The Eagles seemed prepared to move forward with Matt Pryor in place of the injured Brandon Brooks, but that didn’t stop fans and some analysts from clamoring for the return of Jason Peters.
Peters had previously openly discussed playing guard if it would extend his career and with Brooks lost for the season due to a torn Achilles, the question had been asked about Peters possibly switching positions.
Now that question is a reality after the Eagles signed Peters to a one-year deal to replace Brooks at right guard while continuing the Birds dominance up front.
Peters was PFF’s sixth-highest graded tackle in 2019 (83.4) and the Eagles are hoping that such efficient play will transition with him as he kicks down inside.
Peters knows the offense, he knows the system and what offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland expects from his group. He can continue to mentor and help develop Andre Dillard without making the second-year pro feel nervous about his job status.
Former Eagles great and Pro Bowl left tackle Tra Thomas had previously weighed-in on Peters possible return and he wasn’t a believer.
“The skill isn’t the problem, it’s the wear and tear on the body,” Thomas explained. “If you are getting beat up out there playing defensive ends, you’re definitely going to get beat up playing offensive guard when you’re dealing with defensive tackles.”
“Everyone just thinks you can mix-and-match and just move around – it’s not that easy, to just move to different positions like that,” Thomas stressed. “Especially when you have been in a left-handed stance for so long, its takes a long-time to get that muscle memory to change.”
The future Hall of Famer was a tight end before moving to left tackle and has always been lauded for his extreme athleticism and nimble feet.
He’ll be covered by playing next to Lane Johnson, thus making the right side of the line dominant thanks to his familiarity with the All-Pro right tackle.
By bringing Peters back, the Eagles greatly improved their depth, add another swing-tackle to the lineup in case Dillard struggles or gets injured while ensuring that the 2019 first-round pick and Pryor continue to learn and develop under the best tutelage in the game.
