NFL Free Agency: Why the Eagles Best Signing Was Cullen Jenkins, Not Asomugha

The Philadelphia Eagles have been putting on a clinic in free agency so far this offseason.

First, they traded away backup quarterback Kevin Kolb to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for Pro Bowl cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a second-round draft pick.

Then they signed linebacker Akeem Jordan, traded away defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley to Cleveland and got a fifth round draft pick.

Then they got Nnamdi Asomugha.

The rich just continued to get richer. But perhaps the most important move the Eagles made this week was signing former Green Bay Packers defensive linemen Cullen Jenkins.

Jenkins, who recorded seven sacks last year, adds more pressure to Philadelphia's front seven, making the job of both the linebacker corps and the secondary that much easier.

The play of the defensive line always creates a ripple effect on the rest of the defense—If they get obliterated at the point of the attack, so will the rest of the defense.

Likewise, if the defensive line shuts down running lanes and pressures the quarterback, the rest of the defense will become much more successful at causing turnovers.

Take into consideration that Nnamdi Asomugha was thrown at 31 times last season. In 11 games, Asante Samuel was thrown at 36 times.

Enter Jenkins, who will only help the Eagles' No. 2 ranked passing defense that much more. With more pressure on the quarterback, the secondary will have more chances to intercept the football. With Trent Cole playing alongside Jenkins, the Eagles' pass rush will be a force to be reckoned with.

After all, the game is won in the trenches, and Jenkins could be an essential piece towards winning that battle.