The trading/free agent signing period is fast approaching, so the Eagles front office will have to decide who they plan to pursue come March 5th. Over the next few weeks at BGN, we will be taking a position-by-position look at who we could see in an Eagles uniform come training camp. Today's position? Offensive tackles.
Here is another position on the Eagles roster in need of some depth. While Jason Peters and Winston Justice make a fine starting duo, the men backing them up could stand to be upgraded. King Dunlap hasn't really shown that he possesses the skills necessary to play in the NFL and God only knows what Shawn Andrews will produce this year. Fenuki Tupou showed some promise during his rookie preseason, but was "redshirted" on IR for all of 2009. Some quality veteran depth could go a long way towards making this line the dominant force it once was when Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan were in their prime. Here are a few available options:
Tony Pashos (UFA): The 29 year old tackle is likely to be released by the 49ers after suffering a fractured scapula midway through the 2009 season. Pashos has the size - 6'6" 326lbs - and the aggressive tendency to be a quality backup or to even to challenge Justice for a starting spot. Hopefully, he will be well on his way back to 100% by March so he'll be worth giving a look.
Langston Walker (UFA): At 30, Walker is a fading starter who could still provide some quality use as a backup. He showed his versatility this year by playing at both tackle and guard for the Oakland Raiders, although he only started in two games. His immense strength and 6'8" 366lb frame would be a huge asset to the offensive line, especially in short yardage and goal line situations.
Guy Whimper (UFA): The likely soon-to-be-ex Giant is one of the youngest unrestricted free agent options at only 26. While he has zero starting experience in his three seasons with the New York, Whimper possesses the kind of raw talent that Eagles o-line coach Juan Castillo could mold into a quality contributor. While he doesn't have the best awareness, his quickness and athleticism are great qualities that can be built on. Plus, since he is a converted tight end, the coaches always have the option of using him as an eligible receiver on goal line situations. Hey, it worked for Todd Herremans.
Other Available Free Agents:
- Jammal Brown (RFA)
- Willie Colon (RFA)
- Chad Clifton (UFA)
- Marcus McNeill (RFA)
- Jared Gaither (RFA)
- Alex Barron (RFA)
- Tyson Clabo (RFA)
- Tra Thomas (UFA)
- Charlie Johnson (RFA)
- Donald Penn (RFA)
- Jeremy Trueblood (RFA)
- Mike Gandy (UFA)
- Mark Tauscher (UFA)
- Jeromey Clary (RFA)
- Stephon Heyer (RFA)
- Cornell Green (UFA)
- Levi Jones (UFA)
- Khalif Barnes (RFA)
- Damion McIntosh (UFA)
- Barry Sims (UFA)
- Jermon Bushrod (RFA)
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Artis Hicks (UFA)
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Jon Jansen (UFA)
- Ryan Tucker (UFA)
- Adam Terry (RFA)
- Marshal Yanda (RFA)
- Jonathan Scott (RFA)
- Ephraim Salaam (UFA)
- Brandon Gorin (RFA)
- Ryan O'Callaghan (RFA)
- Pat McQuistan (RFA)
- Wayne Hunter (RFA)
- Rashad Butler (RFA)
- Ryan Cook (RFA)
In the next installment, we will be taking a look at offensive guards. Feel free to leave any suggestions on who to examine in the comments section. For more information on unrestricted vs. restricted free agents in a potentially uncapped year, check out this great article over at Mocking The Draft.