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Devin McCourty Should Be Free Agent Priority For Philadelphia Eagles

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Should New England Patriots safety Devin McCourty hit free agency, the Philadelphia Eagles would be smart to target him immediately.

Normally big free agent splashes don’t work; unless you’re getting a slam-dunk player like Peyton Manning, the cost usually doesn’t match up to the production you get in return. But this is a special case for the Eagles, and the type of player McCourty is matches up too well with what the Eagles are looking for.

In Billy Davis’ defense, versatile cover safeties are vital as they both disguise his blitz packages and allow him greater deep-field coverage when he does blitz. Eagles fans were puzzled why Malcolm Jenkins was targeted in free agency when Jairus Byrd was available, and that’s why.  Much like Jenkins, McCourty has experience playing both cornerback and safety. That’s the true value McCourty would bring to the Eagles. With him playing opposite Jenkins, Davis could get as creative as he likes with his defensive packages.

McCourty’s going to command a big payday if he hits the market, but the Eagles are in a position to offer him that kind of money. On top of the space they already have, Cary Williams will definitely be re-structured if he’s not outright released, DeMeco Ryans and Trent Cole are going to be re-worked as well, and even though he said he wouldn’t budge, I’m going to bet that LeSean McCoy alters his contract too. Big salary or not, the money can be spent, and McCourty would turn a glaring hole in the secondary into a strength.

Drafting a safety normally would be an option, but unfortunately for the Eagles the draft isn’t exactly loaded with quality safeties to fit their scheme. Cornerback is a much deeper position though, and barring a big trade, the Eagles can handle that part of the secondary overhaul via the draft.

McCourty’s just too perfect of a fix for what this defense needs. Forget the money and long-term implications — just go get him and check the need for another starting safety off the list.

Doug Green is a Featured Writer for www.RantSports.com covering the Philadelphia Eagles and the NFL.  Follow him on Twitter @DGreenNFL

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