Philadelphia had a void to fill, both on the field and emotionally after losing longtime safety Brian Dawkins to Denver via free agency. The Eagles are banking on Sean Jones to fill that gap.Jones had 83 tackles and four interceptions for Cleveland last season, despite missing four weeks with a knee injury suffered in Week 1. The good news for Eagles fans is that Jones proclaimed that his "knee is 100 percent right now" at his introductory press conference in Philadelphia. The better news is that Jones, when he's healthy, can be a very solid player in the defensive backfield, and he's eager to prove himself again.
"It feels great. Philly has great tradition here," Jones said at his introductory press conference. "The fans demand the team to win and I'm very excited to be here and be a part of this organization. I want to thank (head coach Andy) Reid for giving me the opportunity to come and showcase my talent."
More FanHouse Coverage: NFL Free Agent Tracker | Latest Mock Draft
Jones started every game for the Browns in the 2006 and 2007 seasons, topping 100 tackles in each year and picking off 10 total passes.
The Philadelphia faithful may mourn Dawkins' departure for some time, but this signing is nothing to be scoffed at. Jones, who played strong safety in the Dawg Pound, will slide to free safety in Philly to take Dawkins spot, and he was arguably the best option left on the market. If his knees hold up -- and 2006-07 gave plenty of indication that they should -- the Eagles might not have much of a dropoff, if any, at free safety.
It's smart, too, to make this a one-year deal. For starters, you keep Jones in a contract year (assuming the cap an CBA are the same next season), which means he'll be plenty motivated to put up huge numbers. Beyond that, if this marriage doesn't work out, you're free and clear at the close of the 2009 schedule, but if he fits perfectly, you've got all season to add onto this contract.
The Eagles have to be happy, even if no one will ever truly fill Dawkins' shoes in Philadelphia.
