Report: Philadelphia Eagles Acquire LB DeMeco Ryans from Texans

The Philadelphia Eagles might finally have solved their problem at linebacker. Rotoworld is reporting that the Eagles have obtained DeMeco Ryans from the Houston Texans for an undisclosed mid-round draft pick.

Ryans was the first pick in the second round of the 2006 NFL draft. He had a monster year in 2009 with 93 solo tackles. Best suited for a 4-3 defense, Ryans did not do that well in the next two years, due to an injury and a 3-4 defensive scheme that the Texans deployed.

The Eagles have been in need of a solid middle linebacker for several years. When Stewart Bradley was lost for the entire 2009 season, desperation caused them to bring back Jeremiah Trotter. Bradley left the team after the 2010 season and went to the Arizona Cardinals.

Jamar Chaney did his best to man the position in 2011, but he is better suited for the outside. The difficulties of rookie Casey Matthews this year were well documented.

It was widely expected that the Eagles would be targeting a linebacker for their first- or second-round pick. Luke Kuechly is one possibility.

But Andy Reid usually doesn't go for a linebacker with a high pick. He might prefer to go with a big lineman instead. The acquisition of Ryans would allow him to do so.

Ryans isn't the same top-tier linebacker he was in his first years in the NFL, but in the Eagles' case, he is a welcomed upgrade.