The Philadelphia Eagles addressed their inside linebacker issues by trading for Texans LB DeMeco Ryans a few weeks ago.
According to Dan Pompei of the National Football Post, the Eagles expect to use Ryans as a three down linebacker next season. Head coach Andy Reid mentioned that he believes Ryans has a “pretty good feel” for playing nickel, while possessing the “smarts, intangibles and leadership” required for the position.
This may not come as a surprise that the team would be willing to use their newly acquire linebacker as a starter, but he overall production has dipped since coming back from an Achilles tendon injury. That could have something to do with the fact that he was forced to transition to a 3-4 defensive system upon returning, Reid feels that he should be more comfortable returning to a 4-3.
The Eagles are apparently comfortable with Casey Matthews, Brian Rolle or Keenan Clayton as backup’s to Ryans next season.
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