What retirement of star means for Eagles offensive line

Following Jason Kelce’s emotional retirement news conference on Monday, the Eagles are left with an enormous hole in their lineup.

Replacing the 13-year veteran — a player who made All-Pro six times and is considered by some to be the greatest center in NFL history and possibly the greatest Eagle — will be challenging.

Third-year player Cam Jurgens, who started 11 games at right guard for Philadelphia in 2023, is expected to take over for Kelce. The Eagles drafted the 6-foot-3, 303-pound Jurgens in the second round in 2022 out of Nebraska with the hope that he would one day fill Kelce’s spot in the lineup. 

With Kelce anchoring the unit, the offensive line has been a strength of the Eagles for years. Head coach Nick Sirianni and Co. rely on the renowned line to pave the way for the running game, protect quarterback Jalen Hurts and to reliably execute the team’s famous “Brotherly Shove” play.

Jurgens is the beneficiary of offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland’s tutelage and was touted by Kelce to be his replacement, but someone will have to take his job at right guard.

The Eagles have 2023 third-round pick Tyler Steen (Alabama) on the roster. Drafted as a tackle, Steen played guard as a rookie. 

Solid options might be available in free agency, including Ravens guard Kevin Zeitler. Another option might be Packers guard Jon Runyan Jr., whose father played for Philadelphia for nine years.

The Eagles also hold the No. 22 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and may well use a high pick to invest in a tackle to fill in at guard and slide over to tackle after Pro Bowler Lane Johnson, 33, retires.