31 and Patterson 29 before the start of the season. They have brought LSU defensive tackle Michael Brockers and Memphis defensive tackle Dontari Poe in for visits. Mississippi State's Fletcher Cox is also believed to be on the Eagles' radar.
Landri said he wasn't concerned about how he might fit in the rotation if the Eagles did in fact select a defensive tackle early in the draft.
"I'm a ball player, not a worrier or a business guy right now," Landri said. "Maybe after I'm done playing football I'll worry about business and where everything fits in."
Solid move. With Dixon, Landri, Jenkins and Patterson at DT, do we really need more depth there with a first round pick?
— PhillySportsFix.com- Yea with those guys signed it's hard to see but Jenkins is getting up there and Patterson is too along with the recent procedure he had done to boot. Wouldn't be surprised if Fletcher Cox is gone before the Birds pick that they dont trade dwn. Could also see them getting a corner which no one is talking about. We need a slot corner badly Hanson sucks !!!!! — diehardeagle
Comment removed.- Then Stay Off Our Board !!! — dmanphilly
- takes 1 to know 1 buddy !!!! — diehardeagle
- Shouldn't you be cleaning out porta-pots instead wasting time on here?
— ej610 - The Jimmy Jam Band is two man band that sounds like ten. They are one of Rochester's Top Low Class Trailer Trash Bands ... — jimiburnz
- This is an excellent move. Wonder if it means that Patterson is moved, and if so, is the DT position addressed in the 1st/2nd round?— Witz79
- Jenkins is 31 and Patterson's health is always going to be a question mark. I'd still prefer they take Kuechly or Barron at 15 if either are still there, but the Birds don't value LBs or safeties enough to draft them in the 1st.— Only in Philly...
- Hard to believe he got no interest anywhere ???— CDR Little
- Really kinda stunning. He was really a beast on the field last year. Seemed like he made a play every series he played. Maybe he doesn't....uh...interview well. — Wry Philly Guy
This move throws a curve ball to the other organizations who have to try to figure out the Eagles angle. They want the best player available. Don't be surprised if they draft slot fast slot receiver or OL in the first round. Landri deal is only 1 year. If they draft a good DT then he can replace Thorton or Dixon in the rotation. All the DT's are ? marks expect for Cullen.- Nice.— Leegles
- Could this mean the Birds are looking at a DT/DE instead of a strict NT/DT type of player? Could also spell OT if there's a quality selection left at 15. Most assuredly it means that they're going to take the best player or trade down to get more picks this year or next!
Got to love this re-signing though. Landri loves Philly and he's got the motor needed to put pressure on the QB on passing downs. Big question now is who's going to put pressure on the 'run game' on downs 1 & 2?
Go Eagles!— Laughingaloud123 - Now - draft a QB and were all set for 2013 becuase 2012 will be what MV makes it - 8-8.— osi is hurt boohoo
