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The Philadelphia Eagles are expected to sign free agent offensive lineman Stefen Wisniewski to a one-year contract, according to a report from NFL insider Mike Garafolo. News of Wisniewski visiting Philadelphia first emerged last week. The Birds reportedly beat out the Steelers in order to sign him.
Eagles expected to sign OL Stefen Wisniewski this morning, source says. Heads to Philly as guard after one year with the Jaguars as center.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) April 4, 2016
One-year deal for Wisniewski in Philly. Steelers were also in play for the Pittsburgh native but he'll be an Eagle.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) April 4, 2016
The 27-year-old Wisniewski has started 77 games in his five-year NFL career. He began his NFL journey with the Oakland Raiders as a left guard before being moved to center after his rookie season. Wisniewski most recently started and played all 16 games at center for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2015.
Philadelphia obviously doesn't need a starting center because that's Jason Kelce's job. So how does Wisniewski fit in? As Garafolo mentions, it seems like he's going to compete for playing time at left guard. If he's not starting, Wisniewski potentially could be the team's top backup at both center and guard. The Eagles needed a new backup center after David Molk retired earlier this offseason.
Signing Wisniewski doesn't change the fact the Eagles will look to address the offensive line in the 2016 NFL Draft. Rather, this signing is a nice low-risk move for the Eagles. At best, it gives them a competent starter as a position of weakness. At worst, it gives the team some more offensive line depth.
Here's what Philadelphia's starting offensive line potentially looks like for the 2016 season:
Left tackle - Jason Peters
Left guard - Stefen Wisniewski
Center - Jason Kelce
Right guard - Brandon Brooks
Right tackle - Lane Johnson
UPDATE: It's official. Wisniewski will wear No. 61.
#Eagles have signed G/C Stefen Wisniewski to a one-year contract.
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) April 4, 2016
G Matt Tobin has also signed his one-year tender. pic.twitter.com/g7zYkdH9Lp