BREAKING:The Eagles Reveals Replacement For Jason Kelce After His Retirement

Finally, it’s time to replace Jason Kelce, and it won’t be simple.

Following 13 seasons and a career that will go down in NFL history, the renowned center announced his retirement from the league on Monday. The Eagles have the difficult chore of replacing the All-Pro center as Kelce enters a new chapter in his life.

Cam Jurgens will probably be the first to do that.
In the 2022 draft, the Eagles selected Jurgens with their second-round selection (choice No. 51 overall). Jurgens possessed some of the same physical attributes that we’ve seen in Kelce for years, and coming out of Nebraska, he was regarded as one of the finest centers in that class.

Even though he played down his role in the process, Kelce was involved in scouting Jurgens.

“I believe that they were essentially telling me, ‘Hey, we’re going to draft your replacement here,'” when they asked for my opinion. Do you think this is okay? Let’s be honest, I think that’s what Kelce stated in May 2022. “I enjoy observing young men, especially those who play for our squad. the entire mindset of developing oneself and realizing one’s potential. It’s something I really enjoy participating in. I’ve enjoyed that trip on my own, and I’d love to support other guys in realizing their potential.
Jurgens played very little in 2022, his debut season. And when Isaac Seumalo left in free agency the previous season, he took over at right guard. Despite his injuries, Jurgens started eleven games at right guard. Undoubtedly, there were some highs and lows. PFF ranked Jurgens as the 31st best guard in the NFL out of 79 players.

Nevertheless, you may also mention that Jurgens was playing out of position. His natural position is center, and the Eagles selected him to play there in the draft.

With regard to Jurgens, Kelce expressed his excitement in 2022. “I thought he was great. His tools are nice. I appreciate his way of thinking. I think I inflated my part in that choice a little bit. I think I should take that a step back a little. Over the past few years, I believe I’ve looked at a few guys when they asked for my opinion. However, it is evident that he is here because Jeff Stoutland, Howie Roseman, and Nick Sirianni all genuinely watched that tape and have faith in him.

“Even though we have a lot of characteristics, I believe he will be a unique player. I’m excited to support these young guys in any way I can, especially Cam.

What is certain to be known about the Eagles’ offensive line in 2024 is as follows:

LT: Jordan Mailata
LG: Dickerson Landon

RT: Johnson Lane

Johnson isn’t ready to call it quits just yet; he will turn 34 in May. That’s fortunate since he remains one of the NFL’s top right tackles.
Following the team’s playoff defeat in Tampa, Johnson declared, “I’m excited about where this team is going to be at next year.” And I want to end my career on a high note. I plan to make the most of the few wonderful years I have left.

Mailata, 26, is under contract through the 2025 season on a four-year, $64 million extension that he signed prior to the start of the 2021 season. He performed well on the field in 2023.

Additionally, Dickerson, a 25-year-old second-round pick in 2021, is starting his contract season. This offseason, he will finally be eligible for a contract extension after two straight Pro Bowl seasons; the Eagles should prioritize that. Dickerson is a Pro Bowl guard, so moving him definitely doesn’t make sense, even though we had a taste of his centering abilities this season. This is especially true given how well he and Mailata complement each other.

Tyler Steen is the best internal option to take Jurgens’ job at right guard should he decide to switch to center. While Sua Opeta, who started the majority of the games when Jurgens was sidelined, is a pending free agency, the 2023 third-round pick played little in his rookie season. Opeta might, however, decide to re-sign with the Eagles. Not to be forgotten is that Jack Driscoll, the backup tight end, is still a free agent.

This is probably who the Eagles’ offensive lineman would be if they had to play today:

LT: Jordan Mailata
LG: Dickerson Landon
C: Jurgens Cam
RG: Steen Tyler
RT: Johnson Lane

However, they are exempt from playing until September. Next week is free agency, and the draft is scheduled for the end of the next month. The Eagles are expected to have eight draft picks in 2024, including three in the first two rounds, and have plenty of cap space.

The Eagles almost certainly will restock in April since they have selected offensive linemen in each of the previous six selections. One of those top draft selections may eventually be used by the Eagles to replace Johnson. Should that occur, the guy may be adaptable enough to play guard and possibly put Steen in competition for a position.

The offensive line still has plenty of options even without Kelce, as experienced OL coach Jeff Stoutland was once again retained. Although losing Kelce won’t be easy, the Eagles have spent years getting ready for this.