The Philadelphia Eagles have cemented themselves as one of the most aggressive teams in the NFL when it comes to signing free agents or making trades. Throughout the years of their existence, that aggressiveness has sometimes backfired on the Eagles.
Just like the other teams in the NFL, Philadelphia can say they've made some successful moves in the offseason. At the same time, it's fair to question some of the underwhelming signings they've conducted over the years.
Earlier this offseason, Philadelphia was able to acquire Darius Slay in a trade with the Detroit Lions. The Eagles are longing for Slay to pan out, giving them some assurance in a secondary that's faltered in recent seasons.
While Slay wasn't a free-agent signing, Philadelphia hopes that he is an offseason move that gives them fruitful results. On the other hand, the Eagles have had quite a few offseason signings that didn't go as expected. In light of that, here are the five worst free-agent signings of all time for the Eagles.
5. Stacy Andrews
Back in 2009, the Eagles signed Stacy Andrews with the intention of him shoring up the interior of their offensive line. Before joining Philadelphia, Andrew spent his first five seasons in the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals.
During his time with the Bengals, Andrews only made 32 starts, with 29 of them spanning from 2007-2008. Despite his inconsistency and lack of experience inside, the Eagles inked Andrews to a six-year, $38.3 million contract in 2009.
The former Bengals fourth-round pick would make just two starts for the Eagles in 2009. He was then replaced by Max Jean-Gilles before being released by the team less than a year after signing with them.
4. Demetress Bell
When Jason Peters went down with an injury in 2012, the Eagles needed someone to fill the void at left tackle. After considering their options, Philadelphia decided to sign Demetress Bell in hopes he could take over for Peters.
Prior to his arrival to the Eagles, Bell spent three seasons with the Buffalo Bills. While he was with the Bills, Bell started 30 games and failed to show much consistency at left tackle.
Sadly for the Eagles, that trickled over into his time with them after he signed a five-year, $35 million deal in 2012. Buffalo's former seventh-round selection would make just five starts before being replaced by King Dunlap. His time with the Eagles would be the last time that Bell played in the NFL.
3. DeMarco Murray
It seems like forever ago that the Chip Kelly experiment in Philadelphia came crashing down. In 2015, Kelly's final season with the Eagles, the organization chose to sign running back DeMarco Murray to bolster their backfield.
Murray was a tw0-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro before signing a five-year, $40 million contract with the Eagles. But in his lone season in Philadelphia, Murray rushed for 702 yards and six touchdowns.
Also, the former Cowboys standout would boast a 3.6 yards per attempt, which was the lowest mark of his career. While the Eagles moved on from Kelly after the 2015 season, they also did the same with Murray.
2. Byron Maxwell
Following the departure of Brandon Browner, Byron Maxwell became a prominent member of the “Legion of Boom” for the Seattle Seahawks secondary. After being a role player in his first three seasons, Maxwell made 12 starts for the Seahawks in 2014.
Despite being a starter for one season, the Eagles elected to give Maxwell a six-year, $63 million deal. From the moment he stepped foot in Philadelphia, it was evident that Maxwell wasn't going to pan out.
In his first and only season with the Eagles, Maxwell would record 10 pass breakups and two interceptions. But he would be bested far too many times for Philadelphia to keep him. Not long after the 2015 season concluded, the Eagles shipped Maxwell to the Miami Dolphins.
1. Nnamdi Asomugha
The Eagles believed they had struck gold when they were able to sign Nnamdi Asomugha before the 2011 season. Before making his way to Philadelphia, Asomugha was at the peak of his career — or so they thought — putting together three consecutive Pro Bowls and two All-Pro honors from 2008-2010.
With the Oakland Raiders (now Las Vegas Raiders), Asomugha was one of the elite cornerbacks in the NFL. However, once he joined the Eagles, it's as if he hit a cement wall in his career.
The All-Pro cornerback would last two seasons in Philadelphia, failing to produce in accordance to his five-year, $60 million contract. Following a one-year stint with the San Francisco 49ers in 2013, Asomugha was out of the NFL.
Follow Us
Subscribe