Eagles Sign FB Mueller

PHILADELPHIA (973espn.com) — Another sign that Chip Kelly no longer haunts South Philadelphia manifested itself on Friday when the Eagles signed fullback Ryan Mueller to a two-year deal.

The move further signifies the shift from Kelly's up-tempo, spread offense toward the more traditional West-Coast style of new coach Doug Pederson.

Pederson had already indicated the position would be back in play and Mueller, a college defensive lineman at Kansas State before shifting to linebacker and spending part of his first pro season on San Diego's practice squad, figures to be in the mix at the position with tight end Trey Burton, who Pederson tabbed as a player he wants to look at as a lead blocker.

At 6-foot-2 and 245 pounds the Eagles obviously feel Mueller, a Morristown, N.J. native, has the frame that would translate into being a lead blocker. Picking up the fundamentals at the pro level, however, certainly will not be easy

In his final two years on the defensive line at K-State, Mueller amassed 14 sacks and 25 tackles for loss so he obviously possesses the requisite athleticism and did play at least some fullback in high school.

The Eagles also made another minor move on Friday, waiving offensive lineman Tanner Hawkinson, whom they signed off the 49ers' practice squad in October of last year.

Hawkinson was active for just two games during his stint in Philadelphia but never got in for an offensive snap.

EAGLES OFFSEASON WORK STARTS MONDAY

Because they have a new coach the Eagles are permitted a two-week head start in offseason work and the team will take advantage of that starting the first phase of  workouts, which includes strength and conditioning along with rehabilitation but no actual football activities, on Monday.

The Eagles also are permitted an extra voluntary mini-camp and will congregate from April 19-21 at the NovaCare Complex.

There structured OTAs will be May 17-19, May 24-26, May 31, June 1-3 and the team's mandatory mini-camp will be from June 7-9.

-John McMullen covers the Eagles and the NFL for 973ESPN.com. You can reach him at jmcmullen44@gmail.com or on Twitter @JFMcMullen