Eagles left tackle Jason Peters is set to become a free agent on March 16th and it seems at least one team is already interested in signing him.
The Browns are casting a wide net in their search for an heir apparent to Joe Thomas, and they'll explore two big fish that landed in the net Thursday in Redskins seven-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams and Eagles nine-time Pro Bowler Jason Peters.
The Browns having interest in Peters makes plenty of sense, as they both need help at tackle and are trying to win right now. Whether Peters would have interest in joining a team as dysfunctional as the Browns remains to be seen, but he might not have a choice if other teams don't show interest and the Eagles do indeed move on to Andre Dillard.
Although they have plenty of needs elsewhere, the Eagles tackle situation is going to be an interesting one to watch over the next week. Both Jason Peters and Halapoulivaati Vaitai, the team's top two left tackles over the last few seasons, are set to become free agents. It is likely both leave, with both being given a chance to start elsewhere. There is a strong argument to be made, however, that the Eagles would be wise bringing at least one back, given the importance of the left tackle position and the uncertainty surrounding Dillard, who has never been a full-time starter in the NFL.
Bringing either player back won't be cheap. Peters will likely command a deal worth over $8-9 million per season, and Vaitai could get even more, considering he is younger and can play three positions along the offensive line. The Eagles have plenty of cap space to bring either back, but with so many holes to address elsewhere, it is unlikely they pay what it takes to bring back Vaitai. Peters could be back if he doesn't find a deal he likes elsewhere, but if he is indeed offered starting jobs elsewhere -- like Cleveland -- he is basically good-as-gone as well.
Free agency begins on March 16th with the legal tampering period. The new league year begins on March 18th.
You can follow Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
