Eagles Wake-Up Call: Babin Laughed When He Got the Call

Jason Babin hit the national media circuit after being cut by the Eagles on Tuesday.

Some of his most interesting comments came on ESPN radio, where he described his reaction when Andy Reid delivered the news by phone.

“One, anytime you see Andy Reid come across your caller ID, you know it’s probably not a good thing,” said Babin. “Two, all I could do was — I laughed. I was like, ‘Alright, Coach, if that’s what you’ve got to do.’ I don’t know, caught me off guard.”

Babin was told he was released so the young players could get a shot and so he could find a new home. He must clear waivers before becoming a free agent. If he is claimed, that team is on the hook for the remainder of his $5 million salary this season.

This is the top of the current waiver order: 1. KC, 2. JAX, 3. PHI, 4. OAK, 5. CLE, 6. CAR, 7. SD, 8. BUF, 9. TEN, 10. DET, 11. AZ, 12. NYJ.

Babin, 32, said that going to a playoff team “would definitely make things easier, that’s for sure.”

Jason La Canfora noted that the estimated $2 million cap hit to claim Babin might deter some teams like the Ravens, but that Baltimore could be very interested if he clears and becomes a free agent.

“I like to win, I like to compete and I like to sack the quarterback. I imagine there’s a team out there looking for that,” Babin told ESPN’s “NFL Live.”

The nine-year vet was signed to a five-year, $27 million deal prior to the 2011 season and went on to have an 18-sack campaign under defensive line coach Jim Washburn, who helped Babin flourish in their first stop together in Tennessee. The high-profile, talent-laden free-agent class that also included Nnamdi Asomugha and Cullen Jenkins never paid dividends in terms of wins, however.

NFL Network asked Babin if he is surprised that the assembled group did not get the job done.

“It’s real surprising, because honestly all the guys are great guys,” said Babin. “It’s not an issue of , ‘I’m doing me’ kind of thing. Everyone’s willing to work and put the time in, so I wish I could put my finger on it.”

WHAT YOU MISSED

Things were less than harmonious in the defensive line room. According to a source, Trent Cole recently walked out of a meeting.

Sheil looks at how the departure of Babin will affect how the snaps are distributed.

The hits just keep on coming on offense, as DeSean Jackson is now done for the year.

The Eagles will be evaluating not just talent, but character this offseason.

The Eagles could be in line for a quality first-round pick. Kapadia breaks it all down.

Todd Bowles talks about the depressing state of affairs on defense.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

Dave Hanzus of NFL.com lists five potential landing spots for Babin:  The Falcons, Bears, Patriots, Lions and Broncos. Detroit would be a natural fit because they also run the Wide-9. Here is why Hanzus thinks New England could work.

Opponents of the Patriots are often playing from behind, consistently putting them in passing situations. This is a nice fit for Babin, who can pin back his ears and get after the quarterback.

Bob Ford believes the Babin cut should just be the start.

This was a statement move by Reid, and it had nothing to do with rookie defensive ends. The statement may simply be that his patience with those great guys on the field, the ones who dedicated this season to him, finally is exhausted.

If so, don’t make this the last stop on the train, Andy. Continue the purge by benching the entire defensive secondary, which can’t execute what Bowles termed “high school coverages.” Go right down the list. It would be better to watch Curtis Marsh miss a tackle than to watch either of the incumbent cornerbacks avoid making one. It would be better to find out whether David Sims can play safety than to be reminded again of the flaws of the current starters.

Anything different is worth a try. Even being up-front during a media briefing.

COMING UP

Eagles, minus Babin, begin preparations for the Cowboys. Practice starts at 1:50.