2011 NFL Free Agency: Top 5 Free Agents the Philadelphia Eagles Should Pursue

With CBA talks becoming increasingly optimistic, front offices are gearing up for what should be one of the more hectic free agencies in recent memory.  GM's and coaches have finished evaluating their team needs and are looking for pending free agents who can come in and instantly contribute.

Of the teams looking to make an impact, the Philadelphia Eagles are primed to come out of the gate running and be one of the most active teams in free agency this year. 

Based off the weaknesses on their roster, here are five potential free agents that the Eagles should be actively looking to sign for the 2011 season.

No. 5-Stephen Tulloch, LB

160 tackles.  One sack.  One interception.  Six passes defended.

New defensive coordinator Juan Castillo would be wise to take a close look at this free agent coming out of Tennessee.

Following a career season, Tulloch has shown that he is capable of being a force in the middle of the defense, which proved to be a weakness for the Eagles last season.  The learning curve for #55 would be minimal (both the Titans and Eagles use a 4-3 defense), allowing for him to provide an instant impact on defense.

With the injury-prone Stewart Bradley headed towards his own free agency and last year's rookie sensation Jamar Chaney better suited on the outside, signing the top linebacker in this year's free agency should be a priority. 

No. 4-Jason Babin, DE

After he posted 12.5 sacks last year, it is a safe bet that the Eagles are kicking themselves for letting Jason Babin walk after the 2009 season. 

Babin may be 31-years old, but aside from last season does not have much wear-and-tear on his body and clearly has enough fuel left in the tank to create an imposing presence on the left side of the defensive line.  

If Brandon Graham were fully healthy, upgrading the defensive line may not be near the top of Andy Reid's wish list.  But with Graham unlikely to make the start of the season, the Eagles could use a sack specialist to bookend with Trent Cole. 

Most importantly, Babin flourished under defensive line guru Jim Washburn in Tennessee.  With Washburn now in Philadelphia, a reunion between the two in the City of Brotherly Love makes a whole lot of sense.  

No. 3-Michael Bush, RB

While recent reports have New Orleans Saint's running back Reggie Bush linked to the Eagles, there is another Bush that better fits the bill for the Eagles' needs. 

Oakland's Michael Bush would give Philadelphia a bruising downhill runner and provide them with a nice compliment to LeSean McCoy's elusive style of running.  Bush's talents would be especially beneficial in the red zone, a place where the Eagles have struggled in recent seasons.

While all signs point to Bush's free agency being restricted, making a run at Bush would only make this team's already potent offensive even more lethal.

No. 2-Jonathan Joseph, CB

There is just no denying how woeful the Eagles secondary was last season.  

Not only did it allow a league-leading 31 touchdown passes, but it may be the primary reason why former Eagle's defensive coordinator Sean McDermott is no longer with the team.

Enter Johnathan Joseph.  After recording a career-high six interceptions last season, this 2006 first round pick appears to be entering his prime.  Starting him opposite of stud Asante Samuel will have fans salivating and opposing quarterbacks cringing.

But as good as he is, Joseph is merely the fallback solution for if the team is unable to land the big free agency prize...

No. 1-Nnamdi Asomugha, CB

This one is a no-brainer.

Aside from being known as the man whose name nobody knows how to correctly pronounce, Asomugha is considered one of the elite corners in the game today. He was giving opposing quarterbacks fits four years before Darrelle Revis even played a snap in the NFL.

If signed, not only will quarterbacks be forced to throw towards ball-hawk Asante Samuel, but Asomugha's presence alone in the secondary will allow for the Eagles to dial up the blitz.   

After eight years of playing for the Oakland Raiders, Asomugha would love nothing more (besides a nice fat check) than to play for a Super Bowl contender, which is what the Eagles will almost certainly be if they sign him.