Jason Peters - Pro Football Rumors

Cowboys Trying Jason Peters At Guard

September 22nd, 2022 at 2:17pm CST by Sam Robinson

Viewed as an emergency Tyron Smith replacement, Jason Peters has been working at multiple positions during his ramp-up period. The Cowboys’ usage of Tyler Smith at left tackle in Weeks 1 and 2 could lead to the rookie staying there.

The team used Peters at a few positions in practice Thursday, Jon Machota of The Athletic tweets. While the Peters-at-LT plan may still be in play, Machota notes the veteran may be an option at left guard or right tackle going forward. Peters signed with the Cowboys days before Week 1 but has been ramping up to full activity since. It would seem the 40-year-old blocker is close to being activated.

A 19th-year veteran, Peters has been one of the best tackles of his era. His nine Pro Bowls and six first- or second-team All-Pro honors will probably lead to a spot in Canton. But the Eagles were prepared to play Peters at guard two years ago. Brandon Brooks‘ season-ending injury led to Peters re-signing to play between then-heir apparent left tackle Andre Dillard and center Jason Kelce. But Dillard’s subsequent injury scuttled that experiment, moving Peters back to the blindside spot.

That short 2020 stretch of offseason guard work could be relevant again. Tyler Smith has held his own at left tackle thus far. He matched up with the likes of Shaq Barrett and Trey Hendrickson, and Pro Football Focus, charging the first-round pick with just three pressures allowed thus far, has him ranked 27th among tackles. It is still early on that front, but right tackle Terence Steele ranks 15th. Peters kicking Tyler Smith back inside would create an interesting yo-yo pattern for the team’s left tackle of the future, but then again, Tyron Smith recovering from his avulsion fracture late this season would presumably do that.

Peters at left guard would mean either filling in for or replacing Connor McGovern. The contract-year guard missed Week 2 with a high ankle sprain. It would also represent new in-game frontier for Peters, whose role now becomes more interesting. He has started 218 career games, having not worked as a primary backup since 2005. While Peters broke into the Bills’ lineup as a right tackle that year, he has not worked as a regular on that side since the mid-2000s.

Latest On Cowboys’ Offensive Line

September 15th, 2022 at 10:17am CST by Sam Robinson

The Cowboys are set to revisit their unfortunate lineup adjustment of 2020, when Dak Prescott missed much of the season. That year also involved both Dallas’ top tackles being out of the mix. With Prescott expected to be sidelined for several weeks and Tyron Smith out for months, the Cowboys’ 2022 situation is starting to look eerily similar to their 2020 setup — on offense, anyway.

But the team has higher-ceiling options up front this time around. First-round pick Tyler Smith made his debut at left tackle, and Pro Football Focus rated him just outside the top 40 at the position during his 69-snap debut. Smith still figures to move back to the guard spot at which he was initially pegged to begin the season. Jason Peters‘ ramp-up period might not last much longer.

“It depends on his evolving with his conditioning. He didn’t have camp, but, boy, am I glad we got him,” Jerry Jones said of Peters, during an appearance on 105.3 The Fan’s Shan and RJ Show (via the Dallas Morning News). “We’ll have a spot for him. There’s no question that we’re going to be using him, before we’re out and maybe sooner rather than later.”

This puts to rest any concerns about Peters’ age (40) shutting down his viability as a Cowboys O-line option, and with Connor McGovern having suffered an injury in Week 1, the Cowboys need Peters ready ASAP. Peters remains on the team’s practice squad. That said, the Cowboys look to remain patient with Peters. His acclimation period is likely to continue into next week, Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News tweets. Peters has yet to go through team drills since joining the Cowboys.

As for McGovern, he suffered a high ankle sprain, according to ESPN.com’s Todd Archer (on Twitter). The Cowboys have declared McGovern, who played just seven snaps in Week 1, out for their Week 2 game against the Bengals.

Dallas added Peters not long after Tyron Smith‘s avulsion fracture. The longtime Eagles blocker is expected to replace Smith at left tackle, but Jones said Peters would also be an option on the right side. Terence Steele is viewed as a potential long-term starter at right tackle, where he has taken over for La’el Collins, who is now with Cincinnati. An O-line featuring Peters, Tyler Smith, center Tyler Biadasz, All-Pro right guard Zack Martin and Steele appears to be Dallas’ best bet for now, though it will be interesting how the team plays it when McGovern returns.

