Linebacker Ernie Sims has joined the Eagles in a three-way trade that also saw tight end Tony Scheffler dealt to the Lions from the Broncos.
Scheffler sent to Detroit in three-way trade
The Philadelphia Eagles acquired linebacker Ernie Sims in a three-way trade that also saw tight end Tony Scheffler join the Detroit Lions from the Denver Broncos.
The Eagles gave up a fifth round draft pick to bring in Sims, the ninth overall selection in 2006, from the Lions.
The Broncos received the fifth rounder, with the Lions getting Scheffler and a seventh-round pick from the Broncos.
"I'm just real excited," said Sims, 25. "I'm ready for a new beginning."
Upgrade
The Eagles had been looking to upgrade their options at linebacker after parting with three veterans at the end of last season.
Will Witherspoon was released, Chris Gocong traded to the Cleveland Browns and Jeremiah Trotter became a free agent.
Sims has 420 tackles, 2.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and one interception in 59 career games, including 56 starts.
He played weakside linebacker in Detroit and is likely to compete with Akeem Jordan for the starting job in Philadelphia.
"I've been competing my whole life," added Sims, who missed five games last season because of shoulder and hamstring injuries.
"I don't expect to come in and just be handed a job. I expect to come in and work for my position."
Philadelphia head coach Andy Reid said in a statement: "Ernie Sims is an impact player at the linebacker position. He brings a lot of energy to our already energised defense.
"We are looking forward to adding him to our team."
Exodus
Scheffler, meanwhile, becomes the latest member of Denver's 2006 draft class to leave since Josh McDaniels replaced Mike Shanahan as head coach 15 months ago.
Quarterback Jay Cutler, traded to the Chicago Bears last year, and wide receiver Brandon Marshall, dealt to Miami earlier in April, had already departed.
Scheffler, a restricted free agent, has been troubled by injuries during his three years in the NFL and had not been attending the Broncos' off-season program.
