Eagles tackle transformation
ESPN says a deal for Jason Peters is essentially done.
Eagles tackle transformation
Rich Hofmann, Daily News Sports Columnist
Breaking news, apparently: ESPN is reporting -- and Paul Domowitch has confirmed -- that the Eagles essentially have completed a deal to bring Pro Bowl tackle Jason Peters to Philadelphia.
They describe it as an "agreement in principle." The Eagles would give up the 28th pick in the first round, plus a fourth-rounder and an undisclosed pick in 2010.
The report is that Peters is on the way to Philadelphia, and that there is talk he would need to pass a physical and maybe work out a contract extension.
This is enormous. That is likely takes the Eagles out of the Anquan Boldin sweepstakes will be an interesting side note -- they really do have better things to do with the 21st pick. But it would signal again what we knew all along: that this team builds from the lines out, and that it felt it needed a complete overhaul at offensive tackle, and this will have accomplished it. Peters on the left and Stacy Andrews on the right has a chance to be a giant improvement.
They will have accomplished a generational shift along their line in the blink of an eye. There is nothing worse than having to watch a kid left tackle struggle through the growing pains -- and the Eagles have avoided that. There is nothing more worrisome than watching a team plug one hole by weakening itself at two spots -- and the Eagles have just avoided that, too, because now there is no reason to shift right guard Shawn Andrews over to left tackle.
There is no way to hide a problem at left tackle. There is no way in the NFL to paper over troubles in that particular position. It is why so few good veteran left tackles shake loose. That Peters did -- because of his adamant insistence on a new contract from the Bills, following a long and loud holdout last summer -- is the Eagles' good fortune.
Anybody who says they don't like this does not watch the sport.
FOR SALE - Winston Justice Jersey #74 $39.99. Owned in one game, burned 6 times.— vegasflyer- Trade mcNabb for 2 first roud picks, trade for Boldin,draft pettigew for TE, and grab a running back.— dutchman
- Is there a team with a better offensive line than the Eagles? If I were a running back or receiver, I'd be praying that I'd end up an Eagle. They don't need Boldin. They NEED a running back. They are dead if Westbrook goes down without bringing someone in.— MikeP
- We still need that impact WR. Westbrook has a few good years - and a lot of good RB's come late in the draft. With that new O line I could probably run for 1000. D Mac still needs a guy he can depand on a a guy that makes defnces play the pass honest......we do not have that guy but Boldin is him!— jakster
- dutchman, you are indeed the village idiot. Trade McNabb? and who plays the position? Bozo? Oh yea, that would be you !!!— Philbert
- Rich, I know the sport pretty well, a hell of a lot better than you if you think this is genius. This move does not bring a championship closer for them. When was the last time the Eagles successfully traded for a lineman who panned out...I see the ghost of RON SOLT appearing soon. Remember him and how highly touted he was and how much we gave up to get him? Did that take the Birds to a championship? The Eagles have a plethora of offensive lineman on their current roster and how many quality WR's and other skill players on offense. This speaks to Reid's inability to draft if none of the dozens of guys he's brought in on the O-Line can't fit the bill. Does a worn-down Westbrook, Curtis, Jackson and Celek strike fear into the hearts of defensive coordinators in November and December? No! PLEASE WAKE UP! The other "maddening" part of this is that they are going to have to redo Peters contract and unload a ton of money on this guy. Money that could, once again, be used to improve other need positions on the team. You are going to make him one of the highest-paid lineman in the league and use him to pass block 70%-80% of the time? Wow, way to manage your salary cap. If this meant a MORE DEDICATED APPROACH TO RUNNING THE FOOTBALL, I could see that but we all know the likelihood of that is about as good as Reid giving a substantial answer during a press conference.— Gburgrunr
- At the same time this helps the Eagles, it makes the current Bills offense worse. Poor TO. How is he going to get a big contract again?— mikemaddog
- Great move. Now get a stud center and the O- Line will be one of the best in the league. With our 4 5th rounders, we can get back into the 4th round. Go rb, te, wr in rounds 2-4 and then get some depth on 'D' in the 5th-7th rounds.— christopherkmaddaloni
- I would trade every draft pick possible since this franchise swings-and-misses so much---and then continues to avoid accepting the mistakes while spending years on how great "freddie mitchell" is...— kort99
- Alright now lets get ready to start trading the late round picks for higher ones. GO Birds!!— redden24
Gburgrunr, LT is the one position you can't trust to a rookie or unproven commodity. Now after listening to people complain the Eagles are cheap you are complaining they shouldn't pay for an All-PRO LT? Are the Eagles broke now? Not even close. They have enough $$ and enough picks to do whatever they want. The skill positions are still coming. Relax. And why compare this trade to any other trade? Who cares about Ron Solt. Take this one at face value. It's a good move.— tpizza- moreno and a tight end and a safety.....and we will look good.....hard to believe they did this.,....what is the pick we gave up next year...— nuggett
Comment removed.- Ron Solt?? What about Jon Runyan. Gburgrunr, you must be kidding.— pigsofsunday
A signed, sealed, and delivered 27 Year Old Pro Bowl Tackle on the Left Side! - Even the most negative Birds Fan (you know who you are) out there can't be angry. And the price for him doesn't leave the team without full ammunition to still have a great draft.
