When I saw the news that the Eagles traded for two-time Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters I thought it was an old April Fool’s joke. Fortunately it’s not, and the Birds now have the key piece to their new and improved offensive line.
Philly gave up one of their first round picks (#28 that they acquired from the Panthers on draft day last year), a fourth rounder, and a late conditional 2010 pick to Buffalo in exchange for Peters, which really is a steal considering many had speculated that the price for the talented young tackle might be a first and a third. An added bonus to the deal is that the Eagles got to keep their higher first rounder (#21).
Peters played in just 13 games last season, but is widely regarded as one of the better left tackles in football. He’s also 27 years old and just entering his prime. Supposedly the Eagles want to work out a contract extension with Peters before they announce the deal, and he will probably become one of the highest paid offensive linemen in football.
With this need taken care of the Eagles can now turn their attention in the Draft to other areas, including wide receiver and runningback. The front office has insisted they don’t need to take a back in the first round, which also leaves open the possibility that they could take a serious look at tight end Brandon Pettigrew is he drops to #21.
Regardless, the Eagles offensive line as of today looks head and shoulders better than last season. Having a rock in Peters at left tackle, either Todd Herremans, Max Jean Gilles, Nick Cole, or another option (maybe a drafted player?) at left guard, Jamaal Jackson at center, and Shawn and Stacy Andrews locking down the right side looks to be one of the best lines in football. There are still question marks (namely the health of the two Andrews brothers) but all in all Eagles fans have to love what this trade does for the line.
The only downside is this means the Eagles most likely won’t be going after Anquan Boldin or Braylon Edwards, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they drafted a receiver at some point in the first three rounds.
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