When the Eagles targeted and added Jevon Kearse prior to the 2004 season, the team believed it was adding a game-changing defense end, a difference-maker that would be a significant upgrade over Brandon Whiting and N.D. Kalu. "The Freak" didn't reach double digits in sacks in his first two Eagles seasons, but he was someone to be reckoned with, and he was durable and he was an aid on defense.

In 2006, Kearse got off to a fantastic start, recording 3.5 sacks in the first two games. However, in the second game -- a home game against the Giants -- he suffered a season-ending left knee injury in overtime of a game the Eagles lost.

Kearse fought his way back from the injury and while he flashed some of his trademark speed and quarterback-sacking ability, he just didn't have a whole lot of impact in 2007. During the course of the season Kearse saw his role diminish from starting end to that of a nickel, pass-rushing specialist. He was even deactivated for two of the team's final eight contests.

With a young stud in Trent Cole lining up on the right side, Kearse's return to good health was thought to be vital to the team's pass rush in 2007. Instead he stuggled, recording only 25 tackles and 3 ½ sacks.

After an encouraging spring during which Kearse looked like he had regained his burst, his performance dropped off. He was the opening-game starter on the left side and he got after Brett Favre in Green Bay, collecting a half sack and recovering a fumble. Two weeks later, Kearse played in his 100th NFL game. He then went on to record sacks in three of the next four games, the last of which came back on Oct. 28, when he brought down Brooks Bollinger in the win at Minnesota.

Gradually, however, the pounding took its toll on Kearse's knee. In fact, his surgically-repaired knee had to be drained twice during the season.

Now Kearse -- and the Eagles, for that matter -- are at a crossroads. He must find a way to get healthy. Meanwhile, Philadelphia must keep its options open at a position so critical in today's NFL. The lack of a consistent pass rush in 2007 certainly played a part in the team coming up with just 19 takeaways on the season.

Still, for two seasons Kearse was a steady defensive end who recorded 7 ½ sacks each year. He had his moments, just not enough. Defensive coordinator Jim Johnson often lauded Kearse as someone who played with energy, played hard against the run and was durable.

Speculation is that the Eagles will part ways with Kearse, but that speculation is all on the outside. There has been no official word from the team. And now here we are, waiting to see what happens.

- BOB KENT

NOTE: PhiladelphiaEagles.com will not profile players scheduled to become unrestricted free agents.

Kearse showed flashes of his dominating self during the 2007 season, but they were just flashes. Teases. Brief bursts that made you think, "Maybe the Freak can get it going again." But, alas, Kearse could not sustain his production, and by the end of the season was a bit player in the defensive end rotation.

One year after a knee injury ended his 2006 campaign, Kearse didn't have the burst, the speed, the explosion that once made him such a special player. In 2007, Kearse was not even close to that player. Now, of course, there are serious questions about his future here.

The Eagles have to calculate how much better Kearse will be two years removed from his injury, and then factor in his cost in the salary cap and then discuss whether he will remain in Philadelphia. With Trent Cole, Juqua Thomas and Victor Abiamiri, the Eagles have three ends who are very likely to remain. They need at least two other ends to be productive pieces of this defense.

Kearse is in the crossroads of his career and there is no hiding that much. The Eagles have a tough decision to make here. If they say goodbye to Kearse, they have to bring in production. If they keep Kearse, they have to absorb a big salary-cap hit and hope he comes back and is a productive pass rusher.