Eagles lose versatile offensive lineman who started in 6 games last season

The Eagles value versatility along their offensive line, which is one reason they were able to protect quarterback Jalen Hurts when a starting lineman missed time because of injury. One of the players they relied on to come off the bench and start games is now signing elsewhere, creating another need the Eagles must fill.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, offensive tackle Fred Johnson is signing a one-year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Johnson was the Eagles’ swing tackle, capable of playing both sides of the offensive line and stepping in at guard when needed. He started six games last season—four at left tackle when Jordan Mailata suffered a hamstring injury, one at right tackle in Week 4 when Lane Johnson suffered a concussion, and the regular-season finale against the Giants when the Eagles rested their starters.

According to Pro Football Focus, Johnson allowed five combined sacks and hurries over the four-game stretch when Mailata was sidelined, facing tough competition that included Giants linebacker Brian Burns, Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson, Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen, and Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons.

Johnson, who grew up in Florida, has a chance to step in if something happens to left tackle Walker Little, the Jaguars’ 2021 fourth-round pick who started eight games last season.

With Johnson gone, the Eagles have a few options to fill either tackle position. Kenyon Green, Tyler Steen, and Brett Toth all have experience playing tackle. Green and Steen are expected to compete for the starting right guard spot, and whoever doesn’t win the job could come off the bench and play tackle. The team could also look at Laekin Vakalahi, a rookie undrafted free agent last season, or take a lineman in April’s draft.