Philadelphia's influential safety Brian Dawkins has ended his 13-year association with the Eagles to join the Denver Broncos.
Veteran safety makes move to Broncos after 13 years as an Eagle
Philadelphia's influential safety Brian Dawkins has ended his 13-year association with the Eagles to join the Denver Broncos.
The 35-year-old veteran is on the down side of his career but still feels he can bring his best for the next couple of seasons at least.
A seven-time Pro Bowler, Dawkins is a leader off the field as well as on it, and new Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels hopes he can stiffen up a defence that leaked a massive 448 points last season.
Dawkins started all 16 games last season and made 75 tackles, three sacks, six forced fumbles and an interception, showing he can still be a real asset.
Former New England Patriots offensive coordinator McDaniels knows the defence in Denver must improve dramatically next season, and he sees Dawkins filling a role similar to veteran Rodney Harrison had in leading the Pats.
First NFL move
Dawkins signed a five-year deal with the Broncos and says he is excited to be joining just his second, but what looks like being his last, NFL team.
"I've been blessed to play for a great organisation and to come to another great organization," Dawkins told a news conference.
"I was able to meet some of the young guys I'll have the privilege of playing with. I'm jumping around with my words right now because I'm so emotionally excited."
Eagles head coach Andy Reid called Dawkins "one of the best players in franchise history and one of the most popular players to play in the city of Philadelphia".
"This is the toughest part of my job, no question," said Reid. "He gave this city 13 years of emotional, energetic football."
Defensive help
The Broncos brought in a second safety to toughen up on defence, with Renaldo Hill coming in after helping the Miami Dolphins to a remarkable turnaround last season.
As the overhaul continues, McDaniels has looked to his connections in New England and has also added wide receiver Jabar Gaffney and long-snapper Lonie Paxton as free agents.
Agent Drew Rosenhaus says that Hill and Gaffney have both signed four-year deals worth a combined $10 million with $3 million in guarantees.
"Jabar is excited to play for coach McDaniels, whom he obviously knows quite well from their time together in New England," Rosenhaus told The Associated Press.
"Renaldo was very impressed with defensive coordinator Mike Nolan and was with coach McDaniels at Michigan State."
