The Eagles keep wheeling and dealing as they have acquired defensive end/linebacker Antwan Barnes from the Baltimore Ravens for an undisclosed draft pick in 2011. Barnes' experience as a stand-up rusher could signal that he'll be in line to play the Joker position.
A fourth-round draft pick of the Ravens in 2007, the 6-1, 251-pound Barnes has 20 career tackles, five sacks, an interception, a pass deflection, a forced fumble and 24 special teams tackles. A 3-4 outside linebacker in Baltimore, he has played with his hand down as an end in college. Last year, Barnes had his most productive season on defense with a career-high three sacks and an interception.
Barnes has played in 38 career NFL games. The Norland, Fla. native and former Florida International star, Barnes set the FIU record with 23 career sacks and is one of only six players in school history to amass over 200 tackles (224). He was a first-team Sun Belt honoree in both his junior and senior seasons.
What does this move mean for the depth at defensive end? It already appeared strong with veterans Trent Cole, Juqua Parker and Darryl Tapp along with rookies Brandon Graham and Daniel Te'o-Nesheim. This shows that the Eagles are willing to make moves to strengthen the roster, no matter how deep a position already seems.
The Eagles roster currently stands at 66 and has to get down to 53 by 6 PM tonight.
UPDATE: Count cornerback Asante Samuel as one excited by the acquisition. Per his Twitter account, "Philly Fans... Welcome my boi Antwan Barnes to Philly! If u don't know him now, you will soon, as he is a BEAST. 8 Days til game time!!!"
UPDATE 2: After reportedly sending a sixth-round pick in 2011 on Friday for Reggie Wells, Jordan Raanan of CSNPhilly.com reports that Barnes was acquired for a seventh-round pick in 2011.
-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 12:55 p.m., September 4
