NFL Free Agency 2011: Why the Philadelphia Eagles Are Big Winners

This week has been the craziest week of free agency in quite a few years.  The frenzy began on Monday and will continue through the weekend.  Thus far, the Philadelphia Eagles have arguably been the most successful team in the NFL during this abbreviated free-agency period.  

There are numerous reasons why the Eagles have improved the most as a team this week.  

First, the Eagles and GM Howie Roseman have signed nine of 11 draft picks from this year's rookie class.  To get nearly every rookie signed in a matter of a week is a huge accomplishment and will ensure that those players will not miss a beat in training camp.  I have confidence that Roseman will get the remaining two, including first-rounder Danny Watkins, into camp on time.   

Secondly, signing free-agent Pro Bowl DE Jason Babin to a five-year deal was a great move.  Although he flies under the radar and his signing did not receive much publicity, Babin will be an impact player for an improving Eagles defense.  He recorded 12.5 sacks in 2010 and is finally coming into his own.  He may be 31, but Philly will get at least three solid years from Babin.  

The Eagles also made headlines on Wednesday by trading QB Kevin Kolb to the Arizona Cardinals for a 2012 second-round pick and CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.  This move nets the Eagles a Pro Bowl-caliber cornerback to pair with Asante Samuel, forming one of the league's best corner duos.

Kolb was somewhat expendable, as he would have been Michael Vick's backup.  Although Vick is not an ironman by any means, the Eagles can easily pick up a solid backup in the next week. (Vince Young?)

The only issue the Eagles have right now is the situation with WR DeSean Jackson, who is saying he will not report to training camp at this time.  If the Eagles can fix this problem, they will be flying high heading into the 2011 season.