The Eagles added several new pieces to their defense this offseason, including former Chargers linebacker Kyzir White.

White, a 4th-round pick by the Chargers in 2018, played in all 17 games last season and finished the year with 144 tackles (seven for a loss), two forced fumbles, and two interceptions. Free agency didn’t pan out the way White had hoped, however, allowing the Eagles to snag him on a one-year, $5M deal.

“Philly has a great fanbase here, great team, was a playoff team last year. I actually played against the Eagles, so I know what they bring to the table. I’m from an hour up the road; I got my family here with me. It’s the hometown team. I’m just excited overall. I feel like it’s a good opportunity for me.”

The converted safety also noted that he’s open to signing a long-term deal in Philadelphia and took a one-year contract now to bet on himself. Despite his breakout season, the Chargers decided to let White test the open market, much to the chagrin of LA fans and media alike.

One Chargers writer, Michael Peterson of Bolts from the Blue, recently stated that the decision just doesn’t compute.

“When it comes to the money alone, the decision just doesn’t compute. The Chargers had (and spent) a lot of money this offseason. They acquired a number of players who will serve as fringe starters and rotational players, most of whom are notable upgrades over starters from a year ago. The only area on defense that still looks worrisome is the second level where Drue Tranquill and Kenneth Murray are expected to start this season.

Seeing how everything has shaken out elsewhere while this position group still looks quite underwhelming is something that just doesn’t sit right with me. I think if there was one thing I’d change about this offseason for the Chargers, it’s that White would have stuck around to be a big part of this revamped defense.”

Traditional three-down linebackers are hard to come by in the NFL, and Kyzir White filled that role nicely for Los Angeles last season. The 26-year-old Lehigh-native now joins a retooled Eagles defense that has longed for above-average linebacker play.

If he plays at a high level for the second consecutive year, White could make Philly his permanent home.

“One of my closest friends growing up took me to my first NFL game and it was the snow blizzard. Yeah, man, that made me want to play for the Eagles right after I left that game, like one day I wanna throw on that Eagles uniform and suit up for ’em. So just to be here, it’s crazy how life comes full circle. I’m blessed to be here.”

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Kyzir White tracking down Dalvin Cook. Will be very nice to have an Eagles LB who can do this consistently. pic.twitter.com/wLjEwa33PM

— Victor Williams (@ThePhillyPod) June 10, 2022

Mandatory Credit: Chargers.com