Eagles Acquire LB Will Witherspoon

The Philadelphia Eagles have been battling depth issues at linebacker all season. Starting middle linebacker Stewart Bradley was lost in training camp, and things got so bad that former Eagle Jeremiah Trotter was brought back.

Trotter was awful against the Oakland Raiders Sunday, and head coach Andy Reid apparently has seen enough. Tuesday, as the NFL's usually quiet trade deadline approached, Reid pulled off a deal to add a solid veteran to the mix.

The Eagles picked up starter Will Witherspoon from the Rams. This isn't your normal deadline deal with little impact.

Instead, Witherspoon could be a significant acquisition for the Eagles, as they aim to clean up their defense, especially in the middle of the field. Omar Gaither suffered a foot injury against the Raiders, which necessitated Trotter playing as much as he did. The team doesn't know yet how much action -- if any -- Gaither will miss.

Either way, Witherspoon's presence should take a lot of heat off Gaither.

One of Witherspoon's strengths in the past has been pass coverage. He had six interceptions and 20 passes defended in his final two seasons with the Panthers, which are both high numbers for a linebacker. He had one interception and one sack last season with the Rams, but does not have a sack or an interception this season.

The Eagles have an extra day to prepare for a Monday night game against division rival Washington. It's uncertain at this point if Witherspoon will be in the lineup.

Philadelphia sends wide receiver Brandon Gibson and a draft pick to the Rams to complete the deal.