“There’s a compatibility in play in staying at one spot, no matter how good a player you are. It lends itself to a better offensive line. But still I think we’ve done pretty good by having Peters come in there,” Jones said. “McGovern shouldn’t be long. He shouldn’t be out long, and we had a good job done by Smith, young Smith, and we got help on the way.”

This is McGovern’s contract year. He has bounced in and out of the Cowboys’ lineup since 2020, making 15 starts after missing his rookie year due to injury. The Cowboys could use McGovern as a swing player behind a Martin-Biadasz-Tyler Smith interior trio. Although the Penn State product was competing with Smith at left guard during training camp, it would be difficult to envision the Cowboys benching their first-round pick after already starting him. Peters’ form might dictate how the Cowboys proceed here as well. For now, the 19th-year veteran is tracking toward becoming a starter on a fourth NFL team.

Cowboys To Sign T Jason Peters

September 5th, 2022 at 8:04am CST by Sam Robinson

Days after Jason Peter s‘ Cowboys visit, the parties agreed to terms. The 40-year-old left tackle will continue his career in Dallas, Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News tweets.

The former Bears, Eagles and Bills blocker will aim to fill the void left by Tyron Smith‘s injury. This will be Peters’ 19th NFL season. The Cowboys came into Labor Day holding the fourth-most cap space in the league (just more than $14MM). Some of it will go to Peters, who stands to play an important role in helping the Cowboys defend their NFC East title. Peters grew up in northeast Texas, making this a homecoming of sorts to potentially cap off a Hall of Fame career.

Not much of Dallas’ cap space, it turns out, will be needed for the time being. The team is giving Peters a ramp-up period, with CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson adding (via Twitter) Monday’s deal is a practice squad agreement. Since the COVID-19 pandemic prompted the NFL to expand practice squads to 16 players, teams have increasingly used it as a way to add veterans ahead of promotions to the active roster. The Cowboys will be the latest team to take this route.

This transaction marks the third straight year in which Peters found a deal after waiting in free agency for months. He re-signed with the Eagles in July 2020 and joined the Bears in August of last year. The longtime Philly mainstay will now get to work on helping the Cowboys hold off an Eagles team that saw Smith’s injury strengthen its chances of winning the division.

This week’s vested veteran guarantee is a factor here as well. Vets’ salaries become guaranteed if on a 53-man roster this week, and Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com notes the Cowboys had not planned to add a free agent tackle until Week 2 (Twitter link). It opens the door to an unusual scenario in which the Cowboys start a rookie at left tackle in Week 1 before promoting Peters to play there.

Smith’s avulsion fracture, which he sustained August 24, is expected to sideline him until at least December. The 12th-year tackle has undergone surgery. With it being possible the perennial Pro Bowler will miss the season, the Cowboys were left scrambling. They had been belatedly preparing first-round pick Tyler Smith to begin his run as Tyron’s blindside heir apparent early. Jerry Jones said last week it was “safe to say” the Tulsa-developed rookie would start at left tackle, via Jon Machota of The Athletic (on Twitter). Peters either gives the Cowboys high-profile insurance, or a scenario in which the first-rounder moves back to left guard once Peters is ready emerges.

Peters does not represent the safest of bets here; injuries have cropped up fairly frequently during the latter half of the acclaimed performer’s career. He missed eight games in 2020 and only played in seven during the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII-winning season. But he is coming off a 15-game season in Chicago. The Bears added Peters in the wake of Teven Jenkins‘ back injury, and the veteran produced what Pro Football Focus graded as a top-25 tackle season. While this did not draw too much attention, as the Bears struggled in 2021, it showed Peters remained a viable left tackle option for a contending team. Peters indicated this offseason he wanted to play an age-40 season, and the Cowboys’ need looks to have created that opportunity.

