Eagles Show Interest In CFL DT Armstead

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The head-coaching search has not stopped the Eagles from looking at ways to improve their personnel.

The team checked out CFL defensive tackle Armon Armstead (6-5, 300) last week, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Schefter calls Armstead “the equivalent of a high draft pick.”

After playing three years of college ball at USC, Armstead played for the Toronto Argonauts last season and had six sacks. His story is an interesting one. The 22-year-old suffered a heart attack at USC and was not medically cleared to play in 2011. Armstead is suing the school, alleging that the heart attack was caused by pain-killers he was forced to take.

The Eagles currently have six defensive tackles under contract for 2013: Fletcher Cox, Cullen Jenkins, Mike Patterson, Cedric Thornton, Antonio Dixon and Ronnie Cameron. Derek Landri is an unrestricted free agent.

On one hand, it would help for the Eagles’ new coach to have input on personnel. But remember, the team gets 90 roster spots to work with, so if the personnel department spots talent, there’s no harm in making moves.

The Eagles signed Phillip Hunt from the CFL in 2011.

The Patriots and Colts have also shown interest in Armstead, per the report. And he could make more visits this week.

Below are a couple YouTube highlight videos of Armstead – one from the CFL and one from USC.

Follow Sheil Kapadia on Twitter and e-mail him at skapadia@phillymag.com.

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