Jason Peters has been the forefront in a game of musical chairs this season. He has landed himself back at left tackle in preparation for today’s season opener against Washington.
Since 2009, Peters has played for the Philadelphia Eagles and has brought power and strength to the offense, earning his “Bodyguard” nickname.
As a left tackle for the Birds, he has seen the Pro Bowl seven times (nine times overall), made the All-Decade Team in 2010, and is a Super Bowl champion.
A TURN OF EVENTS
In July 2020, Peters re-signed a one-year contract with Philadelphia, however, this time as right tackle. The move was made after Brandon Brooks tore his left ACL ending his 2020-21 season before he even had a chance to see the field.
Peter’s one-year deal was for $3 million with a chance to make up to $6 million in incentives. With Peters covering the right-side, 2019 first-round pick, Andre Dillard was to adopt the left.
Despite a minor lower-body injury, training camp seemed to run smoothly for Peters.
With the cancellation of preseason games, he would make his appearance as right guard during the Eagles’ first game against the Washington Football Team.
COMING FULL CIRCLE
However, before that could happen, Andre Dillard suffered a biceps injury ending his season, leaving the left tackle position vacant.
It was expected that Peters would immediately resume his former position; however, he wanted a pay raise before making the move and remained at right guard for the remainder of training camp.
Matt Pryor filled the left tackle position but didn’t appear ready to fulfill that role.
Last week, head coach Doug Pederson announced that Peters agreed to return to Carson Wentz’s blindside without a pay raise.
“Jason Peters came into my office [this morning], and he has decided to slide over to left tackle. This is the unselfishness; this is who he is. He sacrifices not only his body but for the football team.” Pederson continued, “I mean, I couldn’t have been happier, not only for him but I think for our team. It just shows a sign of great leadership by him, and I gave him a hug and said, let’s go.”
The right side was a valuable experience for Peters, but the now 38-year-old remains the best option as Wentz’s protection.
Wentz was also in agreement, stating, “I’m excited for him and for this team. I’ve had J.P. blocking my blindside pretty much every year…He’s been the guy out there and done a great job. We call him The Bodyguard for a reason.”
ASK, AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE
Days after Peters’ good-faith move, the Eagles rewarded him by reconstructing his contract. The new deal is now worth up to $8 million, with $4 million guaranteed and will immediately replace his previous contract. He will also receive a signing bonus of $2 million.
This, in part, is due to the help of offensive tackle, Lane Johnson. Johnson agreed to allow the Eagles to reconstruct his contract to give Peters a raise.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Eagles created $5 million in cap space by converting some of Johnson’s base salary into a signing bonus.
We're all in this together! 💪 #flyeaglesfly https://t.co/xsjzcEE8nx
— Lane Johnson (@LaneJohnson65) September 10, 2020
Johnson now gets some extra cash, and Peters gets the raise he wanted, creating a stronger offensive line in the making — a win-win-win for the Philadelphia Eagles.
A similar move was completed two years ago when Brandon Brooks reconstructed his contract to allow a pay raise for former-quarterback Nick Foles.
This all bringing true meaning to “The City of Brotherly Love.” Not to mention that happier players will inherently perform better.
With Peters’ return to his original position, Pederson stated either Matt Pryor, Nate Herbig, or Jack Driscoll will take over at right guard.