The Eagles had Peters tied to high-end contracts for most of his 12-year stay with the franchise, but the UDFA success story played last season on a one-year, $1.75MM deal. It will be interesting to see how much Cowboys wind up paying him, once this P-squad agreement translates to an active-roster promotion. Duane Brown signed a two-year, $20MM deal to be Mekhi Becton‘s emergency fill-in. Becton’s avulsion fracture is expected to sideline him for the season. Brown is also a decorated left tackle and is three years younger than Peters, but the latter is a nine-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro.

As the Cowboys currently employ two All-Decade tackles and All-Decade guard Zack Martin, they have Terence Steele ready to take over for La’el Collins on the right side and Connor McGovern prepared to start at left guard. Peters (218 career starts) moving into Dallas’ lineup would likely bump McGovern down to a swing player.

If/when Peters moves up to Dallas’ 53-man roster and suits up for a game, he would join only three other tackles to play an age-40 season. Andrew Whitworth, who turned 40 late in his final season, joins only Ray Brown and Hall of Famer Jackie Slater in accomplishing this rare feat.

Cowboys “Working Towards Deal” With Jason Peters

September 4th, 2022 at 7:38am CST by Sam Robinson

SEPTEMBER 4: The Cowboys and Peters are “working towards a deal,” as Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports (via Twitter). Rapoport says Peters’ Dallas visit was a positive one, and he adds that there is mutual interest in getting a contract hammered out. An agreement could be in place by tomorrow.

AUGUST 31: One of the top free agents will meet with the Cowboys about their sudden left tackle issue. Jason Peters is scheduled to visit with the team, Todd Archer of ESPN.com tweets.

The Cowboys are set to be without All-Pro Tyron Smith for months — perhaps the season — after he suffered a severe leg injury last week. Smith is now on Dallas’ in-season IR. Peters would be an interesting replacement, given his accomplishments and age. The Cowboys have been viewed as hesitant to trade for a Smith replacement.

Although Peters turned 40 earlier this year, he expressed a desire to keep playing. Should the former Eagles All-Pro land a gig for 2022, it will be his 19th NFL season.

Peters has lingered in free agency for several months in each of the past three offseasons. In 2020, he made a belated return to the Eagles to play guard. But their tackle depth chart soon changed, leading the team to ask Peters to return to his old position. Last year, Peters signed with the Bears after Teven Jenkins‘ summer back injury.

That Chicago commitment did not generate too much publicity, given the Bears’ 2021 struggles, but Peters played 15 games. Pro Football Focus also rated him as a top-25 tackle. Considering Peters’ age and injury history, that participation rate and performance level is quite an accomplishment. It also has kept him on the radar for tackle-needy teams.

Dallas has the option of kicking rookie Tyler Smith outside. That is the organization’s long-term plan, but the first-round pick was slated to begin his career alongside Tyron Smith at left guard. Tyler Smith battled Connor McGovern for the guard gig during training camp. While the younger player should be expected to see time, Mike McCarthy said at the time of Tyron’s injury McGovern was leading the competition. And left tackle on short notice would be a big ask for the rookie, though situations like this have impacted teams’ plans for young O-linemen in the past. That said, McCarthy confirmed the younger Smith will get extensive left tackle work before Week 1, via Archer (on Twitter).

The Cowboys could also move right tackle Terence Steele to the left side, but that would create a right-edge void. Peters coming in and playing opposite Steele — who is the Cowboys’ preferred La’el Collins successor — and alongside either McGovern or Tyler Smith could be Dallas’ best option. It just depends on how much the former Eagles stalwart has left.

And, given what Duane Brown signed for with the Jets, money will likely be a factor here, too. In the wake of Mekhi Becton‘s avulsion fracture — the injury Tyron Smith has since encountered as well — the Jets signed Brown to a two-year, $20MM deal with $9MM guaranteed. Although Peters has a more decorated resume than the former Texans and Seahawks left tackle, he is also three years older. Peters did sign with the Bears for one year and $1.75MM, but it would surprise if he accepted something on that level now, as he is coming off a mostly healthy season and the Cowboys are in need. Dallas’ $18.7MM in cap space ranks third in the NFL.

Jason Peters Plans To Play In 2022

July 20th, 2022 at 1:08pm CST by Adam La Rose

Just like last offseason, left tackle Jason Peters is eyeing a deal which will extend his career for one more season. As noted by Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk, Peters has been “staying in shape and [is] waiting for a team to come calling.”

