It was an emotional day in the City of Brotherly Love as Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce officially announced his retirement. As the face of the franchise for over a decade, Kelce will be missed both on and off the field in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Eagles News Today
Following Kelce’s retirement, Philadelphia general manager Howie Roseman will be tasked with assembling a Super Bowl contender once again. While the Eagles already have Kelce’s replacement in Cam Jurgens, there is more work to do. All of that and more in today’s Eagles news!
Jason Kelce Officially Announces Retirement After 13 Seasons With Eagles
There wasn’t a dry eye in the NovaCare Complex as Eagles long-time center Kelce announced his retirement on Monday, March 4. Kelce was more than just an elite player during his time in Philadelphia, he embodied what the city meant both on and off the field with his toughness and determination.
While many expected Kelce to retire this offseason, the reality of the move has yet to set in for many in Philadelphia. It’s only a matter of time before No. 62 is retired by the Eagles and Kelce will likely be the second statue to be featured outside of Lincoln Financial Field.
READ MORE: Eagles Legend Announces Retirement
What’s Next? Eagles Offseason Plans Center Around Replacing Jason Kelce
While many will doubt the Eagles following Kelce’s retirement, the franchise has been preparing for this day since 2022. Kelce essentially helped handpick his replacement in the 2022 NFL Draft after he informed the Eagles that his favorite player in the draft was Nebraska center Jurgens.
Philadelphia selected Jurgens with the 51st overall pick in the second round and he spent the last two seasons learning from Kelce. Jurgens started at right guard last season but will slide back to his natural position at center following Kelce’s retirement.
KEEP READING: Philadelphia’s Plan Without Jason Kelce
Jason Kelce’s Retirement Will Cause the Eagles To Regress According to Colin Cowherd
Although the Eagles will lose Kelce and potentially Fletcher Cox to retirement this offseason, they are in good shape moving forward. Despite their epic collapse last season, the Eagles will have nearly $40 million in cap space to work with in free agency.
If Jurgens can play well in relief of Kelce next season, Philadelphia should be a playoff team once again. The Eagles aren’t at risk of losing many starters in free agency, and they have plenty of cap space and draft capital to add talent to their roster this offseason.
CONTINUE READING: Eagles Expected to Regress in 2024
Will Helms’ 2024 NFL Mock Draft: Who Gets Caleb Williams If Chicago Keeps Justin Fields?
Although Kelce is the hot topic right now, the franchise has much bigger questions to address this offseason, most notable is the situation involving star pass rusher Haason Reddick and his future in Philadelphia.
If the Eagles are unable to agree to a contract extension with Reddick, he will likely be traded ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft. Pro Football Network’s Will Helms has the Eagles selecting an elite pass rusher with the 22nd overall pick in his latest mock draft.
READ MORE: Pro Football Network’s Latest Mock Draft
Jackson Powers-Johnson Reacts to Jason Kelce Retiring
After formally meeting with the Eagles at the Senior Bowl, Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson has been on nearly every fan’s radar in Philadelphia. Following Kelce’s retirement news, Powers-Johnson’s fit with the Eagles makes even more sense.
If the Eagles elect to keep Jurgens at right guard, Powers-Johnson could be a target for Philadelphia with the No. 22 pick. He already said he was ready for the tush push in an interview with Joe Castro of “Philly Philly The Podcast” at the Senior Bowl. Powers-Johnson posted a message to Kelce on social media following his announcement on Monday.
READ HERE: Top Center Prospect Pays Tribute to Jason Kelce
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