Report: Eagles in “heavy negotiations” with former Lions Linebacker

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According to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Eagles are in “heavy negotiations” with former Lions Linebacker, Stephen Tulloch.

Tulloch has strong ties with Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and after being released by the Lions, the speculation naturally began to pick up.

He started out his professional career under Schwartz as a 4th round pick of the Titans back in 2006. He may not have become a full-time starter for two more years, but he then followed Schwartz to the Lions who took the job of Head Coach.

In each of the three seasons Tulloch spent with the Lions under Jim Schwartz, he amassed 110+ tackles and was easily one of the most efficient run-stuffing linebackers in the NFL.

Tulloch is now 31 years old heading into what would be his eleventh NFL season and the Eagles desperately need some depth and security at the Linebacker position considering that none of the Eagles starting linebackers (Nigel Bradham, Mychal Kendricks, or Jordan Hicks) have started in all 16 games in a season yet.

There may be some young talent below the starters, but the addition of Tulloch would not only help from a mentoring perspective as someone who knows the system and has thrived under Schwartz..acting as the prototypical linebacker for the scheme, but help bridge the gap from starters to backups if any injuries do occur.

 

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