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Now that the offseason has officially started for the Eagles, Andy Reid and company will have to spend the next couple of weeks carefully scrutinizing the 2010 roster. The free agency signing period begins in a little over a month and a half and by that time, the front office should have a good idea of which Eagles players they'll want to bring back for the 2011 season (if there is one). Today, BGN takes a look at the center position.
The Players
Jamaal Jackson: Jackson has certainly had a rough twelve months. Starting with his ACL tear against the Broncos in week 16 of the 2009 season, the former undrafted rookie worked his tail off during the offseason to regain his starting position by the start of the 2010 regular season, only to suffer a season-ending triceps tear in the first game. Now, with a full season to recover, Jackson claims that he'll be back 100% by this year's training camp, but will it be enough? Mike McGlynn has now had almost a full season of experience as the Eagles' starting center and could very well steal Jackson's job away with a solid training camp. Although the 30 year old Jackson is signed through the 2013 season, the Eagles could easily decide to dump him and save $1.6 million.
Mike McGlynn: Despite an up-and-down year, McGlynn exceeded expectations as a fill-in for longtime starter Jamaal Jackson. He performed admirably in the running game, paving the way for the Eagles to accumulate a league-leading 23 first downs when rushing to the center. 2011 will be the final year of his rookie contract, but McGlynn has certainly shown enough potential to be kept around for another year or two. Expect him to appear as either the starting center or a backup C/G next season.
A.Q. Shipley: Although he has been in an Eagles uniform since this time last year, Shipley has yet to crack the active roster. The Eagles have brought him back for a second shot at a backup position by signing him to a reserve/future contract.
Dallas Reynolds: Since signing with the Eagles as an undrafted rookie in 2009, Reynolds has yet to show anything remarkable. The team signed him to a reserve/future contract recently, but don't expect anything more than a second stint on the practice squad.
Who Could Leave
Jamaal Jackson
Who Could Sign
Under 33 year old veteran Olin Kreutz, the Bears solidified their offensive line woes during their bye week and, so far, have made a successful playoff run. The six-time Pro Bowler will be a free agent this offseason and, while getting up there in years, has a wealth of experience in pass protection to offer to the Eagles' younger linemen. He would be a quality emergency signing in case of injury.
Arizona's Lyle Sendlein will be another candidate for the upcoming free agency market. After going undrafted in in 2007, the Texas product quickly climbed the ladder and has held on to the starting center position for the past two seasons, never missing a start. If Arizona lets him go, the 26 year old Sendlein could provide good competition for McGlynn.