Eagles sign LB Barwin to $40 million deal

Philadelphia moving to 3-4 defense this season

Author: By The Sports Xchange
Published On: Mar 14 2013 06:09:05 PM EDT   Updated On: Mar 15 2013 11:05:24 AM EDT
closeup of football laces

The Philadelphia Eagles signed outside linebacker Connor Barwin to a six-year, $36 million contract worth up to $40.55 million.

The team confirmed the signing Thursday on the heels of signing five other defensive players that should ease the Eagles' transition to a 3-4 defense.

Barwin has 19 career sacks but was coming off of a down year in 2012 with the Houston Texans. It was his first season playing without All-Pro pass rusher Mario Williams attracting attention from blockers.

Barwin (6-4, 268) was a second-round draft pick (46th overall) of the Texans in 2009.

He's 26, and has played in 109 games (82 starts).

Barwin shifted to outside linebacker from defensive end following the 2010 season and responded to the move with a team-high 11.5 sacks in 2011, which ranked third in the AFC.