Sean Considine had a chance to really step up and solidify his role in 2007. He added some much-needed bulk in the offseason without sacrificing his agility or his speed. He then fought off Quintin Mikell and secured the starting strong safety job.

Up to that point he had contributed 47 tackles and an interception. He was also credited with a pair of quarterback hurries and a knockdown. He played the run better, tackled better.

Considine did his part in the demolition of Detroit, intercepting a Jon Kitna pass in the back of the end zone. Four weeks later, he was involved in a forgettable last-second loss to Chicago.

With the Eagles holding a 16-12 lead, Bears quarterback Brian Griese took advantage of a "prevent" defense and drove his club into position for a game-winning score. After a spike to stop the clock with 15 seconds to go, Griese lofted a 15-yard touchdown pass to Muhsin Muhammad. Considine had Muhammad covered well, but was unable to get his head turned in time. Muhammad leapt and adjusted to the ball in the air.

A week later, Considine chipped in seven tackles as the defense bottled up the NFC's leading rusher, Minnesota's Adrian Peterson, holding the rookie phenom to 70 yards on 20 carries.

While he's not the most physically imposing safety in the league, Considine makes up for it with his intelligence and athletic ability and coverage skills. Coaches believed enough in his skills that they inserted him into the starting lineup midway through the 2006 season, replacing Michael Lewis. Considine started at strong safety for the final 10 games of 2006 and ranked third on the team with 107 tackles.

During his three years Considine's play has been up and down. But the shoulder injuries are certainly a concern.

In 2007 Considine was part of a secondary that endured its fair share of injuries (Brian Dawkins was lost for six games; Lito Sheppard missed five games). The injuries opened the door for reserves like Mikell, who played his way into the starting strong safety job entering next season.

- BOB KENT

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

Considine did not play as badly as some critics say, but he still missed some tackles and did not make plays in coverage that were there to be made.

Having two shoulder surgeries in three seasons is reason for concern, especially for a player who uses his shoulders to tackle so frequently. I think it is clear that Quintin Mikell took full advantage of his role as a starter at strong safety, so Considine comes back in 2008 initially as a backup and a special teams player. I think he will excel in those roles, if that is where he fits in next season.

Considine and Mikell will fight for playing time, but Mikell has the inside track now. Who knows? Considine may play both safety spots as the Eagles see if he is equipped to back up Brian Dawkins and perhaps even replace him at free safety in the future.