Connor Barwin Last Piece of the Eagles’ Defensive Puzzle?

What a Thursday in the city of brotherly love, the Eagles added yet another free agent in what has been a very busy off-season for general manager Howie Roseman. Earlier in the day, Philadelphia added secondary help in Kenny Phillips and Cary Williams, but the Eagles’ front office staff wasn’t finished for the day as the Birds also confirmed the signing of former Houston Texans outside linebacker Connor Barwin to a six-year deal reportedly worth $36 million with $8 million guaranteed.

Head coach Chip Kelly alongside new defensive coordinator Billy Davis have illustrated their intention to change the scheme of Philadelphia’s defensive unit, if only in part. Billy Davis is a long term proprietor of the 3-4 scheme, a set he used previously in Arizona and San Francisco. Connor Barwin will be a great addition to Philadelphia’s pass rush, as a Texan for the entirety of his five year professional career the Cincinnati graduate has recorded 18 sacks and 81 tackles.

Barwin’s arrival in Philadelphia brings experienced depth to an already crowded Eagle’s front seven. In addition to Barwin and fellow recent free agent acquisition Isaac Sopoaga, the Eagles also currently have nine other linemen or linebackers on their depth chart including expected starters: Trent Cole, Brandon Graham, Fletcher Cox, Mychal Kendricks and DeMeco Ryans. With only 53 spots on a roster at the start of the regular season, Philadelphia will have to make yet another tough choice regarding their defensive personnel.