Eagles Trade for Tapp, Sign Bell to Offer
Eagles look to improve defense, offense in separate moves
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Defensive end Darryl Tapp is coming to Philly.
The Eagles made two moves Tuesday that they hope will help bolster their defensive pass rush and rushing attack.
Looking to bolster their pass rush, the Birds acquired defensive end Darryl Tapp from Seattle. The Seahawks got defensive end Chris Clemons and the Eagles' fourth-round choice in next month's draft.
The Birds also signed free agent running back Mike Bell to an offer sheet. The Saints have a week to match the one-year, $1.7 million offer, according to Philly.com Sports.
The Super Bowl champs wouldn't receive compensation for letting Bell go.
Bell had 654 yards rushing and five touchdowns last season. He averaged 3.8 yards per carry. Bell ran for 677 yards and eight TDs as a rookie with Denver in 2006.
Bell, who turns 27 next month, would join LeSean McCoy in Philadelphia's backfield. Former All-Pro Brian Westbrook was released last month.
The Birds could still lose out on Bell if the Saints match his offer sheet. But, the Birds assured they get Tapp.
Originally a second-round draft pick by Seattle in 2006, Tapp has 18 sacks, two interceptions, eight forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries in 65 games. He had four sacks in a game against St. Louis in 2007.
“Darryl is a very intense football player and we're happy to acquire him,” Eagles coach Andy Reid said. “He plays very hard every snap. He's smart, he's a good person and he'll fit very well into our defensive scheme.”
Clemons played two years in Philly. He has 20 sacks in 59 career games.
The Eagles were interested in Tapp when he played at Virginia Tech. The Seahawks had re-signed him on Monday.
“Darryl is an up-and-coming player in this league, in my opinion,” said Eagles general manager Howie Roseman. “He's a good player and a good person, and we liked him very much coming out of Virginia Tech. We believe he'll be a good addition to our defensive line.”
Copyright Associated Press / NBC 10 Philadelphia
Posted Wednesday, Mar 17, 2010 - 10:37 AM EST
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