The Philadelphia Eagles are adding a veteran middle linebacker to the roster.
The team announced Tuesday that they’ve agreed to terms to acquire two-time Pro Bowler DeMeco Ryans from the Houston Texans in exchange for a fourth round (fourth pick in that round) draft choice in 2012.
The Birds and Texans will also swap third-round draft picks in April's draft as the Birds drop 12 spots in that round.
Ryans, head coach Andy Reid and general manager Howie Roseman will be available to the media at 3 p.m. on Wednesday in the NovaCare Complex auditorium.
“DeMeco is a proven Pro Bowl linebacker in this league and we’re excited to be able to plug him into the middle of our defense,” said Eagles head coach Andy Reid. “He’s been the signal caller and a leader on a very good Texans defense for the last several years. He’s a tough, instinctive football player and he’ll be a great fit for our team.”
In his six years with the Texans, Ryans, 27, was a two-time Pro Bowler, All-Pro, team MVP and the AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the year. He leaves Houston as the Texans all-time leader in tackles with 637.
He did however struggle last season as he posted just 64 tackles will playing all 16 games after returning from an Achilles tear that cost him the previous season.
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Ryans should however help fill a glaring need for the Eagles who often struggled defensively last year.
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