Eagles Stay or Go 2025: The Backup Offensive Tackles
In the continually evolving world of the Philadelphia Eagles, the futures of every player on the roster are being scrutinized and discussed. Reuben Frank and Dave Zangaro, two seasoned analysts, have brought back their "Stay or Go" series to assess the 2025 prospects for each player. This article focuses on the offensive tackles, a critical position for the team’s success. Here are their takeaways on the backup offensive tackles.
Le’Raven Clark: A Veteran with Question Marks
Le’Raven Clark, a smart and experienced veteran, spent the entire 2024 season on Injured Reserve after suffering a significant injury in May. Clark, now 31, hasn’t played in a regular season game since 2022 when he was with the Titans. Despite his value as a mentor and the respect he commands from teammates like Jordan Mailata, the likelihood of his return is slim. The combination of his age, recent serious injury, and the lack of recent playing time makes it difficult to justify a spot on the 53-man roster. Both Frank and Zangaro agree that Clark’s career is probably over and that he will not be part of the Eagles’ plans for 2025.
Jack Driscoll: A Versatile Free Agent
Jack Driscoll’s 2024 season was anything but straightforward. He initially signed with the Dolphins but was released before the regular season. The Eagles re-signed him, and he began the season on the practice squad. Driscoll’s versatility and ability to back up multiple positions, including tackle and guard, made him a valuable asset. Injuries led to his promotion to the active roster, and he even won a Super Bowl ring despite missing the end of the season due to an ankle injury. Both Frank and Zangaro see the upside in bringing Driscoll back on a one-year deal. The Eagles need depth and versatility, and Driscoll, who is relatively inexpensive, fits the bill. His health will be a key factor, but the Eagles should have little hesitation in giving him another chance.
Lane Johnson: The Best Right Tackle in the Business
Lane Johnson’s status is a no-brainer for the Eagles. Despite turning 35 in May, Johnson is still widely regarded as the best right tackle in the NFL. A six-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro (with two first-team honors and three second-team honors), Johnson has also won two Super Bowls and started in three. His enthusiasm and continued high level of play are invaluable to the team. Both Frank and Zangaro agree that Johnson will be back in 2025. Johnson’s longevity and consistent performance make him a cornerstone of the offensive line, and his presence will be crucial as the Eagles aim to defend their title.
Fred Johnson: A Cinderella Story
Fred Johnson’s journey to the Eagles is a heartwarming tale of perseverance. After being released by the Steelers, Bengals, and Buccaneers, he found a home in Philadelphia. Under the tutelage of offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, Johnson transformed into a reliable backup and even started six games in 2024, including five at left tackle and one at right tackle. While there was a noticeable decline from Mailata’s level, Johnson held his own and played a significant role in the Super Bowl championship. Frank believes that Johnson will stay with the Eagles, given his value and the team’s need for depth. However, Zangaro is more cautious, noting that while Johnson is a valuable player, another team might overpay for his services. Despite this, Zangaro still thinks Johnson has a better chance of staying, given the Eagles’ investment in his development.
Darian Kinnard: A Developing Talent
Darian Kinnard, a 6-5, 322-pound tackle, was a Super Bowl winner in 2024, his third consecutive title, having previously played for the Chiefs in 2022 and 2023. However, he only played in two games during the regular season and was inactive for all four postseason games. The Eagles signed Kinnard in February 2024, and while they kept him on the roster, his playing time was limited. Both Frank and Zangaro see potential in Kinnard, who has tackle-guard versatility. They believe he will likely stay on the practice squad in 2025, providing depth and a chance to move up the depth chart if the team loses one or two offensive linemen as free agents.
Brett Toth: A Long-Term Project
Brett Toth, a former Army player, has been a staple on the Eagles’ practice squad since 2019. Stoutland has spent considerable time transforming Toth from an exclusive run blocker to a viable NFL backup. Toth’s positional versatility and extensive practice experience under Stoutland make him a valuable developmental asset. Both Frank and Zangaro agree that Toth will likely be back for training camp, where his skills will be further honed. However, they do not see him making the 53-man roster at the start of the season. Another year on the practice squad seems the most likely outcome for Toth, as the Eagles continue to invest in his growth.
Laekin Vakalahi: An International Exemption Lifer
Laekin Vakalahi, an Australian player, has been with the Eagles under an international roster exemption. He spent the entire 2024 season on the practice squad as the team’s 17th player. Vakalahi’s role is primarily developmental, and both Frank and Zangaro expect him to continue in this capacity in 2025. While he won’t see the 53-man roster, the Eagles see potential in Vakalahi and will likely keep him around to further his development and maintain depth.
Conclusion
The Eagles’ offensive line, particularly the tackle positions, will undergo some changes as the 2025 season approaches. Le’Raven Clark and Laekin Vakalahi are expected to move on, while Jack Driscoll and Darian Kinnard are likely to remain, providing depth and versatility. Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata, both proven high-caliber players, are almost certain to stay. The Eagles will need to carefully balance experience, potential, and cost to ensure they have a strong and resilient offensive line for the upcoming season.
