The Philadelphia Eagles continued going about their understated free agency plans by bolstering their special teams on Wednesday. The team signed safety Chris Maragos and linebacker Bryan Braman, two little-known players who are expected to upgrade the kick coverage units and compete for playing time on defense.
Braman is of particular interest. The 26-year-old tends to stand out at 6’5”, 241 pounds. Signed to a two-year deal worth $3.15 million ($1M guaranteed), the former Houston Texan is mostly here to contribute on special teams, but could compete for a role as a situational pass-rusher.
Chip on Braman: “You don’t find many players of Bryan’s size with the ability to run down the field and make plays on special teams."
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) March 12, 2014
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That’s not all though. Some of Braman’s shall we say hobbies away from the field might make folks take notice as well. Sheil Kapadia for Birds 24/7 unearthed this Houston Chronicle story by Texans beat John McClain from 2011 that makes mention of some interesting activities away from the football field. Presented without comment:
Before general manager Rick Smith offered him a contract, Braman, 24, worked for Abercrombie & Fitch in Los Angeles, modeled, attended some casting calls, got kicked out of West Texas A&M for manufacturing psilocybin (a hallucinogen) and worked as a bouncer in Amarillo and College Station.
Braman, who said he gets his size from a 7-4, 460-pound grandfather and disclosed that he keeps his dreadlocks that were cut by teammates at West Texas in a plastic bag, was fortunate that two people believed in him.
…
Braman worked as a bouncer during the NFL lockout and hoped a team would call. In June, he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor possession of psilocybe mushrooms. He paid a $2,000 fine. Thirty days later, the prosecutor terminated the one-year probation, and his case was dismissed.
I’m sorry to say that Mr. Maragos is far less interesting. Signed to a three-year deal worth up to $5.2 million ($1M guaranteed), all this 27-year-old did was help the Seattle Seahawks win the Super Bowl this past season with his contributions on special teams. Boring.
Neither Maragos nor Braman has ever started a game in the NFL despite a combined seven years of service.
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Along with the decision to re-up punter Donnie Jones for three years on Tuesday, the Eagles’ moves continue to show the tremendous value being placed on quality special teams. It’s not Jairus Byrd, but it’s not inconsequential, either.
>> Braman survives rough road to Texans [Houston Chronicle]