PHILADELPHIA – The Eagles hooked another injury prone safety drifting in free agency, agreeing to terms on a one-year deal Thursday with Kenny Phillips, a former first-round pick of the New York Giants.
Then the Birds opened up Jeffrey Lurie’s checkbook.
First, veteran cornerback Cary Williams, formerly of the defending Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens, agreed to terms on a three-year deal worth up to $17 million.
Hours later the Eagles agreed to terms on a six-year contract with pass rusher Connor Barwin, a second-round pick of the Houston Texans. The deal could net him $36 million, per reports.
Barwin (6-5, 268) has 19 sacks in four seasons.
Beaten to the punch by Andy Reid for cornerback Sean Smith, the Eagles stepped up their efforts to secure Williams.
Williams, 28, intercepted four passes last season. His three-year deal could be worth $17 million, with $10.5 million in guarantees.
Williams has a temper, as he was involved in several scuffles last season, getting fined $10,000 by the NFL for grabbing the facemask of Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson. The frustrated Jackson was billed $10,000 for throwing a punch at Williams in the intense early season game at Lincoln Financial Field won by the Eagles.
Williams (6-1, 190) felt underappreciated by the Ravens, who have let several players go after signing quarterback Joe Flacco to a $120 million contract. Williams inked a $17.5 million deal, including $10.5 million guaranteed.
Phillips (6-2, 217) played in just seven games last season due to a sprained knee. He missed almost all but two games of the 2009 campaign after being sidelined with a knee that required micro-fracture surgery.
Phillips, 28, recorded six of his eight career interceptions in the three seasons in which he was able to play at least 15 games.
Phillips joins newly signed safety Patrick Chung, who also has an injury history. Nate Allen, Kurt Coleman and Colt Anderson are the other Eagles safeties expected to contend for playing time.
With Nnamdi Asomugha cut and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie having signed with the Denver Broncos, Williams obviously is at least one of the starting cornerbacks for the Eagles.
The Birds also will address the position in the draft. Dee Milliner of Alabama is the top corner in the lottery. He ran a 4.35 in the 40-yard dash at the scouting combine.
Milliner has to warrant consideration if he’s available and the Eagles hold onto the fourth overall pick in the draft. Linebacker-defensive end Dion Jordan of Oregon and quarterback Geno Smith also could be possibilities.
