Last Wednesday, Eagles’ offensive superstar Brandon Brooks announced his retirement. After ten seasons in the NFL, the 32-year-old stated that it was time to listen to his body and hang up his midnight green jersey after three consecutive injuries.
Since joining Philadelphia in 2016, Brooks had 2,805 pass-blocking snaps and allowed only four sacks. As a three-time Pro Bowler and a Super Bowl champion, a considerable gap remains on the right side. The question now is, who will be his replacement?
POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS FOR BRANDON BROOKS AT RIGHT GUARD
Isaac Seumalo
Seumalo has followed a similar path to Brooks. He joined the Eagles in 2016 and has worked his way back after some injuries. Despite playing in three games this season, he logged 168 offensive snaps and zero sacks, with a 74.8 overall grade. He missed the remainder of the season due to a Lisfranc injury, but has another year left on his contract.
Though Seumalo plays on the left, moving him to the right would ensure the Mailata-Dickerson combination remains intact.
Sua Opeta
Opeta hasn’t gotten much playing time, only filling in for injuries, but he fits the mold for the Eagles’ strong offensive line presence. He’s played on both sides, giving him familiarity with the position, and has progressed since joining the team.
Nate Herbig
Herbig went undrafted in 2019, but the Eagles signed him, placing him on the active roster his rookie year. He made his first career start in 2020 and saw more playing time after injuries struck the offensive line. Over the last two seasons, he’s started in 17 games and has shown potential.
This season he played 481 offensive snaps, allowing one sack. He’s already familiar with the right side and could be a good support option for Lane Johnson.
Kenyon Green
The rookie out of the bunch would be Kenyon Green. The offensive lineman is from Texas A&M and could be a selection for the Eagles in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
At 6-feet, 4-inches, and 325 pounds, he can move well and would be a solid addition to help with the run game that Philadelphia has excelled in this past season. He would provide youth and certainly fit the Eagles’ “rebuild” criteria.