December 23, 2024

The Seattle Seahawks have signed veteran offensive tackle Jason Peters to their practice squad, as initially reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. This move, later confirmed by Peters’ agency, Elite Loyalty Sports, brings back the nine-time Pro Bowler for his 20th NFL season, marking another chapter in his storied career. Peters, now 42, entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of Arkansas in 2004, and despite being sidelined for the entire 2012 season, he has consistently been one of the most respected offensive linemen in the game.

Peters last suited up for the Seahawks in 2023, where he played in eight games, including two starts. Although most of his career was spent with the Buffalo Bills (2004-2008) and Philadelphia Eagles (2009-2020), where he built his Hall of Fame-worthy résumé, his brief stints with the Dallas Cowboys and the Seahawks in recent years show that he remains a valuable contributor even in the twilight of his career.

Interestingly, Peters had visited the Seahawks the previous week, though at that time, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald did not suggest that a signing was imminent. However, the recent confirmation from his agency signals that the deal is all but official. “Well, it would be on the practice squad,” Macdonald had said when discussing Peters last Wednesday. “Had a great experience with him last year from everyone that was here. So, we’ll see what happens next week or so.”

Though primarily known as a left tackle throughout his career, Peters has also gained some experience playing guard, particularly during his time with the Cowboys and Seahawks in the 2022 and 2023 seasons, as noted by Pro Football Focus. This versatility may come in handy for Seattle, given their recent struggles at the guard positions. Both right guard Anthony Bradford and left guard Laken Tomlinson have had inconsistent performances, and it’s likely that Peters could be seen as a potential upgrade at one of those spots.

If Peters can offer even temporary relief in the guard positions, it could provide a significant boost to Seattle’s offensive line. However, it is less likely that Peters would be slotted in at right tackle, where Stone Forsythe has shown marked improvement in his play.

Despite the signing, there is no certainty that Peters will see the field in the immediate future. Much of that will depend on how Seattle’s current offensive line performs in upcoming games. For instance, in their recent 42-29 loss to the Detroit Lions, Seattle’s offensive line had its moments, and if the coaching staff is satisfied with the overall performance, Peters may remain more of a backup option. Nevertheless, Peters’ signing gives the Seahawks flexibility, offering them an experienced veteran who can step in if necessary.

In sum, while Jason Peters may not immediately be a game-changer for the Seahawks, his wealth of experience, versatility, and potential to fill gaps in the offensive line make him a valuable addition to the team. Even if his role is limited to the practice squad or occasional fill-in duty, having a player of his caliber and leadership could prove to be a smart move for Seattle as they navigate the challenges of the NFL season.

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