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NFC East Intel: 3.16.15

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*On today's edition of NFC East Intel we look at the Eagles' reported interest in Tim Tebow, the Giants talking with Stevie Brown and the Cowboys signing Darren McFadden *


Philadelphia Eagles

Headline:Eagles Work Out Former Heisman Trophy Winner Tim Tebow

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According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Eagles are working out the former first-round pick. Tebow, who has appeared in three NFL seasons, has thrown for more than 2,400 yards and rushed for an additional 989 yards. 

What this means for the Redskins:Despite not taking a regular-season snap since 2012 with the New York Jets, the Eagles are working out Tebow just one week after trading for another former Heisman Trophy winner -- Sam Bradford. 

Tebow was drafted by the Denver Broncos with the 26th-overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. 

While he served as the Broncos' backup quarterback for most of his rookie season, Tebow was the Broncos' primary quarterback during the 2011 season, throwing for 1,729 yards with 12 touchdowns to six interceptions. 

He led the Broncos to an overtime playoff victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, as well. 

But with Peyton Manning on the market that offseason, the Broncos elected to sign the future Hall of Famer and traded Tebow to the Jets. 

In his lone season with the Jets, Tebow was more of a gadget player inserted into certain packages, as he recorded 32 carries to just eight pass attempts. 

He was released by the Jets after the 2012 season, catching on with the New England Patriots for the 2013 preseason, but was cut when the roster was sized down to 53 players. 

The Florida product has not been on a roster since.

Headline:Despite The Signing Of DeMarco Murray, Ryan Mathews Decides To Sign With Philly

While the signing of Murray grabbed headlines last week, the Eagles signed a second running back in Mathews. While Murray is expected to be the Eagles' primary back, Matthews said he still preferred joining the Eagles.

What this means for the Redskins: The Eagles' backfield has three quality running backs now in Murray, Mathews and the returning Darren Sproles.

Murray proved during the 2014 season that he can carry the load, running for a career-high 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns on 392 carries while Sproles recorded 57 carries for 329 yards and six touchdowns on the ground. He also hauled in 40 receptions for 387 yards through the air in his first season in Philadelphia.

While Murray and Sproles appear to have their roles solidified, what's the plan for Mathews?

The Fresno State product has rushed for more than 1,000 yards twice during his six-year career, but he's also only appeared in all 16 regular-season games just once during that span.

Regardless, Mathews said he's eager to see where the Eagles place him in their plans.

"I'm more about the team," Mathews said via ESPN.com. "I've really bought into Chip [Kelly's] system. I got to watch them play and talk to coach Duce [Staley, the running backs coach]. It's awesome." 

Headline:Chip Kelly Says DeMeco Ryans Is In The Team's Plans

Despite suffering a season-ending torn Achilles tendon during the 2014 season, Kelly says that Ryans will return to the Eagles for a fourth season with the organization.

What this means for the Redskins: A two-time Pro Bowler during his time with the Houston Texans, Ryans signed with the Eagles before the 2012 season and appeared in all 32 regular-season games over the next two seasons.

But during the 2014 season -- in his return to Houston to face his old teammates -- Ryans suffered a season-ending Achilles injury.

It was the first time he'd missed time since the 2010 season.

Despite the major injury and the fact he's turning 31 years old before the season, Kelly said Ryans will be back with the team. The question, however, is what will his role be.

After acquiring Kiko Alonso in a trade with the Buffalo Bills, it may very well be as a backup.


NEW YORK GIANTS

Headline:Giants Remain In Touch With Free Agent Safety Stevie Brown.

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While the Giants had reportedly been interested in the services of several big-name free agent safeties, they failed to sign any of them. Now, they're hoping to re-sign Brown and remain in touch with him.

What this means for the Redskins:Brown rebounded from a lost 2013 season in which he was placed on Injured Reserve with a torn ACL suffered in the preseason to appear in all 16 games during the 2014 season.

While he was effective for the Giants under defensive coordinator Perry Fewell, now the Redskins' defensive backs coach, his best season came in 2012 when he recorded a career-high eight interceptions.

It was the most interceptions recorded by a Giant since 1968.

With Antrel Rolle gone to the Chicago Bears, the Giants are hoping to keep the 27-year-old Brown in the fold.


DALLAS COWBOYS

Headline:Cowboys Fill Void Left Behind By Murray Departure With Darren McFadden

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Just one day after it was confirmed that Murray was changing his allegiance inside the NFC East, the Cowboys signed McFadden, a longtime member of the Oakland Raiders.

What this means for the Redskins:McFadden, who was drafted by the Raiders with the fourth-overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, has rushed for 4,247 yards and 25 touchdowns on 1,038 carries during his NFL career.

While he's often considered one of the league's most physical runners, the two-time Heisman Trophy finalist has struggled to remain on the field, appearing in 16 regular-season games just once in seven years.

He has also rushed for more than 1,000 yards just once in his career, too, and that came during the 2010 season.

Still, McFadden, who said he's a lifelong Cowboys fan, believes he can succeed behind the same offensive line that sprung Murray to a career year.

"I love what the Dallas offensive line has to offer me," McFadden said via ESPN.com. "They have the best offensive line in the league, I feel like. So I don't have a question about my ability. It's just a matter of getting out there, getting the ball in my hands and running." 

Headline:Cowboys Sign Linebacker Andrew Gachkar  

After seeing two of their top linebackers leave the team during the first week of free agency, the Cowboys reportedly signed Gachkar to a deal on Saturday.

What this means for the Redskins:Gachkar comes to the Cowboys after four seasons with the San Diego Chargers.

While in San Diego, the Missouri product, who was coached by Redskins defensive coordinator Joe Barry, saw his numbers increase each season.

During the 2014 season, Gachkar recorded a career-high 49 tackles along with a sack.

Justin Durant and Bruce Carter, two key players for the Cowboys last season, signed with the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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