The Daily Philadelphian

Replacing the most beloved Eagle since Reggie White was never in the job description for Sean Jones. He knew he was being brought in to help solidify a defensive backfield that would be without its heart and soul — Brian Dawkins — and nothing more than that.

The safety signed a one-year deal as a free agent last offseason with hopes of competing for the starting strong safety position. He beat out slated starter Quintin Demps on the depth chart, partly due to injuries and partly due to bad play. However, rookie Macho Harris ended up winning the starting job out of camp.

Jones provided a veteran presence among the safeties and ended up starting nine games toward the end of the year. However, the ballhawker in Jones never really showed up as he registered just two picks on the year while registering 61 tackles. He had averaged nearly five interceptions a year his last three seasons.

Jones was solid but lackluster. The Eagles blitzing defense calls for someone with a little more intensity and now the Eagles have to decide whether or not to bring back Jones.

The Eagles have decisions to make at the safety position.

WHAT THE EAGLES SHOULD DO: Cut the strings and let Jones leave. He just doesn’t fit this system. With Macho Harris entering his second year, the Eagles need to go get a safety who can thrive in this system while teaching Harris and and Demps the ropes if the team believes those two have a future. They need someone like a Brian Dawkins. Yes, BDawk would have been the perfect mentor. Darren Sharper would be the perfect fit if you can lure him from New Orleans. He would fill the gap and allow you the chance to find out more about Harris and Demps.

WHAT THE EAGLES WILL DO: The Birds need help at safety, linebacker and along the defensive line. They value safeties more than linebackers so look for them to possibly go after Packers restricted free agent Nick Collins who is entering the prime of his career. The Birds have not historically gone after players who will cost them draft picks, however, maybe this is the time to do so. Remember, Joe Banner said the definition of insanity is doing the same thing each year. Outside of Harper, the Eagles may try to land Sharper, although we see that as a longshot. Our guess is the Birds go with the young guys and draft yet another safety.