Jason Peters isn’t the only huge Philadelphia Eagles player set to have suitors on the open market as the team’s backup right tackle is set to become a rich man.
Halapoulivaati Vaitai has earned a nice reputation around the NFL after showing his versatility while playing several spots on the Eagles offensive line.
That versatility and patience is set to pay off for Vaitai in a huge way, as the free agent right tackle is expected to cash out on the open market per Mike Garafalo.
The former fifth-round pick of the Eagles in 2016, Vaitai has seen action in 55 games with 20 starts sprinkled throughout each of his first four years.
This past season, Vaitai logged 41 percent of the offensive snaps at different positions along the offensive line.
With Vaitai likely to move on from the Eagles, here are four possible landing spots in free agency:
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1. New York Jets
Jets general manager Joe Douglas is familiar with Vaitai and has the same scenario in New York as his franchise quarterback needs to be protected. With Kelvin Beachum set to test free agency in March, Vaitai could transition to the left or right tackle for the Jets.
2. New York Giants
The Eagles division rival is already rumored to be enamored with choosing an offensive lineman at No. 4 and Vaitai could be an option in free agency as well, with head coach Joe Judge looking to protect Daniel Jones.
3. Arizona Cardinals
Kyler Murray is the real deal and if the Cardinals want to finally move out of the NFC West cellar, then their signal-caller will need to be protected. Vaitai would fit well at right tackle and would have no problem adjusting to Murray’s free-wheeling style of play.
4. Green Bay Packers
The Packers have an upcoming decision on the future of veteran right tackle Bryan Bulaga, who is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent and Vaitai could become a much younger and cheaper option at the position.
