Arrington could be the next big name in Philly

By Connor Byrne  |   Wednesday, March 08, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Philadelphia Eagles
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The Washington Redskins' loss could be the Philadelphia Eagles' gain.

Monday, star weak side linebacker LaVar Arrington agreed to a buyout of his contract with the Redskins, making him a free agent. In his stellar tenure in Washington, Arrington --the former second overall draft choice back in 2000-- accumulated 318 tackles and 22.5 sacks. Unfortunately, he battled injuries over the past few seasons then fell out of favor with head coach Joe Gibbs and defensive coordinator Gregg Williams in 2005. Consequently, Arrington spent much of the season riding the pine for the playoff-bound Redskins rather than contributing.

Tuesday, Arrington stated that he would like to return to Washington's FedEx Field once a year to take annual revenge on his now former team. The only way he can accomplish that would be by staying in the NFC East division. Besides Washington, the New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys and the Eagles are the other teams in the division. New York doesn't have the cap room and Dallas has other needs. That leaves Philadelphia as the prime candidate on Arrington's radar screen. They have the cap room and the need for such a playmaker.

The Eagles' starter at the weak side linebacker position last season was the less than stellar, somewhat unknown Keith Adams. Although he's a nice player, Adams is better suited as a backup and special teams contributor. Arrington would be able to waltz into "The City of Brotherly Love" and take over alongside ex-Redskins teammate Jeremiah Trotter.

Currently starting at strong side linebacker for the Eagles is veteran Dhani Jones. Along with the aforementioned Trotter, Arrington would have the ability to form one of the most lethal linebacking groups in the entire league. Jones, Trotter and Arrington have the veteran experience that is necessary to lead a defense to a supreme ranking in the defensive standings. That kind of defensive consistency and productivity could lead the Eagles back to the upper-echelon in the NFC.

The onus at this point is on Eagles GM Tom Heckert and team owner Jeff Lurie to open the purse strings and bring in the type of player who can lead their defense to the promised land. Lurie has proven time and again in the past that spending money isn't an issue with his team; thus, the ball is clearly in the Eagles' court in this situation.

After witnessing the abilities of LaVar Arrington over the last few seasons, the city of Philadelphia will undoubtedly welcome one of the game's fiercest, most respected defensive players to their city. If Eagles fans want their team to fly high in 2006, welcoming Arrington properly will be a priority.

--Connor Byrne can be reached at cbyrne@realfootball365.com
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