Philadelphia Eagles: 3 Affordable Veteran Safeties Who Can Bring Experience

The safety situation of the Philadelphia Eagles is a puzzling situation. The Eagles rely on Nate Allen and Jaiquawn Jarrett to patrol the backfield, but both of them had problems in their rookie years.

Allen looked very promising in 2010, but his progress was slowed down by an injury and while not playing bad, he looked like a middle-of-the-pack player in 2011. On the other hand, Jarrett never justified the Eagles’ decision to draft him in the second round of the 2011 NFL draft—he still needs to improve if he wants to be a starter in Philly.

This year’s draft is not offering great options at safety and even if it did, the Eagles need experience more than talent. However, with DeSean Jackson still unsigned for 2012, the linebacking corpse not upgraded and LeSean McCoy waiting for a new deal, the Eagles may be forced to spend conservatively on their veteran safety.

Here are three “cheap” options that can prove to be valuable to the Eagles with their experience.

1. Brandon Meriweather

Brandon Meriweather was brought to Chicago six months ago when he was signed to a one-year deal. The Bears grabbed him to add depth to the roster, also aiming to use him to create turnovers, since Major Wright and Chris Harris were not able to do that back in 2010.

Unfortunately, Meriweather didn’t deliver. He played just 11 games this past season and had only 32 tackles. Even the team’s head coach, Lovie Smith, admitted that the signing of Meriweather "didn’t work out."

Meriweather is expected to leave the Bears as a free agent. He is not expected to attract a lot of attention, and the Eagles can get him without reaching deep in their pocket.

He is not the player he used to be when he wore the New England Patriots jersey, but the fact he has been to the Pro Bowl twice shouldn’t be overlooked.

2. Brodney Pool

Brodney Pool’s return to the New York Jets is highly unlikely to happen. Despite some nice performances in 2010, Pool barely made the Jets’ 53-man roster in 2011. After a bad year, both for him and the team, Pool prepares to enter free agency.

Pool is a former second-round pick. He never really caught the eye with his performances, but he is a sold tackler—something the Eagles missed in 2011. He is a seven-year pro and has 100 NFL games under his belt, which is more than Allen and Jarrett together.

If the Eagles decide to go his way, they won’t face a lot of competition. He is a risky addition, mainly because he never excelled and he doesn’t look like a real upgrade, but he is an adequate player and his experience can help the younger backs.

3. Dwight Lowery

Dwight Lowery is probably the most expensive, yet less experienced, player of the list. Moreover, he started his career as a cornerback, mostly playing in the slot. However, he enjoyed more success as a safety.

In 2011, he played for the Jacksonville Jaguars. His overall performance was satisfying, but nothing remarkable. He had 36 tackles in 13 games and sacked the quarterback once. Lowery also intercepted the ball twice.

According to Paul Kuharsky, Lowery is the No. 1 priority of the Jaguars when talking about their upcoming free agents. However, Jacksonville is far from competing and the Eagles are an attractive team for the most of the league’s players.

Lowery can increase competition in the safety squad. He is only 26 years old, but he is a fairly experienced player. The Eagles won’t have a problem luring him to Philadelphia, as long as he hits the free agency.