New Eagle Wisniewski will be free agent again soon

Stefen Wisniewski entered free agency expecting to find a long-term deal. When the market wasn't what he hoped, Wisniewski instead looked for a one-year deal that would give him the best opportunity to play. That's why he's now an Eagle.

Wisniewski, 27, has been a starter in all five of his NFL seasons. He began as a left guard before playing center the last four years. The Eagles could have a starting spot available at left guard.

"I've always been a starter," Wisniewski said. "I certainly don't intend to be a backup at this point."

Wisniewski added that it "certainly seems like there's an opening" at guard. He would need to compete with Allen Barbre, Andrew Gardner, Matt Tobin, Malcolm Bunche, and whatever rookies the Eagles add at the position. Wisniewski, who is 6-foot-3 and 305 pounds, also brings value as a backup center to Jason Kelce. He added that he would even play tackle if needed. He does not know the Eagles' intentions, but he sounds intent on getting familiar again with the guard position.

"Today, if I had to play a game, I'd certainly be more comfortable at center because that's what I played the last couple of years," Wisniewski said. "I'm going to work pretty hard at guard here the next couple of months to make sure I'm as comfortable there as I am at center."

The transition might take a few months, but Wisniewski said it's simply "a matter of reps," and he can do those "on air" during the offseason program when offense-vs.-defense drills are not allowed. The Eagles have a minicamp later this month and organized team activities and a minicamp in May and June.

Wisniewski identified the opportunity, the talent on the roster, and the chance of winning the NFC East as factors in signing with the Eagles. He knows the reputations of some of their top offensive linemen, including past Pro Bowlers Jason Peters and Kelce. Lane Johnson and Brandon Brooks are also entrenched as starters.

A Pittsburgh native who went to Penn State, Wisniewski understands the passion for sports in the Philadelphia area. He remembered the Pittsburgh- vs.-Philadelphia debates during his time in State College, and he knows the way the fans will rally around a winner.

If he plays well for the Eagles, Wisniewski could draw a bigger market next offseason. He thought he played well in Jacksonville last season but said the Jaguars were "lowballing" him in negotiations. He had about half as many teams interested as he had a year ago. One of them was the Steelers, his hometown team. Wisniewski preferred the opportunity across the state.

Wisniewski understands the business. He grew up around the NFL: His father, Leo, played defensive line for the Indianapolis Colts, and his uncle, Steve, was a Pro Bowl offensive lineman for the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders. But he was nonetheless displeased with the way his free agency transpired.

"It's been tough," Wisniewski said. "I certainly was hoping to sign a long-term deal for some good money and I thought I played well enough for that - a lot of people did - but it didn't work out."

The long-term contract offers were not what he desired, so he thought a one-year deal and a chance for free agency again at age 28 was the best route. Now that he's with the Eagles with an opportunity to start, Wisniewski isn't worried about the last month.

"Not at all," Wisniewski said. "I'm over it already."

zberman@phillynews.com

@ZBerm