Wisniewski an upgrade for Eagles' offensive line

AFTER MONDAY'S signing of offensive lineman Stefen Wisniewski to a one-year contract, the Eagles can go into the draft unburdened - they don't necessarily have to come up with an immediate starter at any position.

That doesn't mean there aren't positions where a star-level rookie could dramatically improve the talent level and start ahead of a veteran. But as the offseason workout program began Monday, giving new coach Doug Pederson his first chance to gather his entire squad, there were no obvious, gaping holes, no positions where the Eagles couldn't say they had at least an average NFL starter.

Wisniewski, 27, should be an upgrade at left guard over 2015 starter Allen Barbre. Wisniewski is a former Penn State star whose father, Leo, also played for the Nittany Lions and was, like his son, a second-round NFL draft pick - Leo in 1982, by the Colts, Stefen in 2011 by the Raiders, the team for which his uncle Steve started 206 games and was named to eight Pro Bowls.

Stefen Wisniewski was converted to center after one year at left guard for the Raiders. He started all 16 games at center last season for Jacksonville, and has started all 77 games he has played in since entering the league, missing only three games in five years.

The Eagles signed ex-Texan Brandon Brooks to play right guard. They retain Jason Peters at left tackle, Jason Kelce at center and Lane Johnson at right tackle. Barbre and 2015 right guard starters Andrew Gardner and Matt Tobin also return, Tobin after signing his restricted free-agent tender Monday.

The Eagles, who haven't drafted an offensive lineman the past two years, are still expected to look to add talent there in the draft, which begins April 28.

Their free-agent haul this offseason is highlighted by safety Rodney McLeod, who signed a five-year, $35 million deal to start opposite Malcolm Jenkins. In addition to McLeod and the two guards, they also signed possible starters at corner (Leodis McKelvin), wide receiver (Rueben Randle, Chris Givens) and linebacker (Nigel Bradham). They also re-signed 2015 starting corner Nolan Carroll and pass rusher Vinny Curry, and brought in quarterback Chase Daniel as insurance against a Sam Bradford injury. Daniel, who worked with Pederson in Kansas City, is expected to help teach the new offense to Bradford, who also re-signed, and the rest of the team.

The Eagles waived ex-Saints receiver Seantavius Jones, signed in February, with a nonfootball injury.

@LesBowen

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