After a season of constant injuries, the Eagles offensive line is hoping for a change of fortunes in 2021. Beginning with the offensive tackles, the two projected starters for the season were never healthy. Andre Dillard got injured in training camp, and Lane Johnson could not keep himself in games until his ankle injury became too much. It will be a big offseason of decisions for the Eagles, with the left tackle position being at the forefront.
Lane Johnson
2020 was a year that Johnson wants to block from his memory. Having had ankle surgery before the season's start, he could not get fully healthy and could not finish a game. Regardless, that does not take away from the fact he is one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL.
Verdict: STAY. The easiest decision on this list; Johnson has been an elite tackle for years and is a blue-chip player the Eagles should keep a hold of till retirement. He will be back to his best in 2021.
Andre Dillard
Dillard has not been on the field since his disastrous game at right tackle against the Seahawks in 2019. The former first-round pick tore his bicep during training camp and never got the chance to show what he could do in a full 16 game season.
Verdict: STAY. It may not be the most popular of opinions, but I feel Dillard deserves at least the chance to show what he can do. The Eagles traded up to get him, and even with the growth of Jordan Mailata, they should not give up on their 2019 first-round selection just yet. However, it would not surprise me to see him on the trade block.
Jordan Mailata
Mailata was one of the few positives last season. His rapid development is incredible, considering it was his third year playing the game. His play last season was a huge endorsement for the work Jeff Stoutland does.
Verdict: Stay. It is very simple. Mailata is on an incredibly cheap deal, has shown plenty of promise and can play on both sides of the line. He is a beast and will only continue his development. He and Dillard will likely enter a camp battle to see who will become the starter. If he loses out, that could work in the Eagles favour when looking to extend him.
Jason Peters
The return of Jason Peters was a complete disaster. He struggled all season and was also injured. His pass protection was woeful as defensive ends skipped past him consistently. He will become a free agent.
Verdict: GO. Peters is a Hall of Famer and an Eagles legend. However, it is time to move on. He has spoken about his desires to play in the 2021 season. Hopefully, it is not in Philadelphia.
Jack Driscoll
Another player that was caught by the injury bug in 2020, Driscoll, looked good in the games he played but again could not stay healthy and saw his season ended by injury. He started four games and showed glimpses of what he could bring in the future.
Verdict: STAY. Driscoll could become the heir to the right tackle position if he continues developing in 2020. His injuries were a concern, but his play was promising. If called upon next season, the Eagles will have no worries.
Brett Toth
Toth is signed to the roster for the 2021 season and did okay when called upon during 2020. He came in at right tackle during the defeat to the Ravens and looked competent.
Verdict: DECIDED IN TRAINING CAMP. Toth was on the practice squad for much of last season and was brought in once the offensive line was on its last legs. However, the Eagles will likely add a tackle in the draft or bring in a veteran during free agency. He will play for a place on the practise squad and will probably make it.