On Tuesday night, the Eagles secured some of the most important depth.
The team agreed to a new deal with veteran OT Fred Johnson.
The assumption here is that Fred must not have gotten offers of big money or reasonable shots as competing for a starting role. He did admittedly struggle at times last season, but he was still very valuable to the team.
That’s lead him back to the Birds.
Johnson got a shot last year to compete for a larger role, but was traded back to the Eagles instead.
He’s been the top backup tackle option at LT and RT for the past two years, at least.
Johnson was on his way out of the league when the Eagles picked him up and Jeff Stoutland revived his career.
Stoutland may no longer be on staff, but he’s still expected around the team.
For Fred, he gets to stay in a familiar spot with a locker room and team he knows well and respects/values his abilty.
Philadelphia is the place he’s played the most games and this contract would put him in a position to spend more time with the Eagles than any other team during his pro career.
The Eagles may have some other depth and potentially future starter moves to make at OL, but Big Fred’s return is big news as the team has essentially secured their sixth lineman and should feel more comfortable heading into the draft.
