NFL Free Agency Series: Brian Dawkins, Philadelphia Eagles

If there's anyone the Eagles and their fans would hate to see leave, it's Brian Dawkins.

For the past 13 seasons, "Weapon X" has prowled the secondary with such a ferocity, such a passion for the game, and at such a high level that he has been mentioned in many circles as a first-ballot hall of famer.

Now, unlike Ron Bartell I am not going to roll out statistics or tell the story of Dawkins' career. I just don't have to, because his career speaks for itself. However I will say this. Any team willing to dish out big money for Dawk is taking a big risk.

This man has been in the same system for nearly 10 seasons. He has become embedded into a city that has embraced him and brought out the best in him. Do you really think Dawkins will be able to bring the same type of attitude and fire to another city?

I doubt it.

But there is no doubt that Dawkins still has the ability to play at a very high level and can change the direction of a game in a single play. His coverage skills may have diminished a bit, and he might have lost a bit of a step, but he remains a turnover-creating machine.

I highly doubt Dawkins will leave the nest in 2009. But if he were to switch teams, he would have to go to a team that plays a aggressive defense similar to Jim Johnson's. A defense that pretty much gives him the freedom to roam anywhere and wreak havoc.

When Dawkins has that freedom, where you can make him another linebacker, it puts more pressure on the quarterback and makes your defense tougher to run against. Just ask the Eagles how that affects a defense.

But teams who play that type of defense are in short supply. Dawkins age will play a crucial factor as well. Dawk is 35-years-old and teams have to ask; just how much does he have left in the tank?

I believe that the future Hall of Famer has two good years left in him. Nothing more. Nothing less. I believe those final two seasons will be spent in Midnight Green.

Other possible suitors: New York Jets, Cleveland