Eagles Notes: Eagles Add Linebacker, Bring Back Howard

In 2017 the Eagles dipped their toe into the free agent pool late, signing guys like Chris Long, Patrick Robinson and LeGarrett Blount late in free agency.

On Wednesday, they landed a starting level player, inking former Vikings linebacker Eric Wilson to a one-year deal worth up to $3.25 million, per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.

Wilson has a strong season with Minnesota, making 122 tackles, with three sacks and three interceptions.

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"He's going to be the starting Mike linebacker on this team," said CBS Sports. He had a solid year for the Vikings last year."

Undrafted in 2017 out of the University of Cincinnati, Wilson has played in 64 games making 210 tackles with eight sacks and three interceptions.

The book on Wilson is that he is he three-down linebacker who is solid in coverage, not as good against the run.  He was the 27th rated linebacker by Pro Football Focus against the pass, but ranked just 85th out of 99 linebackers against the run.

Wilson played in Minnesota under new Eagles LB coach Nick Rallis and new Eagles coordinator Jonathan Gannon was also on the Vikings staff in 2017.

Howard returns 

Also on Wednesday the Eagles added some more running back depth, bringing back veteran Jordan Howard.  Howard who the team brought back last season, appearing in two games, with just seven carries for 27 yards.

Howard gives the Eagles a short-yardage running back and more depth behind Miles Sanders and Boston Scott, scoring four touchdowns on five 2020 games for Miami before they released him.

The 26-year old running back scored six touchdowns with the Eagles back in 2019 and as scored 34 career rushing touchdowns since entering the league back in 2016.

CBS Sports NFL writer Jeff Kerr talks about the Eagles signings and the NFL Draft