Eagles Pressed for the $67 million projected free agent

With franchise legend Jason Kelce likely to retire soon, Miami Dolphins center Connor Williams will be available for free. One analyst thinks the Philadelphia Eagles could look to sign Williams to replace Kelce.

Williams is the top free agent target that Philly should chase this offseason, according to Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder, and his rationale makes sense.

Philadelphia will have a lot of big shoes to fill in the middle of its offensive line now that Kelce is probably going to retire. Targeting Williams would make a lot of sense because he has experience playing guard as well, even if Cam Jurgens or Landon Dickerson shifts over to center, Holder wrote on January 10.

“The former Cowboy will likely be one of the top interior offensive linemen available in free agency after posting a good grade from Pro Football Focus this season. Granted, he is coming off of a torn ACL, so the medicals would need to check out, but this would be a great addition to ensure the Birds stay strong in the trenches.

Eagles 2024 Free Agency: What Might Connor Williams’ Projected Cont

As Holder noted, Williams suffered a torn ACL this season. The injury occurred Week 14, when the Dolphins lost to the Tennessee Titans. It typically takes at least nine months to recover from an ACL tear, but every player is differentract Look

Whether the injury will have a big impact on his contract negotiations will very likely depend on how his recovery is going. Spotrac has Williams projected to sign a five-year deal worth $68 million ($13.5 million per year). Pro Football Focus has a significantly lower projection, predicting the injury will force him to sign something more in the one-year, $6 million range.

Whatever amount he signs for, the veteran offensive lineman’s next contract will likely include multiple incentives based on health and performance.

The Eagles know Williams well, as he spent his first four seasons playing for their NFC East rivals, the Dallas Cowboys. A second-round pick for Dallas in 2018, Williams played in 57 games for the Cowboys (51 starts) before inking a two-year with the Dolphins in 2022.