The Eagles pulled off one of the more surprising moves of the offseason when they traded for two time pro bowl linebacker DeMeco Ryans from the Houston Texans. Head coach Andy Reid says that Ryans will be a great fit in the Eagles 4-3 set up.
“DeMeco is a proven Pro Bowl linebacker in this league and we’re excited to be able to plug him into the middle of our defense,” said Eagles head coach Andy Reid. “He’s been the signal caller and a leader on a very good Texans defense for the last several years. He’s a tough, instinctive football player and he’ll be a great fit for our team.”
GM Howie Roseman said that when they learned Ryans was available, they moved quick.
“We’re thrilled to be able to add a young and productive linebacker in DeMeco Ryans,” said general manager Howie Roseman. “We’d like to thank [Houston general manager] Rick Smith and the Texans. Once we found out that he could be available to us in a trade, we quickly found a way to work together to produce a good outcome for both teams.”
Texans’ GM Rick Smith also released a statement paying tribute to Ryans.
“DeMeco Ryans contributed significantly toward helping us build the foundation we hope will bring a world championship to the city of Houston,” Smith said in a statement distributed by the team. “His professionalism and leadership cannot be over-exaggerated. This move was mutually beneficial for the Texans immediate and long-term goals, DeMeco’s career, and the Philadelphia Eagles. We appreciate all the hard work and effort DeMeco invested in our organization and wish him only the best moving forward. He is a class act.”
For more on the Eagles check out Bleeding Green Nation. For up to date news on Eagles free agency rumors check out our storystream.