PHILADELPHIA — Offensive tackle Fred Johnson Thursday signed a two-year contract with the Eagles, who had released him Wednesday.
While it wasn’t your typical NFL transaction, the Eagles were able to shed Johnson’s old contract and keep the 26-year-old with the incredibly long 34-inch arms around for development. Left tackle Jordan Mailata has the longest arms on the Birds, his wings checking in at 35.5 inches, a 1/4 inch longer than Lane Johnson’s.
Johnson’s release opened eyes. The 6-7, 326-pound product of Florida was having a stellar training camp and enjoying every moment of it.
Now it’s clear what the Eagles think of him.
Johnson is a legit left tackle who broke into the league as an undrafted free agent with the Steelers in 2019. The Bengals claimed him off waivers and plugged him into their injury plagued offensive line for 28 games, including six starts in 2020.
While the Eagles boast one of the NFL’s most accomplished starting units, Johnson hasn’t completed a season healthy in five years.
The move could make veteran tackle/guard Dennis Kelly expendable.
• • •
Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin survived what Eagles center Jason Kelce admitted was a “cheap shot” in their joint practice Tuesday.
Kelce basically apologized for taking a run at Franklin, who was playing aggressive defense on running back Kenneth Gainwell when the center delivered a blindside block after the play.
It was an unwelcome return for Franklin, a who grew up in Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood.
“I wouldn’t advise any of you guys to drive through it,” Franklin told reporters this week. “It’s probably the wort corner in Philadelphia. Anytime in the offseason I get a chance to stop by and just be some type of joy to those kids, to those teachers, for that community, I’ll always do so. Obviously, helping the kids and where I’m from means so much to me and just giving back is a part of everything that I am. Every time I get a chance to be with those kids and be around those kids, it inspires me just as much as I inspire them.”
Franklin attended Conwell Middle School and La Salle College High School. Said Franklin, “I’m a Philly boy through and through.”
• • •
NOTES >> Eagles receiver Devon Allen returned the opening kickoff 73 yards after bobbling it. … Nick Sirianni entered Thursday with a 1-5-2 record in the preseason. … Sirianni says he’s let go of his angst for the Colts, who are coached by Shane Steichen, the former offensive coordinator of the Eagles. Sirianni was bitter over the way his mentor, Frank Reich, was discarded by the Colts a couple of years ago. “No hard feelings anywhere,” Sirianni said this week. “I have a lot of good people in [the Colts] organization that I’m looking forward to saying hello to.” ,,, Jalen Hurts on Friday will participate in a symposium with Laila Ali, two-time Olympic gold medalist Carli Lloyd, and women’s football pioneer Qiana Wright on support for female athletes.
Source: Berkshire mont
Be First to Comment