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Changes are in store for Eagles linebacker Connor Barwin (98) in 2016. (Eric Hartline | USA TODAY Sports)

As the Eagles continue to rebuild the defense around pass rushers under new coordinator Jim Schwartz, Connor Barwin's role was one of the biggest questions heading into 2016.

Some wondered if Barwin would be traded to a team that runs a 3-4 front as he became a mainstay at outside linebacker in recent years.

Not only will Barwin likely be staying put in 2016, but he will be making a position change that he's excited for. "

"I'll be playing left defensive end," Barwin said Tuesday during a radio interview with 97.5 FM The Fanatic. "It'll be me and Brandon Graham as defensive ends. Vinny [Curry] and Graham could move inside and play 3-technique from time to time, but I'll be playing defensive end.

"I'm excited because in a 3-4, it's a lot of movement. It's a lot of disguise. There won't be as many games anymore. I'm going to line up, pass rush and be able to work a guy over for an entire game. I'm excited for that."

Moving Barwin to defensive end in a 4-3 would give an already deep defensive line another fastball up front capable of wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks.

At 6-4, 265 pounds, Barwin has the flexibility to play either linebacker or defensive end. In 2011, Barwin notched 11.5 sacks as a defensive end but his body type made him a natural fit to play outside linebacker in Chip Kelly's 3-4 defensive scheme in 2013.

Barwin, who finished with 54 tackles and seven sacks in 2015, says that he had a chance to have a brief meeting with Schwartz the day he was hired and also sat down for a lengthier conversation since. Both he and his teammates are looking forward to the new coordinator and what he's bringing to the table.

"I think everyone was really excited when we found out he was going to be our defensive coordinator," Barwin said. "Honestly, I think I was at the top of that list."

As for actually implementing Schwartz system and schemes, under the current Collective Bargaining Agreement coaches are forbidden to talk football with their players until April, but that won't stop Barwin and his teammates from getting a jump on preparing for the 2016 season.

"It's on me as a leader and some other leaders on our team to get together during this time off," Barwin said. "It's not like we're not allowed to get together. We can't get together as a group of 20 of us all together at the facility to go over things, watch tape or anything like that. But, we can do that outside and we will be doing that together, here soon."

Barwin has been one of the Eagles' most respected locker room leaders and productive defensive players since signing as a free agent prior to the 2013 season and is signed through 2018.

After some initial uncertainty, it seems that Barwin will continue to be a mainstay on the Eagles defense after all.

Matt Lombardo may be reached at MDLombardo@yahoo.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattLombardo975. Find NJ.com Eagles on Facebook.