Eagles work out Trent Edwards

The Eagles worked out quarterback Trent Edwards earlier this week, an NFL source said.

Because Edwards wasn't on an NFL roster at the end of the season he is permitted to sign with any team right now. The new league year -- and subsequently the start of free agency -- doesn't officially begin until March 13.

The Eagles don't plan on signing Edwards any time soon and were merely kicking the tires on the 29-year old, according to a team source, but they have always been high on the former Bills quarterback. He would fill the team's apparent need for a backup quarterback.

Vince Young, who filled that role last season, will also be a free agent. Young is likely in pursuit of a starting job but it is unlikely he'll be signed as one after a mixed bag of a season which was more bad than good.

The Eagles could wish to bring Young back as their No. 2 quarterback and chalk up last season's woes to the shortened off-season. The free agent market for backups is thin. Jason Campbell and Kyle Orton could be available, but they, too, may be seeking starting jobs.

Edwards, 6-foot-4, 230 pounds,  has experience as a starter. He started in 32 games for the Bills from 2007-10, compiling a 14-18 record. He hasn't always been supplied with the best receivers and offensive lines, though. In 2008, he completed 66 percent of his passes, tossed 11 touchdowns against 10 interceptions and finished with a 85.4 passer rating after 14 starts.

He hasn't played in the NFL since 2010, though. He with the Raiders during the preseason last year but failed to make the team and spent 2011 on the street. His last appearance -- and start -- was for the Jaguars in final game of the 2010 season.

With Michael Vick injury prone, the Eagles will need a competent backup. They still have Mike Kafka, but the third-year quarterback could not supplant Young, who went 1-2 in place of Vick and threw nine interceptions in 114 pass attempts.

Vick, who will be 32 in June, has missed six games and did not finish three others because of injury over the last two seasons.