The Eagles have finally made the move that many expected to come all offseason.
Some thoughts on the decision:
** This was the correct decision by the Eagles. Heading into the 2020 season with Andre Dillard and Matt Pryor in the starting lineup is a risk, considering neither have proven they can start and play at a high level for 16 games. Peters is an elite-level backup at left tackle, and assuming he can make the transition to right guard, provides quality level play at that position as well.
** Peters will, according to multiple reports, be getting a one-year, $3 million deal with the chance for it to go up to $6 million. That is a bargain for the Eagles if Peters is able to make the transition to right guard, or if he has to step in at left tackle for Dillard. Althouh the exact cap hit for the 2020 season is not yet known, the move brings the Eagles down to around $21 million in available cap space.
** The timing of this is key in decoding what it means about Andre Dillard. Yes, Peters is back to play right guard, but there is no denying that Peters coming back puts a massive shadow over Dillard heading into the season. Had the Eagles signed Peters back in March, it would have been fair to question how committed to Dillard they were. Now, with the price tag to sign Peters likely much lower and him coming back at guard, the Eagles get the best of both worlds — they get Peters in the locker room without making it an obvious shot at Dillard, and they get him as a backup plan if Dillard struggles.
** This will be an incredibly popular decision by the Eagles in the locker room. Peters was arguably the most popular player on the team last year, and considering how crazy this season could be, having his leadership back is a plus.
** Yes, this goes against the Eagles plan this offseason to get younger. But it doesn’t mean they have abandoned that plan. The Eagles needed a quality, veteran offensive linemen. That is just a reality after Brandon Brooks went down and Dillard was named the straight left tackle. Peters is on the older side for sure, but he is the best veteran offensive linemen on the market. The Eagles offensive line is better today than it was before Peters signed.