Could Howie Make Exceptions To The Plan?

Woodley would immediately improve the pass-rush

Howie Roseman apparently has a new plan since the Dream Team debacle: take care of his own guys, bring in mid-level but young free agents, build through the draft.

However, while the Eagles are building for the future, they're also in win-now mode. Could Philadelphia bend the rules of this new philosophy and bring in an older veteran to provide immediate help?

Here are a few guys who may be a little longer in the tooth, but could provide an instant impact on a one or two-year deal.
NT Paul Soliai -

At 6-4 340lbs, Soliai is a massive body that can anchor a defensive line. He's a one-man wrecking crew in the run game. Bennie Logan is a promising player, but Soliai could be an option to split time with Logan and replace Damion Square.

He is 30 years old however, and seems to have a strong market. A deal here seems unlikely, but I think backup NT is a position that needs to be improved this off-season.

OLB LaMarr Woodley -


There were mixed reactions on Twitter when I mentioned Woodley as a stop-gap solution to OLB. The fact is, Philadelphia's pass rush improved over the second half of the season, but the team just couldn't get pressure without blitzing. Billy Davis wants to run a style similar to Pittsburgh, where Woodley has thrived for the majority of seven seasons.

The overall success of the defense benefits immensely from a strong four-man pass rush. Woodley, Trent Cole, Barwin, and Fletcher Cox would provide an intimidating sub-package rush. Plus, this draft class isn't remarkably deep with 3-4 OLBs, nor is the free agent class.

Woodley is comfortable in coverage, and very effective at harassing the QB. At 29, he could provide good value on a two-year deal. He offers a much better option than Mike Neal, in my opinion. I think there's a real possibility Howie Roseman gives Woodley's agent a call in the coming week.

S Ryan Mundy -

At 29, Mundy had a productive year for the New York Giants last season. If the secondary market is a little inflated, Howie might look to Mundy as a more affordable option for a year or two. Mundy has good size, at 6-1 209lbs. Plus, he's spent most of his career in Pittsburgh, so he'd be familiar with the scheme.