Philadelphia Eagles: Howie Roseman speaks on Jason Peters controversy

So, what does the G.M. have to say about the Philadelphia Eagles legend?

Welcome to the dawn of a new season of Philadelphia Eagles football. Some of the circumstances are different (the lack of preseason games and things of that nature), but there are other things that are very familiar. The first 53-man roster of the 2020 season has been introduced, and as you might imagine, there are issues with its construction.

There are three running backs, Corey Clement being of the largest physical stature (he’s also the least durable). Might another be added?

There are also reasons to celebrate. Several guys made the team that many of us counted out. They should be congratulated on making the team, but again, many of us doubted them (Rudy Ford, Alex Singleton, and Craig James). There are nine rookies. You can’t call this team old anymore!

Perhaps the most puzzling takeaways concern two veterans. Alshon Jeffery is on the roster, not on the PUP (physically unable to perform list) as we thought he might be, and Jason Peters, the best left tackle that the team has available, is still listed on the roster as a right guard. Buckle up guys and gals. We have much to discuss.

Philadelphia Eagles fans may not find much here that’s surprising.

Jason Peters, in the blink of an eye, has gone from being a conquering hero to one of the most ridiculed Eagles on the roster. While, head coach and the team’s vice president and general manager, Howie Roseman, won’t comment on whether or not ‘The Bodyguard’ asked for more money to play left tackle (which probably means that he did), no one would discredit anyone who presents the following argument.

Jason Peters and his agent had to know that, when he was reacquired, the Eagles were doing so, yes, to satisfy a void at right guard but also with the mindset that. if anything happened to Andre Dillard, they had some insurance. When the two sides were in negotiations, that was the time to ask for the money they felt was fair. If Peters is, indeed, being difficult now, he’s undermining Pederson and putting himself above the team. Period. Do you think Matt Pryor or Jordan Mailata would be allowed to say what they would and wouldn’t do?

On Saturday, right after the Eagles’ initial 53-man roster was introduced, Roseman sat with several members of the media. Here’s some of what he had to say.

"You know, in terms of Jason Peters, the guy has been here 11 years, right? We made the trade in 2009, so 11 years. I don’t know that I’ve ever met anyone who cares more about the team, bleeds green, cares about protecting players on and off the field, doing whatever it takes… So, like this whole conversation about Jason that I guess is out there that like he doesn’t want to do this or he doesn’t want to do that or there’s stubbornness on one side or another; the relationship with us and him has been special. The thing that you see when you see Jason Peters is that he can really do anything, so obviously, he has played left tackle at a high level, at a Hall of Fame level and then you watch him play right guard. He’s doing an amazing job there and we’re used to having a Pro Bowl quality player at that spot, too."

That may not satisfy most of you, but honestly, what did you expect him to say? The guy is selfish? Philly’s brass created this monster a long time ago, and now, clearly, they’re having a hard time keeping it fed. Here’s more from Howie.

"I think for us, we know that we have to look at all these options and figure out what’s in the best interest of the team and that’s what we’re doing right now. We’re looking at all those options. I know Jason was here this morning on an off day and he’s excited and we’re excited, so I don’t think there’s a dynamic there that’s at play at all."

Call it a crazy theory, but it would seem that what would be in the best interest of the team is having your best left tackle play the left tackle position. The Eagles may not be in a position to cut Peters under the current circumstances, but if they can bring in someone like Cordy Glenn, they may need to send a message. The young guys need to see that this isn’t acceptable.