The 40-year-old could join Andrew Whitworth as the lone blindside blocker to start at that age if he lands a contract. He made it clear that he saw playing into his 40s as a realistic goal when stating his intention of suiting up in 2021. It was already well-known at that time, of course, that his days with the Eagles were over. It was in Philadelphia that Peters won his lone Super Bowl title, along with each of his two All-Pro nominations and seven of his nine consecutive Pro Bowl invitations.

“[I’m] looking for an upcoming offensive line, good team — or a playoff team,” he said. “Either/or is good for me, because I can pass my torch on to some guys who are trying to get better, the younger guys, the new generation. Or if I get on a team with some vets, they already know how I rock, and we can just go into the playoffs and make a run and try to win another ring.”

Peters signed with the Bears last August, and wound up starting all 15 contests he appeared in. He allowed six sacks, so any interested teams wouldn’t be numb to the fact that his pass protection isn’t what it used to be. Still, the Arkansas alum earned a solid PFF grade of 77.5. That could generate a late-offseason market for his services, something Peters is prepared for.

“Whenever the opportunity comes, I’m going to give it one more run at it and try to get me another ring, or pass on some knowledge to these young kids, up and coming” he said, adding “I don’t have a time frame on when I’m going to get signed.”

If any team were to suffer a significant injury during training camp or the preseason, Peters could once again find himself signing a one-year deal. His market will be worth watching in the coming weeks to see if anything materializes along the same lines as 2021. If not, he will surrender his title as the league’s highest-earning active UDFA.

Contract Details: Bears, Peters, 49ers, Kendricks

August 18th, 2021 at 10:52am CST by Zachary Links

The Bears and 49ers both managed to make notable upgrades in the middle of August. Now, we have details on their recent deals, courtesy of ESPN.com’s Field Yates (Twitter link):

Bears OT Jason Peters: One-year, $1.75MM deal. $1.075M base salary. $250K signing bonus.
49ers LB Mychal Kendricks: One-year, $1.215MM deal (minimum salary benefit). $200K guaranteed with a cap charge of $866K.

Peters, a nine-time Pro Bowler, agreed to terms late last week. He’ll help to solidify the line in the wake of Teven Jenkins’ back surgery. While the second-round rookie recovers, he’ll slot in as the left-side starter opposite of Lachavious Simmons. Still imposing at the age of 39, Peters is not far removed from his stellar 2019 campaign — Pro Football Focus graded Peters as its No. 6 overall tackle that season.

Kendricks, meanwhile, is looking to bounce back from legal turmoil and health issues.Now 30, Kendricks played in just one game last season. On the plus side, he is another year removed from his 2019 ACL tear.

Bears, OT Jason Peters Agree To Deal

August 14th, 2021 at 3:05pm CST by Sam Robinson

Jason Peter s will have a chance to play an 18th NFL season. The longtime Eagles left tackle agreed to terms with the Bears, according to his agency (on Twitter). Peters will join the Bears on a one-year deal, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com tweets.

The nine-time Pro Bowler will join a Bears team that is transitioning at tackle. Chicago parted ways with both Charles Leno and Bobby Massie, its starting tackle tandem of the past five years, and has much younger cogs in place at those posts. A 39-year-old blocker will now be in this mix, with Matt Nagy confirming Saturday (via The Athletic’s Kevin Fishbain, on Twitter) that Peters will vie for the team’s left tackle job.

Peters said in January he planned to play in 2021, and he waited patiently as an opportunity came seven months later. The acclaimed tackle spent the past 12 seasons in Philadelphia, beginning his tenure blocking for Donovan McNabb and ending it with Carson Wentz. The Eagles have embarked on an interesting retooling effort, with a new coaching staff now in place.

While Peters re-signed with Philly last summer, he was not connected to another reunion with the team. This signing will, however, reunite Peters and Bears O-line coach Juan Castillo, who was Peters’ position coach in his first two seasons in Philly.

The Bears drafted Teven Jenkins in this year’s second round and signed former Broncos swing tackle/injury replacement Elijah Wilkinson this offseason. Jenkins is currently sidelined with a back injury. Peters obviously resides several tiers above each for accomplishments, though he certainly brings age- and injury-related questions. He suffered season-ending injuries midway through the 2017 and 2020 seasons, with a toe injury sidelining him last season. Peters last played 16 games in 2018.

