Dabaddestbear
07-29-2007, 03:14 PM
http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=3631
Bears land veteran defensive tackle Walker
By Larry Mayer
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. – The Bears on Sunday bolstered their defensive line by acquiring veteran nose tackle Darwin Walker from the Buffalo Bills in exchange for an undisclosed pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.
Darwin Walker smothers Green Bay Packers running back Ahman Green.
Walker appeared in 87 games with 75 starts the past six seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, recording 264 tackles, 27½ sacks, five forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries.
In 2006, the 6-3, 294-pounder registered 56 tackles, six sacks and his first career interception while starting 15 of 16 games played for the Eagles. Walker then tied a Philadelphia post-season record with two sacks of Drew Brees in a playoff loss to the New Orleans Saints.
Walker was traded to the Bills March 26, but he never reported to training camp because he was seeking a long-term contract extension. Reportedly there was a stipulation in the trade that stated that Walker would be returned to the Eagles if no deal was completed by Aug. 5.
The situation is reminiscent of another trade the Bears made prior to Lovie Smith’s first season in 2004. In that deal, they sent receiver Marty Booker and a conditional draft pick to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for defensive end Adewale Ogunleye, also a training camp holdout.
Acquiring a quality nose tackle in Walker figures to help limit the number of double team blocks that Pro Bowler Tommie Harris typically attracts. Walker is expected to watch practice from the sideline Sunday afternoon and speak with the media.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is a serious upgrade from Tank Johnson or any DT that ever played alongside of T. Harris with the Bears. A question mark and possible weakness has just became another strength on the Bears team.
Bears land veteran defensive tackle Walker
By Larry Mayer
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. – The Bears on Sunday bolstered their defensive line by acquiring veteran nose tackle Darwin Walker from the Buffalo Bills in exchange for an undisclosed pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.
Darwin Walker smothers Green Bay Packers running back Ahman Green.
Walker appeared in 87 games with 75 starts the past six seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, recording 264 tackles, 27½ sacks, five forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries.
In 2006, the 6-3, 294-pounder registered 56 tackles, six sacks and his first career interception while starting 15 of 16 games played for the Eagles. Walker then tied a Philadelphia post-season record with two sacks of Drew Brees in a playoff loss to the New Orleans Saints.
Walker was traded to the Bills March 26, but he never reported to training camp because he was seeking a long-term contract extension. Reportedly there was a stipulation in the trade that stated that Walker would be returned to the Eagles if no deal was completed by Aug. 5.
The situation is reminiscent of another trade the Bears made prior to Lovie Smith’s first season in 2004. In that deal, they sent receiver Marty Booker and a conditional draft pick to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for defensive end Adewale Ogunleye, also a training camp holdout.
Acquiring a quality nose tackle in Walker figures to help limit the number of double team blocks that Pro Bowler Tommie Harris typically attracts. Walker is expected to watch practice from the sideline Sunday afternoon and speak with the media.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is a serious upgrade from Tank Johnson or any DT that ever played alongside of T. Harris with the Bears. A question mark and possible weakness has just became another strength on the Bears team.