Stephen Tulloch, MLB
Age: 31
Height: 5-11
Weight: 245
Last team: Detroit Lions
Scouting report
Entering his 11th season, there may not be a linebacker in the NFL with more experience playing behind the wide-nine defensive front Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz employs. Tulloch missed 13 games in 2014 with a torn ACL and saw his effectiveness decline last season, resulting in the Lions' decision to part ways in February. Would likely serve as a stop-gap at best, but Tulloch brings leadership, knowledge of the scheme and depth to a unit lacking in all three. Undersized and has no doubt lost a step, although he was never the biggest or fastest player on the field, making up for it with his football IQ and fundamentally sound play.
Nigel Bradham, OLB
Age: 26
Height: 6-2
Weight: 241
Last team: Buffalo Bills
Scouting report
Like Tulloch, Bradham played in Schwartz's defense for one season with the Bills, which happened to be a career year. The fifth-year veteran recorded 104 tackles, 2 1/2 sacks, six pass deflections, an interception and two forced fumbles over 14 games at outside linebacker in '14. Bradham was far less effective following Schwartz's departure and missed a total of seven games over the past two seasons, but possesses the prototypical size and athleticism that scouts covet. There should be plenty of interest around the league, but he could find a role in the Eagles' rotation or even battle Kiko Alonso for a starting job if the market is soft.
My take
The Eagles have much invested in Alonso, Jordan Hicks and Mychal Kendricks, and at least two of those names will be around for years to come, so the front office isn't about to go spending big bucks. That being said, the depth chart is awfully thin behind the injury-prone trio, while Alonso looked far from a reliable start last season. Both Tulloch and Bradham could be the type of low-cost solutions that provide some much-needed depth and/or competition.
NFL
Bradham may be the more likely of the two, as it would be an opportunity to start on a short-term deal and potentially improve his stock around the league, perhaps landing a bigger payday down the line. Assuming Hicks is the middle linebacker of the future, Tulloch would be in a reserve capacity, although his presence would allow some flexibility should Alonso continue to struggle. Any way we boil it down, either of these two seems to make a ton of sense for the Eagles right now.