On today's edition of NFC East Intel, we take a look at the Eagles' secondary changes, the Giants' adding to their defensive line and the Cowboys signing Greg Hardy.
Philadelphia Eagles
Headline:Eagles Lose Veteran Cornerback Bradley Fletcher To The New England Patriots
After losing Cary Williams to the Seattle Seahawks in free agency, Philadelphia lost their second starting cornerback from 2014 in Fletcher.
What this means for the Redskins:While Fletcher made a few big-time plays during his two seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, the Iowa product had become a point of frustration for fans, as he really struggled during the second half of the 2014 season.
His slide in production was magnified in a Saturday night matchup with the Redskins in Week 16 when former teammate DeSean Jackson burned him multiple times in man coverage. What made matters worse for the six-year veteran was the fact that Eagles were eliminated from playoff contention by the Redskins.
In two seasons with the Eagles, Fletcher appeared in 28 games with 27 starts, recording 131 tackles 37 passes defensed and three interceptions. He also had a 34-yard interception return for touchdown off of Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Netwon.
This is the latest of a string of moves at cornerback for the Eagles, as they signed Byron Maxwell – regarded by many as the top free agent cornerback in this year's class – and Walter Thurmond to deals during free agency as well.
Headline:Eagles Reportedly Restructure Connor Barwin's Contract
After signing a long-term contract with the Eagles last offseason, Barwin tweeted out that he's "not going anywhere." CSNPhilly.com reports the sides agreed to a restructured contract.
What this means for the Redskins: Barwin has been a steady presence for the Eagles' defense since signing with the team during the 2013 offseason.
In two years in Philadelphia, Barwin has amassed 123 tackles with 19.5 sacks, 15 passes defensed and three forced fumbles. During the 2014 season – the best statistically in his career – he posted career highs in tackles (64) and sacks (14.5).
He earned his first Pro Bowl appearance and second-team All-Pro honors as well.
Per CSNPhilly.com's Geoff Mosher, the restructured contract adds money to the last three years of his deal.
NEW YORK GIANTS
Headline:Giants Reportedly Meeting With George Selvie
The Giants could be looking to add a division rival to their defensive line rotation, as ProFootballTalk reports they'll host the former Dallas Cowboy.
What this means for the Redskins:The mass exodus from Dallas could continue if Selvie signs with the Giants, or any other team for that matter.
After appear on three teams – the St. Louis Rams, Carolina Panthers and Jacksonville Jaguars – with limited success, Selvie upped his game upon arriving to Dallas in 2013.
In two seasons with the Cowboys, Selvie recorded 75 tackles with 10 sacks and two forced fumbles.
As it stands now, the Giants have five defensive ends on their roster: Robert Ayers, Kerry Wynn, Jordan Stanton, Damontre Moore and Paul Hazel.
Of that group, only Ayres has started a game in the NFL.
Headline:Giants Sign Former Jets Defensive Tackle Kendrick Ellis
Ellis – a former third-round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft – won't have to go very far, as he's staying in the Big Apple with the Giants.
What this means for the Redskins:While Ellis has appeared in at least 12 games in each of the last three seasons, he didn't produce as anticipated.
In 53 games with the Jets, Ellis recorded 31 tackles and one sack.
Now with the Giants looking for a fresh start, Ellis believes he can help a Giants defense that gave up more than 135 rushing yards per game – third most in the NFL during the 2014 season.
"I am a run-stopper and I like doing it," Ellis told NYPost.com. "That is the strength of my game. I look forward to helping the Giants get back to their glory.''
Ellis joins former Redskin Dominique Hamilton, Johnathan Hankins, Cullen Jenkins and Jay Bromley at defensive tackle.
DALLAS COWBOYS
Headline:Cowboys Sign Pass-Rush Specialist Greg Hardy
The Cowboys got a serious boost to their pass-rush yesterday, as they announced the signing of Greg Hardy. In 63 career games with the Carolina Panthers, Hardy recorded 204 tackles with 34 sacks and 15 passes defensed.
What this means for the Redskins:When available, Hardy is one of the better pass rushers in the NFL, as he recorded 26 sacks in his last two full seasons.
The Mississippi product, however, appeared in just one game during the 2014 as he was sidelined with a domestic violence conviction. His status for the 2015 has yet to be determined too.
Hardy has two career appearances against the Redskins, recording nine tackles and 1.5 sacks in those games.
While the Cowboys' defense was much better than expected during the 2014 season, they had just 28 sacks – fourth fewest in the league.
Headline:Cowboys To Meet With Wisconsin Running Back Melvin Gordon
The Cowboys have wasted little time trying to replace Demarco Murray, as they're now reportedly going to bring in Melvin Gordon for a pre-draft visit. This comes after recently signing Darren McFadden.
What this means for the Redskins:Gordon has been linked to the Cowboys in several mock drafts, including ESPN Todd McShay's.
Gordon had one of the most productive seasons in NCAA history in 2014, as the 6-foot-1, 215-pound Wisconsin product rushed for 2,587 yards and 29 touchdowns on 343 carries.
He rushed for at least 120 yards in all but two games and eclipsed the 200-yard mark five times including three straight games late in the season.
Against Nebraska in a 59-24 victory, Gordon rushed for a then-record 408 yards and five touchdowns in just three quarters.
If the Cowboys do decided to draft Gordon, he'll join a running back corps that also has McFadden, Joseph Randle, Lance Dunbar and Ryan Williams.
RELATED LINKS:
-- 2015 Redskins Free Agency Journal
-- NFC East Intel: 3.16.15
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