Eagles sign veteran center with starting experience, cut cornerback [UPDATE]

UPDATE: The Eagles formally introduced the Nick Gates signing. In a corresponding roster transfer, they launched down-the-depth-chart cornerback Mario Goodrich III.

ORIGINAL STORY BELOW.

The Philadelphia Eagles are signing free agent offensive lineman Nick Gates, based on a report from NFL insider Mike Garafolo.

Gates, 28, initially signed with the New York Giants as an undrafted rookie free agent following the 2018 NFL Draft. He spent 5 years with the G-Males earlier than relocating throughout the NFC East to affix the Washington Commanders final season.

All informed, Gates has logged 29 begins over 44 video games performed. Right here’s a breakdown of his profession snap counts at every offensive line place, per Professional Soccer Focus:

2018: None (spent rookie season on injured reserve)2019: RG 77, RT 198 2020: C 10142021: C 61, LG 132022: C 132, LG 2582023: C 641

Profession: C 1,848 … LG 271 … RT 198 … RG 77

Gates’ expertise at middle stands out; maybe the Eagles haven’t been completely proud of what they’ve seen behind Cam Jurgens thus far in coaching camp. Tyler Hennessy was manning the pivot with the second-team for the primary few days earlier than shifting to proper guard and giving strategy to rookie sixth-round choose Dylan McMahon.

The impetus for signing Gates is also associated to the Eagles needing extra inside offensive line choices in camp. The Birds are coping with some accidents in that space:

Tyler Steen suffered an ankle harm and has missed two practices thus far.
Trevor Keegan banged up his arm and was restricted in Tuesday’s apply.
Landon Dickerson took a visit to the medical tent and didn’t end Tuesday’s apply.

It’ll be attention-grabbing to see the place Gates traces up; maybe he’ll instantly turn out to be the second-team middle? We’ll see. For what it’s price, Gates was PFF’s Seventeenth-highest graded participant at his place final yr.

It by no means hurts so as to add extra expertise and depth to the offensive line, particularly with 90 roster spots to work with within the offseason. The Eagles can get a have a look at Gates earlier than deciding if he’s a match for the 53.

When the Eagles apply at Lincoln Monetary Subject on Thursday evening, I’m guessing Gates received’t be giving Philly followers the identical greeting he did in his final go to there.