Ross Tucker is everywhere. The former NFL offensive lineman calls NFL and college games as a color analyst and continues to host multiple podcasts, including the very popular “Ross Tucker Football Podcast.”
Tucker, who entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent from Princeton in 2001, began his career in Washington. Tucker also finished his career in Washington. Tucker also has deep ties to the Philadelphia Eagles. He grew up in Pennsylvania, where he lives today, and covers preseason games for the Eagles.
So, Tucker knows the inner workings of Philadelphia better than anyone.
On Tuesday, Tucker was a guest of the “Sports Junkies” on 106.7 The Fan in Washington and dropped a name of someone who would be an ideal candidate for the Commanders in their expected search for a new general manager.
“I am a big fan and believer of looking at certain organizations that clearly know what they’re doing and do it at a high level, so I’d probably look hard at the Eagles,” Tucker said via Lou DiPietro of Audacy.
“Not only are you getting someone who knows what they’re doing, you’re also hurting your division rivals. (Assistant GM) Alec Halaby is a Harvard guy who heads up the analytics side, but he’s really over the last five years he’s really come into the player development side. He’s a big reason why they started going for two and going for it on fourth down years ago when they had Doug Pederson.”
We’ve heard Halaby mentioned in conjunction with possible GM openings for 2024. Front-office executives from successful organizations are often the targets of rebuilding teams. The Eagles, 49ers and Ravens come to mind. The Cowboys also have some talented front-office executives. For years, teams tried to raid the Patriots to emulate their success.
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman is the best in the NFL. Roseman does everything right. He builds the trenches and values draft picks but is also aggressive in free agency and on the trade market. Roseman spares no expense to upgrade Philadelphia’s roster. He also is a strong believer in analytics.
New Washington owner Josh Harris has also prioritized analytics with his other professional sports teams. In October, Harris made his first significant hire for the Commanders in Eugene Shen.
Halaby has spent years learning under the best. Why would you not interview him? Also, like Tucker, he is an Ivy Leaguer, having graduated from Harvard. He’s in his 16th NFL season with Philadelphia and was promoted to assistant GM in 2022.
There’s also that Philadelphia connection for Harris. Remember, Harris has owned the Philadelphia 76ers for years and certainly knows about Roseman’s success.
As Tucker said, it makes sense. You pick someone smart and successful from an elite organization, which also happens to be a hated rival. It’s perfect.