That said, Pro Football Focus graded Peters as its No. 6 overall tackle in 2019. The former Bills UDFA has made 203 starts and made the Pro Bowl with both Buffalo and Philadelphia. The Bears, who now have a high-end quarterback investment to protect in Justin Fields, appear to be somewhat concerned about their tackle situation. They will see how much Peters has left in the tank.

Chicago’s Peters move carrying him into his 18th season will place the Hall of Fame candidate in rarefied air. Among non-quarterbacks and specialists, the Rams’ Andrew Whitworth is the NFL’s only other 39-year-old player on a roster. Only one player has started more than eight games at tackle at age 39 or older — Ray Brown, 2004 — so the two veterans will aim to further distinguish their careers this season.

This Date In Transactions History: Bills Extend Jason Peters

July 15th, 2021 at 9:29am CST by Zachary Links

Potentially on the verge of his 18th NFL season, Jason Peters has signed a number of contracts. The first of Peters’ many re-ups occurred on this date 15 years ago.

On July 14, 2006, the Bills and their UDFA discovery agreed to terms on a contract that eventually led to the parties splitting up. Peters signed a five-year, $15MM extension during the ’06 offseason, this coming after the Bills tendered him a contract worth $425K. Soon outplaying the teams of his $3MM-AAV deal, Peters became a disgruntled Bill.

The Bills initially took a flier on the former college tight end and defensive end, and this only came to be because of lobbying by the future All-Pro blocker’s agent, and stashed him on their practice squad for most of the 2004 season. Buffalo broke Peters in on special teams before turning to him as its starting right tackle for much of the ’05 slate. Peters had supplanted underwhelming former top-five pick Mike Williams as Buffalo’s top right tackle, and the Bills made the move to lock the emerging talent up the following offseason. The team then moved Peters to the left side midway through the ’06 campaign. That ultimately proved to be a short-term arrangement.

Dissatisfaction over a $3.25MM salary prompted Peters to hold out in 2008, and after he begrudgingly returned to his Bills post that season, the Eagles came in with a trade offer to acquire Peters just before the 2009 draft. The Bills received 2009 first- and fourth-round picks, along with a 2010 sixth-rounder, in the swap. They used the first of those selections to draft future long-term center Eric Wood 28th overall. Philadelphia handed Peters a six-year, $60MM extension, beginning a fruitful era for their offensive line.

Buffalo went on to churn through few left tackles, including Cordy Glenn, since Peters’ departure, while Peters has started 127 games as an Eagle. That was good for the fifth-most in franchise history by a pure offensive lineman. Peters would go on to make two Pro Bowls with the Bills and seven with the Eagles, also receiving two first-team All-Pro honors in Philly. The Eagles also extended their veteran protector in 2014, 2017, 2019, and 2020.

Now at the age of 39, Peters hasn’t ruled out playing in 2021. Although his return might not come in Philadelphia, Peters could be an interesting late summer addition for another contender in need.

Jason Peters Plans To Play In 2021

January 19th, 2021 at 10:58am CST by Zachary Links

After 17 seasons, Jason Peters isn’t ready to call it quits. The veteran lineman plans to play in 2021, even though a return to the Eagles is unlikely.

“I’m gonna play one more year, try to get me another ring,” Peters said (Twitter link via Jeff Skversky of ABC). “Probably won’t be in Philly, [which is] unfortunate.”

The Eagles re-signed Peters in the summer to replace Brandon Brooks at right guard. Then, left tackle Andre Dillard was lost to a biceps injury, forcing the Birds to move Peters back to his long-time LT post. They also gave him a pay bump to facilitate the double-switch.

Unfortunately, Peters went down with a toe injury in October. He returned for a bit, though he had to be kicked back to the inside to compensate for his limited mobility.

Peters, who will turn 39 this week, is no longer an elite protector. Still, he’s racked up two First Team All-Pro selections, nine Pro Bowls, and a Super Bowl ring over the course of his career. Given his reputation and resume, Peters shouldn’t have much trouble finding work in the offseason.