Reports: Eagles To Sign A Veteran Free Agent To Boost Their Offensive Line Depth

Prior to training camp, the Philadelphia Eagles are bolstering their roster’s offensive line depth. Dennis Kelly, a free agent, will be signed by the team, claims NFL source Tom Pelissero.

Reports: Eagles To Sign A Veteran Free Agent To Boost Their Offensive Line Depth

Kelly, 33, has had a long career since the Eagles selected him in the fifth round of the 2012 NFL Draft out of Purdue. Prior to being traded to the Tennessee Titans in the summer of 2016 for receiver Dorial Green-Beckham, he spent his first three seasons of professional football in Philadelphia.

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The Dennis Kelly who the Birds originally dealt to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for Dorial Green-Beckham is the same one.

In Philadelphia, DGB fizzled out very quickly, but Kelly built a prosperous NFL career. From 2016 to 2020, he appeared in 74 games with the Titans, starting 32 of them. Before starting three games in 16 appearances with the Indianapolis Colts last season, Kelly made four starts in 10 games with the Green Bay Packers in 2021.

Kelly has appeared in 130 games with 54 starts throughout the course of his 11-year NFL career. He participated in 16 games with the Colts last season, starting three.

This is a welcome addition to the Eagles’ offensive tackle depth after Andre Dillard signed a three-year, $29 million contract with Tennessee and departed for free agency. In 2023, Kelly will provide the Eagles with a seasoned swing tackle replacement.

Take a look at his snap totals by position in the NFL (via Pro Football Focus).

Left tackle: 655 snaps
Left guard: 126 snaps
Right guard: 428 snaps
Right tackle: 2,543 snaps

Kelly may try to get the Eagles’ starting swing tackle job. Jack Driscoll, who is approaching the final year of his rookie contract and has a history of injuries, is his biggest rival.

Andre Dillard’s departure to join the Titans hurt the Eagles’ depth at tackle. Kelly’s hiring increases competition at that position and may provide the Eagles with extra guard insurance.

 

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