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Report: Philadelphia Eagles Sign John Moffitt To 1-Year Deal

By Anthony DiBona

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According to a report by Ross Jones of FOXSports.com, the Philadelphia Eagles will sign recently unretired guard John Moffitt to a one-year deal. Moffitt retired on November 5, 2013 after reportedly being unhappy and did not want to risk his health for money. But now the 28-year old has returned to the NFL and should battle for a roster spot in the City of Brotherly Love.

It’s worth noting that Moffitt drew interest from several teams, including the team that drafted him 75th overall in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks. But given the Eagles current need for depth along their offensive line, him choosing to sign in Philadelphia makes sense for both parties. Right now there is an open competition at right guard with Matt Tobin leading the race but that could change with Moffitt in town.

Moffitt has 13 career starts at right guard but has failed to impress during any of them. He graded out poorly according to Pro Football Focus, allowing 3 quarterback sacks, 6 quarterback hits and 17 quarterback hurries in that span. But given his experience, size and athleticism, Moffitt brings welcome competition to the Eagles roster at guard.

Here is a look at Moffitt’s measurables, according to Mockdraftable.com:

While his 40-yard dash is awful, his 20-yard shuttle time and vertical jump are both very impressive. In fact his 20-yard shuttle time was just 0.01 of a second slower than Eagles starting right tackle Lane Johnson‘s time in the drill, and he’s considered one of the freakiest athletes among offensive linemen in the NFL.

Ironically, Moffitt has spent time training at Jay Glazer’s gym, Unbreakable, during his road to returning to the NFL. Johnson spent time training there this offseason as well. Glazer actually tweeted about Moffitt’s experience at this gym and the impact he made on everyone else training there as well:

"I have never been so proud of a guy I’ve trained than I am of John Moffitt. Retired two years ago bc he knew he had drug issues, took time to go to rehab, clean up his life, beat his demons and he has taken his life back! Guy inspires us every day. He came to me 3 months ago @unbreakable to train to take his career back. He’s become the favorite of every player in our gym. He officially un-retired today. Free agent starting guard. So proud of him to get here."

It’s a bit weird to think that head coach Chip Kelly is taking a chance on a player that has had such serious issues off the field though. Moffitt has had several run-ins with police off the field and has battled drug addiction as well. But inside linebacker Kiko Alonso battled the same issues off the field and Kelly stuck with him as well.

Kelly clearly understands the Eagles need help along their offensive line and this may be a bit of a risky move but one that he understands is worth taking. If Moffitt has really cleaned up his act off the field and is dedicated, this could be a move that pays dividends for Kelly and the Eagles.

Next: Creating An Eagles Starting 5 In Honor Of The NBA Draft

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