LB Connor Barwin Bolsters Pass Rush

The Eagles continued to fortify the defense on Thursday, signing linebacker Connor Barwin to a six-year deal. In four seasons with the Houston Texans, Barwin, 6-4, 268, registered 109 tackles, 19 sacks, two fumble recoveries and 16 passes defensed. A second-round draft pick (46th overall) of the Texans in 2009, Barwin, 26, played in 109 games (82 starts) and is second on the Texans’ all-time sacks record. He shifted to outside linebacker from defensive end following the 2010 season and responded to the move with a team-high 11.5 sacks in 2011, which ranked third in the AFC.

A 2011 USA Today All-Joe Team selection for the Texans, Barwin was a four-year starter at the University of Cincinnati. As a senior, he posted 12.0 sacks, the third highest single-season total in program history, earning first-team All-American and All-Big East Conference honors. A native of Hazel Park, MI, Barwin earned first-team all-state, all-league, all-Catholic and all-district honors as a senior at University of Detroit Jesuit High School.

With the Eagles, Barwin is expected to continue rushing the passer, whether it be from a 4-3 defensive end or 3-4 outside linebacker spot. Like many of the players signed by the Eagles over the past few days, Barwin brings versatility to the Eagles.

The Barwin signing caps a busy day for the Eagles that saw the team add cornerback Cary Williams and safety Kenny Phillips. That, of course, comes only two days after the additions of tight end James Casey, cornerback Bradley Fletcher, safety Patrick Chung, defensive tackle Isaac Sopoaga and linebacker Jason Phillips.