The next stop on our journey through the Eagles roster stops at the station of the best offensive line in football. Who stays, who goes? Let’s take a look.
Jason Kelce
Kelce is coming off of his most impressive season yet in the NFL. The 30-year old is in the prime of his career and demonstrated the kind of athleticism that even we though was impossible in run-blocking. Kelce has long been one of the most agile centers in the league, but his strengths became impenetrable during his second season with Carson Wentz.
The obvious answer here is that Kelce stays. The Eagles would be completely crazy to risk breaking up the band of the best offensive line in the NFL, although a contract restructure may well be on the cards.
Verdict: Stay
Stefen Wisniewski
After joining on a ‘prove-it’ contract one year ago, Wis earned his way to a new contract with the Eagles entering this season and did not disappoint. The versatile offensive lineman was valuable when injuries and a carousel at left guard left the position without a true heir to the throne. Wisniewski proved he is more than capable of holding it down. Signed through 2020, it would be incredibly surprising to see any movement here.
Verdict: Stay
Brandon Brooks
There may be no more underrated player on this offensive line than Brandon Brooks. After overcoming anxiety, Brooks played at an incredibly high level throughout the 2017 campaign. The tandem of Brooks and Johnson wreaked havoc and kept pass rushes silent all year long and with Brooks signed through 2021, again, movement is unlikely.
Verdict: Stay
Chance Warmack
A ‘prove-it’ contract for Jeff Stoutland’s former standout at Alabama, Warmack was serviceable at best but was never able to win out a starting role as originally hoped. Considering his age, it’s unlikely that the Eagles can afford to pay Warmack the money traditionally sought out by Super Bowl winners and the team may instead opt to invest in depth through the draft.
Verdict: Go
Isaac Seumalo
Now entering his third year, it’s clear Seumalo has taken a big leap since his rookie season. The versatile offensive lineman certainly played his part in the Eagles success this season, but is he ready to take on a starting role? Regardless of what the answer is, he may not have to. With Kelce and both interior guards signed for at least next two season’s Seumalo has time to refine his craft and grow into the shoes that will ultimately be left by the veterans.
Verdict: Stay
Lane Johnson
Lane may already be the best right tackle in franchise history and the best part is that his contract means he will be manning the bookend through 2022. This verdict is obvious.
Verdict: Stay
Jason Peters
Here lies the most interesting debate on the offensive front. What do the Eagles do with the bodyguard? Cutting Peters would save the Eagles over $5M in cap space at this current time and after a season ending injury forced Big V into the fray once again, the team have to wonder what’s best for the team moving forward. Peters proved that he was still one of the best tackles in the league prior to his injury and there’s no questioning that both he and the team will want to play and win a Super Bowl together. There are so many variables in this decision that it hurts my head just trying to think of an outcome. This could go either way.
Verdict: Pass
Halapoulivaati Vaitai
Big V took a HUGE jump from his rookie season where he had to fill in for a suspended Lane Johnson. The TCU product lined up on the opposite side of the offensive front and helped the Eagles push deep into the postseason and then eventually winning it all in the Super Bowl. Vaitai has become the perfect project lineman for the Eagles, he’s going nowhere.
Verdict: Stay
Will Beatty
The former Giants lineman was signed for depth purposes during the gritty end of the regular season but never played in a game. The Eagles will most likely part ways.
Verdict: Go
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
