Philadelphia Eagles Re-Sign Defensive Tackle Derek Landri to One-Year Deal
The Philadelphia Eagles have re-signed defensive tackle Derek Landri to a one-year deal, keeping the 28-year old defensive tackle in Philly for the 2012 season.
Landri had a long-term contract all worked out with the Eagles but when star offensive tackle Jason Peters blew out his Achilles tendon a couple of weeks ago, the Eagles’ financial plans changed. They handed free agent Demetress Bell a five-year deal, and retracted their long-term deal to Landri.
Both sides worked it out and came to an agreement with a one-year deal.
Landri was one of the biggest surprises for the Eagles during the 2011 season. He had a good showing in training camp and preseason but was cut before the season. The Eagles brought him back in week 5 after their best run-stuffer, Antonio Dixon, tore his triceps and was placed on injured reserve.
For the next 12 games, Landri was a beast. He collected 43 tackles, including a team-high eight for a loss, as well as 18 hurries, two sacks, a blocked field goal, and a fumble recovery.
He rated as the Eagles’ third best defensive player in 2011, according to Pro Football Focus. He also rated as the NFL’s fourth best defensive tackle, and no player in the league had as high of a rating (+22.0) while playing in as few plays (355).
He played in the third most plays for an Eagles’ defensive tackle last season, behind starters Cullen Jenkins and Mike Patterson. In 2012, Landri and Dixon will provide the Eagles with one of the best defensive tackle rotations in the National Football League.
In fact, Landri said that the Eagles had the best defensive line in the NFL last season and will only get better this season.
Landri is the fourth unrestricted free agent to be re-signed by the Eagles this offseason, joining wide receiver DeSean Jackson, guard Evan Mathis, and tackle King Dunlap.
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