The Eagles continue to stay busy during this offseason. With training camp officially underway, it looks like the Birds are adding some more depth to their offensive line. With the injury of Tyler Steen hovering over them and the unpredictability of it, the Eagles have been using Mekhi Becton at right guard which shows why being over prepared pays off. That and the fact that Howie Roseman does not sleep and is fully committed to raising another Lombardi trophy in Philadelphia.
With that being said, the Birds are reportedly signing a depth piece in offensive lineman, Nick Gates, who has primarily played the center position throughout his career. Gates played the second most snaps of his career last season with the Washington Commanders where he finished with a run block grade of 70.9. According to PFF, his pass block grade was 61.4 for the 2023 season.
Gates allowed 5 sacks and 6 QB hits while with the Commanders in 2023. He also allowed 21 pressures over 641 snaps. As I mentioned before, Gates has primarily played the center position for both the Commanders and the Giants throughout his five years in the NFL.
With the battle at right guard starting to simmer and the offensive line showing, I would expect the Eagles to use Gates as mostly a camp piece until they have to start cuts. Though the timing of this signing is questionable, one would assume that this should have zero correlation with any other move on the offensive line.
To offset the roster move the Eagles have released CB Mario Goodrich to make room for Nick Gates. It would be interesting to see what Stoutland has up his sleeve for a veteran like Gates and how it fits the Eagles’ future plans.
How do you feel about this Eagles signing?
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