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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 guards.
Much like the offensive tackle position, the questionable status of the Andrews brothers has left this unit's strength in doubt. Although Todd Herremans is a solid starter at left guard and Nick Cole is a quality backup, reserve lineman Max Jean-Gilles has struggled (and could possibly be departing via free agency) and the young Mike McGlynn has yet to garner much playing time. A solid veteran pickup could stabilize this shaky unit that was so rocked by injuries during the 2009 season. Here are a few options:
Jeremy Bridges (UFA): 2009 was a wild season for the 29 year old Bridges, who went from his usual role as a reserve guard to replacing left tackle Mike Gandy on the Cardinals offensive line. He performed adequately, and is expected to replace Gandy for a starting position if the Cardinals don't find a new starting left tackle this offseason. However, there is still a chance this valuable pickup decides to take his skills to another market with a better shot at playing time. His can-do attitude and excellent technique would be an asset to the Eagles o-line, whether as a starter at right guard or as a versatile backup.
Rex Hadnot (UFA): After missing the first five games of the season due to a knee injury, this 28 year old Browns lineman spent the remainder of the year backing up Hank Fraley at right guard. He is a force to be reckoned with on run plays, but needs to learn how to read blitzes and adjust to audibles. If signed, he could step in as a reserve/rotational starter and, with time and coaching, could challenge for a permanent starting role at right guard.
Chester Pitts (UFA): The 30 year old Pitts had a rough year with the Texans. He underwent surgery after a week two injury to repair the meniscus cartilage in his right knee and also had microfracture surgery to repair the articular cartilage, causing him to miss the rest of the season. Before the injury, Pitts had been the only player to have started every game in Texans history (114 consecutive starts). If the Eagles are willing to take a chance on another recovering lineman, Pitts could prove to be a solid starter at right guard. When healthy, Pitts uses his quickness and tenacity to stand out in pass protection. His 6'4" 321lb frame, when leveraged, can prove to be an immovable force.
Other Available Free Agents:
- Jahri Evans (RFA)
- Logan Mankins (RFA)
- Bobbie Williams (UFA)
- Stephen Neal (UFA)
- Harvey Dahl (RFA)
- Deuce Lutui (RFA)
- David Baas (RFA)
- Richie Incognito (RFA)
- Keydrick Vincent (UFA)
- Chris Kuper (RFA)
- Rob Sims (RFA)
- Kendall Simmons (UFA)
- Maurice Williams (UFA)
- Daryn Colledge (RFA)
- Ben Hamilton (UFA)
- Kynan Forney (UFA)
- Daniel Loper (RFA)
- Dylan Gandy (RFA)
- Darnell Stapleton (RFA)
- Russ Hochstein (UFA)
- Montrae Holland (UFA)
- Mark Setterstrom (RFA)
- Cory Procter (RFA)
- Evan Mathis (RFA)
In the next installment, we will be taking a look at centers. 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.