Eagles Reunite with to Address Offensive Line Depth
The Philadelphia Eagles have long prioritized strength in the trenches under general manager Howie Roseman, maintaining a dominant presence on both the offensive and defensive lines. However, for the first time in recent memory, the Eagles face a significant gap at right guard following Mekhi Becton’s departure to the Los Angeles Chargers.
To help fill this void, the Eagles have opted to bring back a familiar face—veteran offensive lineman Matt Pryor.
Matt Pryor Returns to Philadelphia After Four-Year Absence
Pryor, who was originally selected by the Eagles in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, last played for Philadelphia in 2020 before being traded to the Indianapolis Colts ahead of the 2021 season. Known for his versatility, Pryor has experience playing both guard and tackle, offering the Eagles a flexible and dependable option on the offensive line.
During his previous stint with Philadelphia, Pryor started 10 games in 2020, primarily as a guard. However, upon his move to Indianapolis, he transitioned to tackle, where he struggled to find consistent success. His return to Philadelphia signals the team’s intent to add depth and competition at a crucial position.
The Eagles’ Current Guard Situation
Despite bringing in Pryor, Philadelphia still appears to be evaluating its options at right guard. The rest of the offensive line remains largely intact, with Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, and Lane Johnson securing four of the five spots. The primary question mark lies at right guard, where the Eagles have multiple contenders, including Pryor.
The current candidates for the position include former third-round pick Tyler Steen, ex-Houston Texans first-round selection Kenyon Green, and now, Pryor.
Green struggled to solidify himself as a reliable starter in Houston but will be hoping to revive his career under the guidance of Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland. Becton experienced a resurgence in Philadelphia last season, and the team hopes Green can follow a similar path.
Steen, who was drafted out of Alabama in 2023, has also had a limited opportunity to showcase his abilities. While he has struggled at times in training camp, he flashed potential in limited action last season, including a solid performance when he stepped in during the Eagles’ Week 3 victory over the New Orleans Saints.
Can Pryor Earn a Starting Spot?
Although the Eagles will likely give Steen or Green the first opportunity to win the starting right guard job, Pryor remains a viable fallback option.
Green is entering the final year of his rookie contract unless the Eagles choose to exercise his fifth-year option, which would cost over $16 million—a decision that seems unlikely given his struggles. However, his raw talent and physical attributes make him an intriguing candidate for development.
As for Steen, the Eagles invested a third-round pick in him, suggesting they see him as a potential long-term solution. However, young players either rise to the occasion or struggle to adapt, and if neither Steen nor Green proves ready, Pryor stands as a dependable alternative.
While Pryor may not be an elite guard, he brings stability and experience to a position that continues to grow in importance. He was one of the few bright spots on an otherwise struggling offensive line with the Chicago Bears last season. His ability to provide reliable play makes him a valuable insurance policy for Philadelphia.
Ultimately, the Eagles’ right guard competition remains open, but Pryor’s return offers much-needed depth and a proven veteran presence as the team looks to maintain its reputation for dominant offensive line play.
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