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Eagles sign Weaver
The Birds have agreed to terms with fullback Leonard Weaver, formerly of the Seattle Seahawks. Bob Brookover of the Inquirer reports it's a one-year deal worth up to $2.5 million bucks.
The "face-cleaver" is definitely an upgrade over the mish mash of Klecko and Eckel from a year ago. Weaver also has a skill set the Birds haven't been graced with since, well, I can't remember. Weaver can run, catch, and block. He also has a devastating stiff arm - that's where the face-cleaver nickname originates. Solid signing for the Birds.
Actually, Weaver's real nickname is the Church Van, which is awesome. Some other quotes courtesy of FO.com:
"Leon-ard Wea-ver. Leon-ard Wea-ver."
-Seahawks fans at Candlestick Park serenading fullback Leonard Weaver as he made his way off the field after scoring two touchdowns on dumpoff passes that he took all the way -- a 43-yarder in the third quarter and a 62-yarder in the fourth -- to help the Seahawks snap their three-game losing streak.
"The Church Van."
-Weaver's nickname from teammates, due to his faith and community involvement.
"The Bishop."
-Another of Weaver's nicknames.
"The Baptism."
-A nickname for Weaver's stiff-arm.
"They didn't know the Church Van could move that fast."
-Weaver, on the 49ers defense. (Tacoma News Tribune)
"We knew about Weaver. He's a fullback and he's a brutal back, because he will come and get you to let you know he's there."
-49ers linebacker Manny Lawson, on Weaver, and perhaps how Weaver should have done an even better job of letting the 49ers know he where he was as a receiver.
You finally got your "big back" Philadelphia.
Good signing, I'm happy the have a legit FB. Look what happened when they addressed the return game last year with Demps and Jackson. If only they Birds could acquire a #1 receiver and a tight end who can block . . .
I think this is a great signing. He might not be a 'big' name or a prestige position but a very good fullback can really help the running game and can protect the QB. And Weaver is a very good fullback. You can add in the fact he is a good rusher and receiver also. I'm not condoning the lack of action (mostly) to this point but this is encouraging.
I doubt we'll see much roster movement until we approach the draft, but this is a nice add. I wonder if the threat of a work stoppage/uncapped year is a factor in some of these one year contracts were seeing?
The Chicago Tribune gave a list of some of the Wonderlic scores from this year's combine class (I thought after the Vince Young debacle, this stuff was supposed to be secret?). Anyway, Hakeen Nicks had possibly the lowest score with 11. I don't think that bodes well for my hope of seeing him in Eagle green...
McNabb supposedly scored a 12 so I wouldn't put too much into it.
Interesting point about the work stoppage - looks like it could be a factor. With the economic climate these days, I think the NFLPA is going to run into an owner freight train in negotiations.