Jason Peters’ future with the Eagles will depend on the 2019 NFL Draft
The Philadelphia Eagles don’t sound that confident in bringing Jason Peters back. Well, that’s what the 2019 NFL Draft is for!
Another offseason filled with doubt in our heads regarding longtime Philadelphia Eagles left tackle, Jason Peters. It wasn’t until last season when many of us were scratching our heads at the fact that Peters wouldn’t hang up his cleats. Halfway through the 2017 NFL season, Peters ended up tearing his ACL, and his season ended as he was carted off the field on Monday Night Football.
As many believed there was a possibility that Jason Peters would retire, the veteran left tackle doubled-down on his ability to play. Not only did he say he was making a return in 2018, but he made it clear that he would play anywhere if the Eagles didn’t want to have him. Sure enough, the Birds kept their highly-paid veteran on board and Peters fought through the 2018 season.
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Was Peters great last year? Not really. By Week One, he was already dealing with an injury that took him off the field and into the locker room. He ended up playing the entire season, but Peters was fighting through injuries all year long. He’s a warrior, no doubt. But as he turned 37 this past January, Peters’ is ready to play out his final year on his contract, which contains a $13 million cap hit for the Eagles. And if you think for a second that ‘The Bodyguard’ is taking a pay cut, you’re out of your mind. So, that leaves us with this question; Should the Eagles keep Peters?
It all depends on the draft
Behind Peters on the depth chart is Halapoulivaati Vaitai and Jordan Mailata. Although we know that long-term Vaitai probably isn’t the answer, there’s plenty of high hopes for Mailata in Philly. Unfortunately, he’s so new to the game, that it’s hard to throw him into the fire as the Eagles are clearly playoff contenders when healthy. All contract numbers aside, Peters is surely the Eagles best bet at left tackle. But they need more cap space to fill in needs elsewhere.
That’s why this NFL Draft coming up is so critical. With plenty of offensive, and defensive linemen available, the Eagles should be looking to take one or two big men within the first two rounds as they contain three picks. If they can get an offensive tackle early on, the Eagles could feel a lot more comfortable releasing Peters. With a move like that, they would free up over $10 million.
At this point, the Eagles must be looking for not only a cheap replacement, but they should be eyeing up somebody for the future as well. Although it’s hard to let a Philly legend go, this might be the season the Eagles need to do it.
Next. Eagles re-sign veteran defensive end, Brandon Graham. dark
At this point, coughing up big bucks for Peters to risk losing more time due to injuries may hurt the Eagles more than it helps them. If Roseman’s comments the other day were any indication, it would probably be logical to think that they are certainly eyeing up a few linemen in this draft in order to feel comfortable with releasing Peters. And with the Eagles retaining another long-term veteran in Brandon Graham, they will be surely making some moves to free up more space.