Eagles Intrigued by Recently-Released DT Henderson?

As odd as it may seem with the team’s avid movement to get younger this offseason, there have been recent indications made that suggest the Eagles are intrigued by recently-released defensive tackle John Henderson and would potentially consider signing the veteran player, who has spent his entire eight-year career with the Jaguars. At 31 years old, arguably coming off a down season, and a natural fit to a defensive scheme not usually associated with Philadelphia’s, Henderson seems as if he would most definitely not be a justifiable acquisition. But with the team clearly looking to upgrade or at least have a competition at the reserve DT spots (they added a pair of prospects at the position via the 7th-round of the Draft and with a rookie free agent signing), some consideration of adding an experienced, successful player like Henderson isn’t out of the question.

In his career, Henderson (pictured) has recorded a total of 423 tackles, 29 sacks, and eight forced fumbles. He is well known for using his very large physical frame (6-foot-7, 335 pounds) to power through opposing teams’ linemen and become a disruptive leader of the defensive front.

Perhaps the strongest sign that the team is indeed interested in Henderson is the recent speculation and flow of reports that the two-time Pro-Bowl defender was involved in a trade that nearly occurred during the Draft between the Jaguars and Eagles. It’s not as if Philadelphia would be acquiring a declining player if they actually pursue and sign Henderson, either; the primary reasons Jacksonville chose to cut him are that two younger players at the same position were selected in this past weekend’s Draft and the veteran was carrying a fairly large contract.

The Eagles already have a pair of solid starting defensive tackles in Brodrick Bunkley and Mike Patterson, but Henderson could very easily be incorporated as a situational backup in replacement of the rarely-used Trevor Laws or in a combination with the agile Antonio Dixon, rookie Jeff Owens, or another young player. I spoke with aspiring sports radio personality and podcasting specialist Brennen Dickerson about the situation, and this is what he had to say: “Henderson had a decent season last year, with 36 tackles and three sacks, but given his age, the signing would be somewhat puzzling due to the purging of age on the roster this offseason.  However, because of the lack of production from Trevor Laws I would personally be in support.  If anything, he can push Laws, Antonio Dixon, and Jeff Owens.”

(picture source)

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