On the defensive side, coordinator Jim Schwartz is getting a similar lieutenant, as the Birds finally chose to pull the trigger and bring in middle linebacker Stephen Tulloch, a veteran with a multitude of experience playing for Schwartz in Detroit.
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It seems possible though, especially after the Eagles reportedly gave Tulloch a contract worth $3 million with $1.75 million guaranteed, that they’ll find a way to get him on the field.
Finally, the Eagles also released Deontae Skinner shortly after signing Tulloch.
Because Tulloch has amassed 112 starts throughout his National Football League career, the coaching staff expects him to come to Philadelphia and compete for the starting middle linebacker spot.
Hicks, 24, is coming off what started as a spectacular rookie season, and ended eight games in because of a torn pec.
Only being a second-year player himself, there is a lot of pressure on Hicks to take command of the defense this season as the team’s starting middle linebacker.
Philly Voice’s Jimmy Kempski suggests Stephen Tulloch’s signing could mean Eagles WLB Mychal Kendricks is “head (ed) to the bench”. Jordan Hicks is now the starting middle linebacker but could be moved to weakside linebacker in place of oft-injured Mychal Kendricks. “I was with Tennessee when we drafted him; [he] ended up being starting middle linebacker for us there”. Hicks thinks Tulloch will fill some of the void left when veteran LB DeMeco Ryans was cut in February.
“I’m just trying to get my butt down the field and try to make plays and make tackles”, Cherry said. And then I just have got to keep feeding him a little bit of information. “But I don’t even know the guy”.
In addition to adding depth at linebacker and special teams, Tulloch will be counted on to lend an ear to the younger linebackers that are continuing to learn Schwartz’s program.
A pair of surprising roster moves over the last week left Eagles coach Doug Pederson with some hard decisions to make before the team opens the regular season against Cleveland on September 11.
The plan is to slowly work Tulloch into the rotation as they see what kind of shape he is in. “I’m sure it’s a good thing”.
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“We all have to pass cover”, Kendricks said of the linebackers. “I’m just anxious about today”.
