Defensive end Jason Babin made it clear in an interview Wednesday morning with Pro Player Insiders that the long term is more important than the immediate future in his search for a new NFL team. He won’t base his decision solely on whether a team is a playoff contender this season; rather, he’ll consider what’s best for the remainder of his NFL career.
“My preference is long term,” Babin told PPI exclusively. “I have a lot of football left, and I want to play for quite a few more years. So I’m looking at the big picture, not just who’s in it right now.”
Babin said he didn’t expect to be released by Philadelphia on Tuesday. Still, the veteran recognizes the NFL is often a business first and foremost, so he isn’t looking back now.
“I was obviously surprised, but in the grand scheme of things, when you look at moves that NFL teams make around the league, every week, no one is safe,” Babin said.
The former first-round draft pick seems to have the tools to be able to return to his Pro Bowl form in the right defensive scheme.
“My goal is the same every year,” he said, “to beat the naysayers and prove them wrong. I think that being groomed as a football player and as a person over these past 10 years is more than I can ask for. Just getting the opportunity every day to play this great game is a blessing.”
Babin told PPI he doesn’t have a timeframe for when he’ll sign with a new team, but that he’s taking his time with the decision.
“It’s a process that’s … a little bit crazy,” he said. “Now we’re kind of just talking to different teams that have expressed an interest and we’re trying to work out the details. It’s new for me, so I’m just trying to take it as slowly as possible.”
On Tuesday afternoon, Eagles head coach Andy Reid thanked Babin for his contributions to the team in a statement.
“We appreciate everything that Jason has given this team over the last couple of years,” Reid said. “We wish him all the best as he continues his career. By releasing him today, this gives us an opportunity to give more playing time to some of younger guys in the defensive line rotation.”
Asked for a message to his fans while they await his next move, the sack specialist said: “I appreciate them and everything they’ve done—cheering, being supportive and being critical.”
UPDATE: Looks like Babin found a place that fits his goals
https://twitter.com/JasonBabin93/status/273961705841758208
Written by Khalil Garriott. Scottie Graham contributed to this story. Follow them on twitter at @ScottieGraham @khalilgarriott
Follow Jason Babin @JasonBabin93 and Pro Player Insiders @PlayerInsiders
