Taking a deeper look at Jason Peters’ extension with the Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles signed left tackle Jason Peters’ to a contract extension on June 14th which will keep him with the team through 2019.
The contract extension given to Jason Peters by the Philadelphia Eagles was seen as a bit of a surprise considering he’s 35 years old. The following is, in no way, a knock on Peters’ ability. It just isn’t very often that you see NFL teams offer extensions to players with large cap hits who only have a few years left in their career. Peters, as we know, is different. He did rank as one of the best offensive tackles in the league a season ago. When you really examine things closely, there’s more to this deal. It’s more about maintaining continuity on an offense that has seen some significant changes over the past few months.
The more things change, the more they stay the same
The additions to wide receiver and running back have already been talked about at length. What has been discussed as often is the team’s foundation. Carson Wentz is obviously a massive part of the picture, but you need more than just a rookie quarterback to build upon. Look at the Los Angeles Rams for example.
Their quarterback, Jared Goff, was selected ahead of Wentz and has not played up to the level you would expect from a first-round draft choice. The Rams have no consistency offensively which never allows any rhythm to be created. For the Eagles, they saw the opportunity to secure a key piece of their offensive line.
Locking Peters up for the next three years gives the team that solid base they were hoping for. There might be a few changes here and there, but having a known commodity at an important position is huge. Left tackle is arguably the most important offensive position after quarterback. In order to keep your quarterback healthy, you must have a player that you can trust. Wentz and the Eagles trust Peters will continue to get the job done.
Philadelphia will be breaking in new running backs (LeGarrette Blount, Donnel Pumphrey) and four new receivers (Alshon Jeffery, Torrey Smith, Shelton Gibson, Mack Hollins) during the 2016 season. Knowing that your offensive line is going to perform day in and day out takes a lot off of a coach’s mind.
Looking toward the future
The Eagles could very realistically have another major shake up next offseason. Alshon Jeffery could have a disappointing season and decide he wants to go somewhere else once the season ends. Torrey Smith might not play up to his potential, and the team could move on from Blount. These are all worst-case scenarios, but all are a possibility. If any of that happens, Wentzand the offensive line will be the main areas of consistency.
Philadelphia Eagles
Any new running back will be able to play behind an already established line. Wentz will only have to worry about the chemistry he needs to develop with any new weapons that are brought in. Peters will also have time to mentor the young tackles on the roster such as Halapoulivaati Vaitai and Dillon Gordon.
When these younger players are ready to step in, the Eagles will hopefully be contending for a deep playoff run. Peters’ ability, combined with his veteran leadership, is invaluable at this point. He is one of the most respected players in the locker room and is a steadying force during rough times.
The Eagles were right to make this deal.
Jason Peters will retire and eventually enter the NFL Hall of Fame as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles thanks to this deal. There aren’t many players that can compete at the level he does, regardless of age. Combine that with his locker room presence, and you have someone you can’t put a price tag on. Peters’ leadership will help guide a young Eagles team into a new era. Peters said that he wants to win a Super Bowl with the Eagles. Hopefully that will be a possibility come 2019.