In an interesting turn of events, former Eagles veteran Connor Barwin has expressed an interest to return to the City of Brotherly Love, per an interview with Heavy.com
“I’m trying to come back and play for the Eagles. I’m training right now and I’ve talked to [Eagles GM] Howie [Roseman] and they’re going to see if they need any depth on the edge and so I’m going to wait until camp starts before I sign anywhere else, but obviously I’m not going to wait too long. But the Eagles know that’s where I want to be.”
Barwin spent four years with the Eagles before becoming a cap casualty and matching his 2016 sack total of 5 with his new team, the Rams, one year later. He then signed a deal with the New York Giants that saw the 32-year old take on a more rotational while in an absolute train wreck of a season, while younger players took the heavier loads.
Barwin’s numbers have regressed ever since his stunning 14.5 sack season under Chip Kelly, but that could also be due to scheme change. Barwin was far better as an outside linebacker than he was as a DE under Jim Schwartz. However, Barwin has reportedly already talked with Roseman about what a potential role would include, per Heavy.com.
“I’m going into my 11th year and I’m ready to just be a situational player. Howie knows. I’ll be there if one of the three guys get hurt or if something happens, or to mentor the younger guys,” Barwin said, referring to Brandon Graham, Vinny Curry, and Derek Barnett. “You know, Philly’s situation is BG, Vinny, and DB — three great guys on the edge — and I would come in to support those guys. If I don’t play in Philly, it would be the same situation somewhere else. Be the third edge guy.”
The Eagles could use the extra body given a lack of overall defensive end depth and as things stand, both Josh Sweat and Shareef Miller have much lighter frames that still could do with some time to grow into. Barwin entering the fray as a potential EDGE4 candidate would make a lot of sense from a depth standpoint, and the view that as somebody that has made it in this league for all the right reasons and is already embedded in the Philadelphia culture, can help nurture the younger talent who will one day take over his role.
Barwin also runs the ‘Make the world better’ foundation that helps communities build parks and reinvent public spaces.
He was always a fan favorite, but should the Eagles kick the tires on the veteran? It seems as though Roseman is open to the idea. Let us know what you think!
Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
