Darren Howard visits today.

[Diomedes]

This subject deserves its own thread.

pe.com

In his six seasons in New Orleans, defensive end Darren Howard was referred to as "the cornerstone" of that defense. He was so highly regarded that the Saints twice used the franchise tag on him during the time of free agency, limiting his mobility.

But after an injury-plagued 2005 season that limited Howard to 12 games and 3 ½ quarterback sacks, the Saints understood it was more practical to give Howard a chance to shop his services.

And two days into free agency, Howard is in Philadelphia, visiting the Eagles at the NovaCare Complex on Sunday. He will meet the media this afternoon, around 3 p.m. PhiladelphiaEagles.com will have complete coverage.

Eagles | Team confirms Howard visit
Sun, 12 Mar 2006 06:22:37 -0800

PhiladelphiaEagles.com reports free agent DE Darren Howard (Saints) will be visiting with the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, March 12.

Eagles | Team meeting with Howard today?
Sun, 12 Mar 2006 05:51:24 -0800

Bob Brookover, of the Philadelphia Inquirer, reports two league sources said that free agent DE Darren Howard (Saints) is scheduled to visit the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, March 12.

[Rome]

Sign that farger.  For the love of almighty Beelzebub, sign him!

[dis12]

But after an injury-plagued 2005 season that limited Howard to 12 games and 3 ½ quarterback sacks...

now that's more like the Eagles plan  

[PoopyfaceMcGee]

Two tangents worth discussing:

1.  If the Eagles do not strike a deal with Howard, which FA do they look to next to upgrade the D-Line?

2.  If the Eagles sign Howard, where does he likely get inserted into the starting lineup?  Will he start opposite Kearse at DE, with Cole as the first guy off the bench, or will the Eagles have him start at DT?

[SD_Eagle5]

Howard would start at RDE and get the majority of snaps IMO.

[Diomedes]

FF,
Regarding tangent two:  He'd start at DE, on the right side.  I don't understand why you'd put him at DT.  Just because that position needs help?  That's a bad reason, imo.

[PoopyfaceMcGee]

Good points.  At least he has the flexibility to play DT on obvious passing downs.  I like the possible firepower of throwing Kearse, Patterson, Howard, and Cole at the quarterback on 3rd and long.

[Diomedes]

On obvious passing downs, sure.  But even then, I'd prefer to see what Cole and Patterson can do from inside and let the two range rovers on the outside do their thing.  Cole's scrappy motor is a better fit for getting over a guard.  On the outside, I would always prefer the pure DE, and at 6'3" 275 lbs Howard presents an unusually big and fast threat to most OTs. 

Like you said though, it's a mouth-watering thought, Kearse Patterson Cole Howard.  With a decent bench behind them.  And they better be good, because the LBs farging suck.

[NGM]

Good points.  At least he has the flexibility to play DT on obvious passing downs.  I like the possible firepower of throwing Kearse, Patterson, Howard, and Cole at the quarterback on 3rd and long.

That is pretty GD exciting right there.  Who wants to bet that Kearse's sack total will go up if the Eagles sign Howard?

[PhillyPhreak54]

GET HOWARD! Ok...dont...get...hopes...up.

Kearse
Howard
Cole
McDougle
draft pick / Thomas

Walker
Patterson
Rayburn
veteran rotational guy / Hollis
draft pick (BUNKLEY!)

I would be in love.

[SD_Eagle5]

Wonder if Kearse would revert back to #90 so Howard could retain 93.

[SD_Eagle5]

And here's my prediction: If Howard leaves town without a contract today, he's not going to sign here. You heard it here first.

[MDS]

Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh GET ER DUN

[Rome]

And here's my prediction: If Howard leaves town without a contract today, he's not going to sign here. You heard it here first.

Thank you, Nostradumbass.

[Diomedes]

I hate that guy.  And I hate you for propagating his not funny tag line.