Earlier this week I wrote a piece on the Browns potentially being interested in Eagles offensive lineman Andre Dillard.
Dillard was at the forefront of conversation surrounding trade packages with receiver Alshon Jeffery.
Now, that conversation has changed drastically.
The #Eagles are expected to let Jason Peters hit the free agent market, sources say. After 11 years with the team, the nine-time Pro Bowl selection could be headed elsewhere, though the parties will remain in contact.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 5, 2020
Reports emerged today that another Eagles tackle, Jason Peters, would not be returning to Philadelphia this offseason and would be testing the free agent waters.
With Dillard right behind him on the depth chart, Philly looks ready to move on from the veteran.
The team released a statement about Peters earlier today to bid him a proper farewell.
“We are appreciative of everything Jason has contributed to the organization over the last 11 seasons in Philadelphia, including building a first-ballot Hall of Fame career and helping us win our first Super Bowl championship. Jason has been an incredible leader and person both on and off the field. We will remain in communication as each side continues to evaluate its options in free agency.”
Peters built what could turn into a Hall of Fame career with the Eagles.
He spent 16 seasons with the organization after spending a few years in Buffalo.
It was not supposed to be this kind of career for Peters, though, as he went undrafted out of Arkansas.
Jason has received nine Pro Bowl selections, two All-Pro honors, as well as a Super Bowl title back in 2017-2018.
NFL Network's @MikeGarafolo reports that the Eagles will let LT Jason Peters hit the FA market
Over the past 3 seasons:
PFF grade: 82.6 (12th among OTs)
Regular season snaps: 2,163 (37th) pic.twitter.com/aSi1upyetW— PFF (@PFF) March 5, 2020
But, as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end.
That appears to be the case with Peters in Philadelphia.
But, the Pro Bowl tackle is not expected to retire.
That means he feels he has some years of good football left in him.
And if there was ever a team that needed a tackle on the roster, it’s the 2020 Cleveland Browns.
We’ve been through how mediocre the line was last season.
They weren’t the worst in the league, but there was obvious room for improvement.
Earlier this week, Albert Breer from The MMQB was on 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland and talked about how the Browns should add pieces to the line through veteran free agents and look for additional depth in the draft.
I tend to agree with that sentiment as just tossing out a bunch of rookies and young pieces into the offensive line probably won’t end well.
Instead, adding veterans who have been at the highest stage brings instant leadership and stability to the group.
Per overthecap.com, the Browns are currently looking at just under $62 million in cap space.
That number could go up even more if Olivier Vernon is cut from the roster before June 1st.
So, finding the money to bring Peters on board is far from an issue.
Plus, if there’s one area that the front office should have no problem spending money on, it’s the offensive line.
Peters is already 38 years old so this would not exactly be a long-term solution for Cleveland.
But that’s why you go out and add depth through the draft.
Get some young guys in the locker room with potential who can learn under Peters and other veterans in the trenches.
When Peters is ready to call it a career or just move on, Kevin Stefanski can just slide the younger guys in if he feels they are ready.
If they aren’t, you go right back to free agency.
Adding Peters to the roster should be a no-brainer.
Let’s see if Andrew Berry can land him.
NEXT: Sean Salisbury: Mayfield Is Tough Enough To Be Pushed By Backup QB