Former Notre Dame linebacker Rocky Boiman signed a one year free agent deal with the Philadelphia Eagles today.
The 6-foot-4, 236-pound linebacker played in 86 career games (19 starts) and nine playoff contests with Indianapolis (2006-07) and Tennessee (2002-05). Last year, Boiman saw action in all 16 games (7 starts) for the Colts, registering 64 tackles and two interceptions.
In 2006, he finished third on the Super Bowl champion Colts with 17 special teams tackles. For his career, Boiman has posted 194 tackles, 5 interceptions (including one returned for a touchdown at Pittsburgh in 2003), 1.5 sacks, and 91 special teams tackles.
Boiman has had a solid NFL career since graduating from Notre Dame and it is great seeing him land in Philly where I will get to see him play on a regular basis. The Eagles recently released starting outside linebacker Takeo Spikes and will go into the 2008 season with a rotation of young linebackers Omar Gathier, Chris Gocong, Stewart Bradley, and Akem Jordan. The Eagles have also signed Chris Clemons this off-season prompting speculation that the Eagles will be running more 3-4 looks this year which could open more playing time for Boiman.
As is, Boiman will challenge Gocong for the starting SAM spot. Gocong looked solid for the Eagles in the second half of the season, but is still learning how to be a linebacker in the NFL. At a minimum, Boiman will be a special teams ace on a team that is in need of some help at that department.
