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Eagles sign veteran center with starting experience, cut cornerback [UPDATE]
His third NFC East team in six years.
By Brandon Lee Gowton@BrandonGowton Updated Jul 30, 2024, 4:08pm EDT
UPDATE: The Eagles officially announced the Nick Gates signing. In a corresponding roster move, they released down-the-depth-chart cornerback Mario Goodrich III.
ORIGINAL STORY BELOW.
The Philadelphia Eagles are signing free agent offensive lineman Nick Gates, according to a report from NFL insider Mike Garafolo.
Gates, 28, originally signed with the New York Giants as an undrafted rookie free agent following the 2018 NFL Draft. He spent five years with the G-Men before relocating within the NFC East to join the Washington Commanders last season.
All told, Gates has logged 29 starts over 44 games played. Here’s a breakdown of his career snap counts at each offensive line position, per Pro Football Focus:
2018: None (spent rookie season on injured reserve)
2019: RG 77, RT 198
2020: C 1014
2021: C 61, LG 13
2022: C 132, LG 258
2023: C 641
Career: C 1,848 … LG 271 … RT 198 … RG 77
Gates’ experience at center stands out; perhaps the Eagles haven’t been totally happy with what they’ve seen behind Cam Jurgens so far in training camp. Tyler Hennessy was manning the pivot with the second-team for the first few days before shifting to right guard and giving way to rookie sixth-round pick Dylan McMahon.
The impetus for signing Gates could also be related to the Eagles needing more interior offensive line options in camp. The Birds are dealing with some injuries in that area:
- Tyler Steen suffered an ankle injury and has missed two practices so far.
- Trevor Keegan banged up his arm and was limited in Tuesday’s practice.
- Landon Dickerson took a trip to the medical tent and did not finish Tuesday’s practice.
It’ll be interesting to see where Gates lines up; perhaps he’ll immediately become the second-team center? We’ll see. For what it’s worth, Gates was PFF’s 17th-highest graded player at his position last year.
It never hurts to add more experience and depth to the offensive line, especially with 90 roster spots to work with in the offseason. The Eagles can get a look at Gates before deciding if he’s a fit for the 53.
When the Eagles practice at Lincoln Financial Field on Thursday night, I’m guessing Gates won’t be giving Philly fans the same greeting he did in his last visit there.