Turnabout: Eagles reach deal with Giants LB Jones

The Philadelphia Eagles have added another fast, young defender to bolster their defensive unit.

SportsLine.com has learned that the former Giants starting weakside linebacker Dhani Jones has agreed to a five year, $12.5 million deal that includes a $4 million in bonus money -- $2 million to sign and $2 million in roster bonus. Jones, one of the more consistent starters on the Giants defense, will replace Carlos Emmons at strongside backer. Emmons signed with the Giants this week.

Jones started all but two games for the G-Men the last two seasons and finished the season with an impressive 120 tackles on an unimpressive and banged-up unit. Both he and fellow starter Brandon Short were allowed to hit the free-agent market this offseason. The Jets had shown an interest in Jones, but they signed former Raider Eric Barton.

Jones had become one of New York's most prolific athletes because of his artistic ability and intelligence. In fact, after his rookie season he could actually be found playing the washboard base in the New York City subways as a hobby. He was hired by the NFL Network this year as their roving reporter for the AFC title game and Super Bowl.

"It's the best of both worlds for me by coming here," Jones said shortly after agreeing to his deal. "I'm close to home, still close to New York and I know Im coming to a place where were going to win. That was really important in my decision-making process."

The Eagles previously signed another hot young player in DE Jevon Kearse. They are still hoping to obtain WR Terrell Owens, who will likely have a special arbitration deciding his fate in the next week.