The New Orleans Saints and Cleveland Browns both failed to lock up Victor Butler after putting the free-agent outside linebacker through a physical.
Now a third team with a defense transitioning to the 3-4 scheme has come calling. The next stop on the Butler tour is Philadelphia to visit the Eagles, The Plain Dealer reported Monday.
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A 25-year-old career backup with pass-rushing ability and special-teams experience, Butler has been a hot commodity in his first shot at free agency. He reportedly also has visited the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Following the signing of Connor Barwin, the Eagles would seem to be overloaded with outside linebackers. Trent Cole and Brandon Graham will make the switch from defensive end while 2012 second-round draft pick Vinny Curry provides valuable depth.
Cole is not expected to be traded, but the new Eagles regime could dangle the undersized Graham leading up to next month's NFL draft.
On the other hand, the front office might just be stockpiling edge rushers for a rotation that will keep pace with new coach Chip Kelly's up-tempo offense.
Follow Chris Wesseling on Twitter @ChrisWesseling.
