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According to a press release, the Philadelphia Eagles have officially signed free agent offensive guard John Moffitt to a one-year contract worth the veteran minimum. Moffitt's signing with the Eagles was first reported by Ross Jones of FOXSports.com late last week. To make room for Moffit on the 90-man roster, the Eagles released rookie undrafted free agent offensive lineman Cole Manhart.
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The 28-year-old Moffitt is a Wisconsin alum. He's made 15 career starts in 19 games played since being drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Moffitt last played with the Broncos after being traded to Denver but decided to retire during the 2013 season.
Some might argue Moffitt doesn't fit Chip Kelly's culture due to his past. In 2011, he was suspended for games due to violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances. In March 2014, Moffitt was arrested and charged for drug possession and battery.
It would seem like Chip Kelly believes Moffitt has turned his life around, however. NFL Insider Jay Glazer had some positive things to say about Moffitt when he un-retired earlier in June. Glazer, who trained with Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson this offseason, has also been working with Moffitt:
"I have never been so proud of a guy I've trained than I am of John Moffitt. Retired two years ago because he knew he had drug issues, took time to go to rehab, clean up his life, beat his demons and he has taken his life back! Guy inspires us every day. He came to me 3 months ago @unbreakable to train to take his career back. He's become the favorite of every player in our gym. He officially un-retired today. Free agent starting guard. So proud of him to get here."
It's also worth nothing that Kelly gave second chances to players at Oregon.
Moffitt is far from guaranteed a roster spot, but he has a good opportunity to push for a role. While Allen Barbre seems to be locked in as Philadelphia's starting left guard, the right guard spot is an open competition between the likes of Matt Tobin (the favorite), Andrew Gardner, Kevin Graf, and Dennis Kelly. Moffitt will likely push for that starting spot as well. It also doesn't hurt that Moffitt has some experience playing center.
For what it's worth, Pro Football Focus is not very high on Moffitt. They graded him 59th out of 81 guards in 2012. He was 76th out of 78 in 2011 as a rookie.
Still, the Eagles offensive is aging and in need of depth. Taking a flyer on Moffitt can't hurt. Even if he doesn't become a starter, perhaps he can win a job as a solid backup off the bench. It'll be interesting to see if Moffitt can turn his career around.
UPDATE: Interesting note here.
Moffitt signed a 1yr, league minimum deal w/#Eagles. No guaranteed $$. Had offers from others (HOU) with guaranteed $$, but picked Philly
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) June 29, 2015