Eagles Sign Safety Blaine Bishop

Blaine Bishop wants to play for a winner and prefers an aggressive defense. The Philadelphia Eagles seem like a perfect fit.

The free agent safety, a four-time Pro Bowler, spent the last two days touring the Eagles' practice facility, and meeting coaches. He was to return home Tuesday because of a death in his family.

"My top priority is a team who's serious about going to the Super Bowl," Bishop said. "Philadelphia is serious. I'm excited to be here. I hope I can fit in and help us get better."

Bishop, who has spent his entire nine-year career with the Tennessee Titans/Houston Oilers, would fill the void created at strong safety when the Eagles declined to make Damon Moore a qualifying offer.

Moore, a restricted free agent, tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in Philadelphia's 29-24 loss to St. Louis in the NFC championship game, and isn't expected to be able to play this season.

"There's been no offers," said Bishop, who also visited Buffalo and Detroit. "I have no timetable. Hopefully, it would get done sooner than later."

A fierce hitter despite his size at 5-foot-9, Bishop became a free agent when the Titans released him last month to meet the salary cap deadline. He was due to count $5.8 million against the cap this season.

"I expected it," Bishop said. "I want to get a ring on my way out and laugh at the people who thought I was done."

Shortly after being selected in the eighth round of the 1993 draft, Bishop became a leader on defense. He made the Pro Bowl from 1995 through 1997 and again in 2000.

But Bishop was moved from strong safety to free safety after an injury to starter Bobby Myers, and played in only five games in 2001 because of injuries. He was in for just one play in his final 12 games.

"I'm pretty much back to 100 percent," Bishop said. "I'm ready to roll. I'm excited. I feel fresh, and it's basically a year off for me. I want to prove that I'm back."

Bishop averaged 109 tackles per season from 1994-2000. He had 116 tackles and three sacks in 1998, and 113 tackles and 2½ sacks in 1999, helping the Titans reach the Super Bowl, before losing to St. Louis 23-16.

In 126 career games, Bishop has 788 tackles, 14 sacks, 15 forced fumbles, 11 fumble recoveries, 48 pass deflections and five interceptions.

"I think I can fit in well," he said after speaking to Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson. "I think I can take a little pressure off the other guys, bring another option to the table. I love the aggressive style defense, getting after the quarterback and dictating to the offense."

Moore, a fourth-round pick in 1999, had 105 tackles, one sack and two interceptions last season. He had a terrific postseason with three interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown.

If the Eagles don't sign Bishop or another strong safety, Rashard Cook would enter training camp as the starter. Cook played well in nickel situations last season.

Bishop is the second free agent to visit Philadelphia. Tampa Bay running back Warrick Dunn met with the Eagles on Friday, but left without a contract offer. The Eagles are still hopeful of signing Dunn, who has received interest from Detroit, Atlanta and the Buccaneers.

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Author: 6 ABC-AP