Friday, March 27, 2009

Fullback Leonard Weaver Signs a One Year Deal with the Eagles

Leonard Weaver, a fullback formally with the Seattle Seahawks has just signed a one year deal with Eagles that could be worth as much as 2.5 million. It has a reported 1.75 million base as well as incentives. Weaver was with the Seahawks since 2005 after being signed as an undrafted free agent. While he was supposedly offered more money to sign with Minnesota, he chose to come to Philadelphia citing a better fit with their offensive scheme.

At 6′ 0′ and 242 lbs, Weaver should provide the much needed lead blocking on short yardage situations that became a glaring weakness in several games last season. On top of his run blocking skills he has the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield as well as be effective running the ball up the middle. It remains to be seen how much Andy Reid will work him into the offensive scheme, but adding Weaver is a definite upgrade at the fullback position.

This move fits the mold of how the Eagles approach free agency. They look for quality players that can come in and fill an immediate need. Does this move pave the way for the Birds to take a running back in the first round of the upcoming draft? Adding a power back to compliment Brian Westbrook’s explosive speed along with now having a big lead blocking fullback in Weaver could elevate the Bird’s overall running game. This balance would help to take the pressure off McNabb and the pass happy Eagle’s offense.

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