3 Moves Eagles Need to Make After Jason Kelce's Retirement

Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro and future Hall of Fame center Jason Kelce called it a career as he officially announced his retirement in front of his friends and family. 

Kelce solidified himself as one of the best offensive linemen in NFL history and among the best players in Eagles history. It will be challenging for the Eagles to replace Kelce this offseason, as he was the best to do it at his position for 12 years.

With free agency and the 2024 NFL Draft on the horizon, Philadelphia’s front office brass and head coach Nick Sirianni will explore multiple ways to fill the void left by Kelce. Whatever move the Eagles make it won’t be a perfect fit, as it’s tough to replace what Kelce did for the team and the city.

Below, we’ll discuss three potential moves the Eagles should make on the offensive line, with Kelce officially hanging up his cleats.

1. Eagles Move Cam Jurgens to Center

With Kelce officially retiring, Philadelphia will likely look in-house to find their next center for the next 5-10 years. 

The good news for the Eagles is that they already have their replacement in Cam Jurgens, who was drafted in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft from Nebraska.

When Philadelphia drafted Jurgens a few years ago, the former Cornhuskers center received the seal of approval from Kelce.

The Eagles didn’t want any time getting Jurgens into the mix as he became the full-time right guard this past season in only his second year in the NFL. Philly can move Jurgens back to his natural position, where he started 31 games over his collegiate career.

The 6-foot-3 offensive lineman is the perfect replacement for Kelce, as he’s learned under Jeff Stoutland for multiple years. It would also allow the Eagles to sign a right guard in free agency or have a competition between Tyler Steen and a rookie.

2. Draft a Right Guard to Replace Cam Jurgens

If the Eagles decide to put Jurgens at center next season, the team can use some of their draft capital to select another right guard. Last year, the Eagles drafted former Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Tyler Steen in the third round.

The 23-year-old Steen played 11 games this season and made one start in Week 9 against the Dallas Cowboys. The former Crimson Tide offensive lineman played 62 offensive snaps and only had one penalty (false starts).

Therefore, the Eagles might’ve found their next right guard in Steen. However, do not put it past Howie Roseman to address the position in the NFL Draft. 

Graham Barton (Duke), Troy Fautanu (Washington), and Christian Mahogany (Boston College) are some of the top offensive guards in the NFL draft, and you have to believe that Roseman will have his eyes on those guys over the next few weeks.

3. Sign A Free Agent Center, Keep Jurgens at Right Guard

The last potential move Philadelphia could make at center is to sign someone in free agency and keep Jurgens at right guard.

The Eagles won’t find the next Kelce in free agency, but there are a few guys, such as Cody Whitehair, Connor Williams, Andre James, and Brian Allen. All these players have good and bad traits, but the Eagles have the cap space to use on the offensive line.

Williams and James are the youngest centers on the list, but Williams has dealt with injuries, while the Raiders might throw a bag at James to keep him in Las Vegas for years to come. Allen was recently released by the Rams after starting in 32 out of 50 career games.

The former fourth-round pick was Los Angeles’ starting center when they won the Super Bowl in 2021. Allen struggled with injuries in 2022 and lost the starting job in 2023 to Coleman Shelton. 

However, Philadelphia could present a new opportunity for the 28-year-old offensive lineman as he’d get to refine his skills under one of the best offensive line coaches in Jeff Stoutland.

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