Cleaning up some business from prior to the start of free agency, wide receiver Hank Baskett on Thursday signed his one-year contract that the Eagles offered to the restricted free agent. Baskett, along with offensive guard Nick Cole, were the team's two restricted free agents offered tenders.
Baskett set career highs in 2008 with 33 receptions and three touchdowns, adding 440 yards. He joined the Eagles in a trade with Minnesota after originally signing with the Vikings as a rookie free agent in 2006. Baskett has posted 71 catches, 1,046 yards and six touchdowns in his three-year career in Philadelphia. He is one of six players in NFL history to have three catches of 85 yards-or-more in a career.
Where does Baskett fit in this season? He should have a significant role in the offense, which is hoping to be more consistent and productive scoring touchdowns in the red zone.
In addition to the Baskett news, the Eagles also announced the signing of rookie tight end Eugene Bright, a local product who has a chance to make good with his hometown team.
A graduate of Harriton High School in Rosemont, PA, Bright (6-4, 254) played defensive end at Purdue, compiling 48 tackles and 7.5 sacks in his four-year career. The 24-year-old Bright went undrafted in 2008 and was not on an NFL roster last season.
Bright played seven different positions in his high school career, and was named first team all-area as a strong safety and second team as a tight end following his senior season. He also starred in basketball and track.
