Eagles urged to sign former Pro Bowl linebacker as Devin White replacement

The Philadelphia Eagles have questionable depth at inside linebacker that has yet to be exposed in 2024.

Zack Baun and Nakobe Dean have handled just about every defensive snap at those spots this season. The team felt good enough about young backups Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Oren Burks and Ben VanSumeren to shockingly cut veteran Devin White before he ever suited up for an official game.

The Bleacher Report Scouting Report urged the Eagles to add veteran help at the position Monday, naming current free agent and former Pro Bowler Deion Jones as a potential fit.

Here was the site’s reasoning:

The Eagles could use some help at linebacker, especially now that the depth at the position is thinner with Devin White's release last Tuesday. So, adding a veteran like Jones should be on the table. The 29-year-old who turns 30 next month isn't the player he used to be, but he can at least be a decent coverage backer if the team needs someone to fill in.

The Eagles could have something in Trotter Jr., a fifth-round draft pick this year, but he’s been used solely on special teams this season. VanSumeren has been one of the team’s most indispensable special teamers, and he’s played more offensive snaps (as a fullback) than he has on defense so far in 2024. Burks was initially released on roster cut-down day, re-signed to the practice squad, and later elevated to the 53-man roster.

Philadelphia has dealt with a rash of injuries already this season, though, the majority have come on the offensive side of the football. Given the team's current depth chart, an injury to Baun or Dean could put the Eagles defense in a tough spot.

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