Eagles make early splash with Sims

The Eagles are hoping they can scratch one item off their draft-day wish list.

The team acquired linebacker Ernie Sims yesterday as part of a three-team deal. The Eagles gave up a fifth-round pick (137th overall) in this year’s draft. Sims will be in town today to take a physical.

“[Coach Andy Reid] told me that the players are in the offseason workouts right now, so I’m ready to jump in and learn as much as I can right now. I’m like a sponge right now,” Sims said in a conference call.

Sims played strongside and weakside in Detroit last season. Eagles GM Howie Roseman said the 25-year-old is capable of starting, but it’s an open competition. Sims, the No. 9 pick in the 2006 draft, is playing in the final year of his rookie contract and is owed $1.8 million.

“We’re going to try to get the best players on this team,” Roseman said. “We thought it was an opportunity to add a really good football player who plays our style of defense.”