Eagles Notebook: DeMeco Ryans acquired from Houston

The question kept coming: When are the Eagles going to wise up and sign a legit middle linebacker?

The answer finally came Tuesday.

The Birds announced that they had traded for middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans, a two-time Pro Bowl selection who the team acquired from Houston for a fourth round draft choice in 2012. The Eagles and Texans also exchanged third round selections in 2012 (moving from 77th overall to 89th).

“DeMeco is a proven Pro Bowl linebacker in this league and we’re excited to be able to plug him into the middle of our defense,” said Eagles head coach Andy Reid. “He’s been the signal caller and a leader on a very good Texans defense for the last several years. He’s a tough, instinctive football player and he’ll be a great fit for our team.”

“We’re thrilled to be able to add a young and productive linebacker in DeMeco Ryans,” said GM Howie Roseman. “We’d like to thank [Houston general manager] Rick Smith and the Texans. Once we found out that he could be available to us in a trade, we quickly found a way to work together to produce a good outcome for both teams.”

Ryans was originally a second round pick in 2006. The 27-year-old started in 86 games and leaves Houston as the franchise’s all-time leader in tackles with 637 tackles. He was named AP Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2006 and made the Pro Bowl in 2007 and 2009.