Eagles re-sign linebacker Najee Goode

The Eagles re-signed linebacker Najee Goode to a one-year contract Wednesday, keeping the four-year veteran off the open market.

Goode, 26, provides depth and is a proven special-teams contributor. He was set to become a free agent next month.

Goode originally joined the Eagles in 2013. He finished with 21 tackles and one sack that season while playing the bulk of two games in place of Mychal Kendricks. Goode started one of those games.

He appeared poised for a bigger role in 2014, but a torn pectoral muscle in the opener limited him to one game that season.

When Goode returned, the Eagles had added depth at inside linebacker and his roster spot was not a given. Goode was the final cut when Chip Kelly trimmed the roster to 53 last September, although he returned Sept. 22. He played 14 games and finished with 11 tackles. He also returned a blocked punt for a touchdown.

The West Virginia product was a fifth-round pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2012. His father, John Goode, played tight end for the Eagles in 1985.

With the Eagles transitioning to a 4-3 defense, Goode's role on defense is unclear. He was drafted to play in the 4-3, and at 6 feet and 244 pounds, he has the necessary size. The Eagles return Mychal Kendricks, Kiko Alonso, Jordan Hicks, and DeMeco Ryans as linebackers for the 4-3 defense, and they also have Brandon Hepburn and Deontae Skinner under contract.

With Goode and Vinny Curry signed this month, the Eagles have seven unrestricted free agents: quarterbacks Sam Bradford and Thad Lewis; wide receiver Seyi Ajirotutu; defensive lineman Cedric Thornton; cornerbacks E.J. Biggers and Nolan Carroll; and safety Walter Thurmond. Free agency opens March 9.