Released last Friday by the Seattle Seahawks, it didn't take inside linebacker Levon Kirkland very long to find a new home, as the 10-year veteran on Wednesday evening signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Financial details of the contract were not immediately available.

Kirkland, 33, could push projected starter Barry Gardner for playing time at the middle linebacker spot. Gardner is replacing Jeremiah Trotter, who left the team in free agency, after the Eagles rescinded the "franchise" designation from him.

There were rumors the day Kirkland was released that Philadelphia might be interested in him. The Eagles have publicly proclaimed their faith in Gardner, but still tried last month to sign another veteran middle 'backer, Hardy Nickerson, who subsequently signed with the Green Bay Packers.

"We are always looking to add quality players to creative some competitive situations throughout our team," Eagles coach Andy Reid said. "Levon is one of those players and we are fortunate to be able to add him to our strong linebacking corps. His veteran experience makes the linebacker unit an even stronger group."

Last year, Kirkland signed a three-year contract with the Seahawks after he was released by the Pittsburgh Steelers, with whom he played his first four seasons. Despite a solid year in Seattle, where he registered 101 tackles, the Seahawks decided to go younger at the position in 2002.

Kirkland declined on Wednesday evening to discuss his release, which reportedly was tied to a weight problem, something he has battled much of his career. But clearly the Eagles don't believe Kirkland is too heavy, or that he can't get himself into shape by the opening of training camp.

"I feel like I showed people last year I'm still a productive player," Kirkland said. "The tank isn't empty yet."

A two-time Pro Bowl performer, Kirkland began his career with the Steelers as a second-round pick in the 1992 draft. In 10 seasons, he has played in 160 games, never missing a single contest. He has 677 tackles, 20 sacks and 11 interceptions.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com.