NOW that LT Jason Peters and C Jason Kelce have re-signed; and since RT Lane Johnson is still on his rookie deal, the job of upgrading the Guards can begin.
While Todd Herremans and Evan Mathis have been solid contributors over the last few years, the facts are; they are both north of 30, and both have contracts that suggest that they would be an excellent source of cap relief.
Mathis:
Herremans:
(Both images courtesy of EaglesCap.com)
Some fans are banking on the idea of OT Michael Bamiro sliding inside and being a factor there. If it happens, great. I wasn’t high on the guy when he was drafted, and he didn’t show much in the pre-season. Maybe a year off where he could focus on study and conditioning, will see him come back a vastly improved athlete. However since that is rarely ever the case, I won’t hold my breath. I suggest you don’t either.
I actually think that Guard is a position that needs to be targeted in the Draft. I’ve said this for a few years now. If I keep saying it, at some point it has to happen, and no, Danny Watkins doesn’t count. Show of hands: Who was happy when we drafted a retired, Canadian, firefighter?
Me either. I want a real prospect. Get a mauler for the run game. Get a guy who can move a DT off the line and who causes ILB’s to envision a train bearing down on them. Get a Guard, not a converted Tackle.