The Philadelphia Eagles announced Tuesday they have acquired DE Darryl Tapp from the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for DE Chris Clemons and a 2010 fourth round draft choice.
 
“Darryl is a very intense football player and we’re happy to acquire him,” said head coach Andy Reid. “He plays very hard every snap. He’s smart, he’s a good person and he’ll fit very well into our defensive scheme.”
 
Said Eagles general manager Howie Roseman, “Darryl is an up-and-coming player in this league, in my opinion. He’s a good player and a good person, and we liked him very much coming out of Virginia Tech. We believe he’ll be a good addition to our defensive line.”
 
Originally a second round draft pick of the Seahawks in 2006, Tapp (6-1, 270) has appeared in 64 games (32 starts) in his four-year career, posting 177 tackles, 18 sacks, eight forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and two interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown.
 
Tapp’s best season came in 2007 when he started in all 16 games and recorded a career-high seven sacks. That year, he tied a Seahawks club record for sacks in a game with four vs. St. Louis on October 21.
 
A four-year letterman at Virginia Tech, Tapp earned first-team All-America honors and was given the Dudley Award as the top Division I player in the Commonwealth of Virginia. He finished his college career with 187 tackles and 23.5 sacks.
 
The 25-year-old Tapp is a native of Chesapeake, VA, and attended Deep Creek High School, where he helped lead the football team to a 34-4 record in his three varsity seasons. The three-sport star also earned letters in basketball and track.

Defensive End Darryl Tapp Conference Call
3-16-10
 
On his reaction being traded to the Eagles and how he sees himself fitting in:
“I’m excited to be traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. I’m in shock because Seattle is the team that gave me an opportunity out of college and I called it home for the last four years. I’m anxious already about the opportunity in Philly. I’m coming there to work my tail off and help us get a step closer to the ultimate goal.”
 
On having any idea that he was going to be traded after signing his RFA tender yesterday:
“I had heard, but it wasn’t anything concrete. After I signed my tender, I was ready to come in and work. Like I said, it just started taking form the last few days and this is a good opportunity for me.”
 
On what happened the past couple years in Seattle in regards to his sack numbers dropping:
“It’s been a lot of turnover. I came in fresh out of college, [Seahawks head] coach [Mike] Holmgren had a staff assembled that really knew how to [teach] the game and did things to put their guys in position. Then we had two years, these past two years, so it’s just been a lot of turnover from a coaching standpoint. Like I said, that’s a part of the game. Shake it off and get a brand new start.”
 
On the type of player that he is:
“I’m athletic, I think I’m an athletic end. I’m a lot stronger and a lot quicker than people seem to think I am. I’m an [all out] type of guy; I’m a high-effort guy. That’s how we were trained at Virginia Tech and I kept that going in Seattle. I’m ready to bring that to the table.”
 
On how frustrating it was in Seattle with all the turnover:
“For me, personally, it was tough because I have never been in a situation like that where I lost games. Even back to high school, I have never been in a situation where I had a solid coaching staff and I lost as many games as I had. It’s definitely been a learning experience the last few years. Even preparing for this year, it will be a whole new situation. It was tough, but it helped build me into the player and the person that I am now.”
 
On whether the Eagles spoke with him about his role:
“I haven’t heard anything how the Eagles plan to use me yet. I’ve played both sides; that’s something that you learn at Virginia Tech. You always have to be prepared to play multiple positions because you never know how you’re going to help out the team. Anything they ask me to do, I’m ready and willing to do. I’m just anxious to get a new start for a great team.”
 
On whether he sees himself as an every-down defensive end or a “specialty pass rusher”:
“I’m an every-down defensive end. Rushing the passer is fun, but you don’t get the opportunity until you stop the run. That’s something that I pride myself on.”