Breaking: Former giants commander sign a blockbuster deal with eagles.
The Philadelphia Eagles are trying to strengthen their depth in a couple areas on the roster as training camp is now underway. With the addition of former Commanders and Giants center Nick Gates, that search has resumed today. NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo reports that Gates has agreed to terms with the Eagles.
Although Gates’ career hasn’t been particularly spectacular as a center in the NBA, he has been reliable. Additionally, he played for the Commanders and the Giants, two teams with less than ideal conditions. He could be able to get to the next level by moving to Philadelphia, where he can train under one of the top offensive coaching staffs in the league. The versatility that Gates offers is also a huge plus because he has experience playing guard.
Philadelphia’s offensive line is severely lacking in the middle after retiring one of the greatest centers of all time, Jason Kelce. One of the most important positions on the squad is center, thus selecting a new center to partner with franchise quarterback Jalen Hurts will be crucial to the team’s chances of winning this season.
Despite not having had the biggest influence in his five seasons with the Eagles’ division rivals, Gates’ experience will probably be a huge advantage. Cam Jurgens, who spent his first two seasons at Lincoln Financial Field primarily playing guard, has been considered as Kelce’s long-term centerfield replacement. Since he hasn’t truly taken up the role yet, Gates was appointed because of his background.
After the Eagles had a stellar 10-1 start to the season, it appeared that they would have another successful postseason run in 2023. But the team disintegrated. The squad won just one game the rest of the season—a Christmas Day victory over the division rival Giants at home—after the calendar switched to December. A loss against NFC South champion Tampa Bay in the Wild Card round marked the end of the season. Following that defeat, Kelce, a near-certain first-ballot Hall of Famer, announced his retirement.
