Here Comes That Linebacker Help: Eagles Trade for MLB DeMeco Ryans

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The NFL's free agency market for linebackers has taken time to get rolling, but the pieces started to fly on Tuesday. One of the Eagles' top presumed targets was Stephen Tulloch, who re-upped to stay in Detroit. That signing was believed to be a catalyst for the market, and the Eagles struck quickly after, only they did not go with a free agent. 
On Tuesday night, the Eagles agreed to acquire MLB DeMeco Ryans from the Houston Texans, pending a physical. CSN's Reuben Frank relays that the Birds sent the Texans a fourth round pick in 2012 that was previously acquired from Tampa Bay, and the teams exchanged third round picks; the Eagles gave up the 77th pick and received the 89th. 
Roob lists Ryans' annual base salaries as $5.9 mil in 2012, $6.6 mil in 2013, and $6.8 mil in 2014 and 2015 and calls the move a big upgrade for the Eagles. Dan Graziano of ESPN adds that none of the money is guaranteed past the upcoming season. 
Roob initially passed along the trade information reported by John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. McClain describes Ryans as a team leader and one of his all-time favorite interviews. Great news for a defense that could use not only a strong MIKE, but also some personality. 
Ryans (6'1, 250) turns 28 in July and was drafted by the Texans out of Alabama as the 33rd overall pick in the 2006 draft. He was the 2006 Rookie of the Year, a Pro Bowler in 2007 and 2009, and a 2007 All-Pro. 
He was also the Texans defensive captain and a popular player with teammates and fans. 
So why did they let Ryans go for what may seem to be such a small haul? 
McClain points out that he played weakside interior linebacker in the 3-4 that the Texans defense now runs under Wade Phillips, a position that comes off the field in passing downs. When Houston went to the dime, strongside inside linebacker Brian Cushing was always on the field. 
A true MIKE, Ryans' strengths were wasted in Wade's scheme. In its first year of implementation, the new defense was successful without Ryans playing a big role, and the Texans are said to have asked him to take a pay cut, which is understandable given their cap constraints and his diminished role in the 3-4 scheme. 
Instead, they found a team with ample cap space and a desperate need for someone who fits Ryans' bill.  
Ryans also suffered a season-ending achilles injury in 2010 and was nicked up with elbow and hamstring injuries early in 2011, though he returned to play every game of the season and had a strong second half according to McClain. He'll need to pass a physical before the deal is finalized, and assuming he does, there's no guarantee he returns to pre-injury form.
It will be interesting to see what the Eagles do in the upcoming draft now that their most glaring need is presumably filled. Still plenty of room for improvement and future planning, and linebacker is still an option if the Eagles like their options when they're on the clock.

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