Dawkins gets long-term deal from Eagles

PHILADELPHIA, April 28 (UPI) -- The Philadelphia Eagles Monday signed veteran defensive back Brian Dawkins, a three-time Pro Bowler, to a seven-year contract.

The signing eliminated any uncertainty regarding his future.

Financial terms were not disclosed for Dawkins, who could have become an unrestricted free agent after the 2003 season.

Dawkins, 29, has been with the Eagles since he was a second-round pick in 1996. He has played in three Pro Bowls since then, and is an integral part of the team's defensive scheme under coordinator Jim Johnson.

"If I am going to build a football team, Brian Dawkins is my free safety," Johnson said. "Brian can play strong safety, cornerback, and free safety, and not miss a beat. He has the toughness to play strong safety, and the cover ability as far as playing corner."

In 2002, Dawkins, a strong safety extraordinaire, led the Eagles with career highs in tackles (131) and forced fumbles (seven), while registering three sacks and two interceptions.

In a Week 4 matchup with the Houston Texans, he became the first player in NFL history to record a sack, an interception, a fumble recovery, and a touchdown reception in a single game.

In 103 NFL games, he has 10 sacks, 63 quarterback hurries, 76 knockdowns, 18 forced fumbles, and 11 fumble recoveries, and has been to the Pro Bowl three of the last four seasons.