The Eagles “retooled” offense took a huge hit this month, when Pro Bowl Guard Brandon Brooks tore his Achilles.
Brooks is arguably the best lineman on an Eagles line that consists of Jason Kelce, Lane Johnson, and previously Jason Peters. Brooks is highest graded guard in the entire NFL by Pro Football Focus’ metrics (PFF), and can even make the argument for being not only the best lineman in Philadelphia, but their best player on their team.
It’s pretty much near impossible to replace Brooks’ impact in the lineup, but they can most certainly lessen the severity of the injury by looking at a few viable options.
1. Re-sign Jason Peters: Peters has been an Eagle life, so seeing him in another team’s uniform would definitely be a bit mind-boggling. However, even though Peters has had his fair share of injuries over the past few years, he’s still an extremely talented LT for the Eagles line.
By doing this, the Eagles could then shift Andre Dillard, the LT waiting behind Peters, and move Peters to LG. Then move LG Isaac Seumalo to RG or play G Matt Pryor. Pryor can play both Guard positions effectively and is versatile enough to move around on the Philly O-Line.
2. Trade for Joe Thuney: The New England Patriots did something this offseason that they aren’t accustomed to. They actually used their Franchise Tag on a viable position player, rather than K Stephen Gostkowski. According to PFF, Thuney was actually the 5th best G last season. Thuney is under a Franchise Tag, so it’d likely be a 1 year rental for Philly, in a crucial season for the franchise.
Thuney may not be Brandon Brooks, but he’s certainly capable of replacing at least most of Brooks capabilities. Thuney would also mesh well with Lane Johnson, Jason Kelce, and Peters if he is brought back, maybe as a Swing Tackle.
These are the top 2 moves that Philadelphia can make, in my opinion, to replace Brooks. Honestly, the Peters move makes more sense because it’s way less risky, while also being much cheaper, but we will have to wait and see.
Photo: NBC Sports Philadelphia
