Report: Eagles' Peters wants new deal if moved back to LT
Jason Peters was set to become the Philadelphia Eagles right guard this season, but his team might need him to return to left tackle. Peters apparently would be fine with that decision as long as his contract is re-worked.
Peters wants to be paid like a starting left tackle if the Eagles move him back to the role this year, sources told Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
The 38-year-old, who started 140 games at left tackle for the Eagles from 2009-19, signed a one-year, $3-million contract to return to Philadelphia this offseason.
Peters has been practicing at right guard and emerged as a replacement for Pro Bowl blocker Brandon Brooks, who is out long term due to a torn Achilles tendon.
Philadelphia was counting on 2019 first-round pick Andre Dillard to play at left tackle in 2020. However, Dillard is likely to miss the entire upcoming campaign with an injury, which leaves an important opening in the Eagles' offensive line.
Left tackle is the most valuable position contract-wise among offensive linemen. Houston Texans' Laremy Tunsil ($22 million), Indianapolis Colts' Anthony Castonzo ($16.5 million), and Tennessee Titans' Taylor Lewan ($16 million) are the highest-paid players at the position, according to Spotrac.
Washington Football Team's Brandon Scherff will make $15 million under the franchise tag in 2020, leading all guards.
Overall, left tackles have an average salary of $3.76 million, while guards earn $2.2 million per season, per Spotrac.
Head coach Doug Pederson said the Eagles are evaluating all their options at tackle.
"Jason Peters is obviously in the conversation," Pederson said Saturday. "We do have some young players, Jordan Mailata, Matt Pryor. Jack Driscoll, who's a (fourth-round) rookie, obviously, but has been playing some tackle for us."
The three players mentioned by Pederson have yet to play an official snap at offensive tackle in the NFL.
Peters has been one of football's premier blockers since Philadelphia acquired him via trade with the Buffalo Bills in 2009. He's been named to nine Pro Bowls and earned two first-team All-Pro nods in his 16-year career.
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