Philadelphia Eagles Mid Season Grades: Resigning Deals

Oct 26, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles tackle Jason Peters (71) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Eagles 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Jason Peters Returns To Pro Bowl And To Eagles Through 2018

After a season out rehabbing two Achilles heel injuries, offensive tackle Jason Peters returned to pro-bowl form.   It was clear that much of what new head coach Chip Kelly likes to do needs special players who are versatile and can control the man on man assignments.  Jason Peters specializes in all of that.

In the first training sessions, new Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland admitted that he used film of Peters to educate his offensive linemen.

"“I teach the left tackle off of what (Peters) did. When I first came here, I was like, alright, I’m coaching NFL players. Jason Peters. I’ve been studying his film since he entered the league with the Buffalo Bills in his rookie year. I coached my players in college off of his pro film. I got Buffalo Bills film in my office filled with Jason Peters.” -Jeff  Stoutland"

It falls to reason that when your starting quarterback sends his jersey to the NFL hall of fame, your starting running back leads the NFL in rushing, and your starting wide receiver has a career high season, you probably had excellent play out of the offensive line.  The anchor of that line is Peters.Peters started all 17 games for the Eagles in 2013, and has been the only starter who has not fallen to injury or suspension this season.  In large part, the success of the Eagles has been linked with the play of tackle Jason Peters.  Perhaps it is the six time pro bowl appearances, or the success of the Eagles whenever he takes the field, but Jason Peters is arguably the best left offensive tackle in the NFL.     It was this, and the timing of his last year, that made Peters a priority in the off-season.   The Eagles took his final year of $10 million salary and bonuses, and converted it into a five year deal worth $51.3 million with $19.55 Million guaranteed.   This contract virtually takes Peters all the way to retirement.   “They didn’t want to risk losing me and I didn’t want to go anywhere, and I let them know that,” Peters said. “I want to retire here. I love this organization. I love Philly.”

I want to retire here.  I love this organization.  I love Philly.

In the game of football, it all starts with the offensive line.  The Philadelphia Eagles should send thank you cards to former head coach Andy Reid for trading for Jason Peters.   He’s pure Philly football.

Philadelphia Eagles Mid Season Grade:  This is a great deal for the Eagles.