"Last year's experiment with Canadian Football League star running back Martell Mallett didn't work out so well. But the Eagles are trying again anyway.

The team on Friday announced the signing of Phillip Hunt, the CFL's top pass rusher, to a three-year deal. Hunt racked up 19 sacks over the past two seasons for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, including a league-high 16 this season.

The 6-foot-1, 248-pound Hunt can play outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme, but would play with his hand in the dirt for the Eagles, who employ a 4-3 defense. The Eagles have a number of defensive ends: Trent Cole, Brandon Graham, Darryl Tapp and Daniel Te'o-Nesheim, along with veteran Juqua Parker. But they're always looking for young pass rushers, especially with new defensive line coach Jim Washburn added to the staff.

Hunt, 25, worked out for the Browns, Texans, Vikings and Patriots, according to a Foxsports.com report. The period for signing players from the CFL ends Tuesday, the eve of CFL free agency.

Hunt, who played collegiately at the University of Houston, went undrafted in 2009 and was signed later by the Browns, but was released out of training camp. He then went to the CFL, where he quickly made an impact."