Jason Peters received the contract extension he wanted from the Philadelphia Eagles instead of the Buffalo Bills.
Inside the Peters trade
In teaming Jason Peters with another offseason addition, Stacy Andrews, the Eagles have afforded their offensive stars a golden opportunity, writes Bucky Brooks. More ...
NFL Network's Michael Lombardi reports that Peters' six-year extension is worth $60 million, with $24 million guaranteed.
The Bills received the 28th overall pick -- the second of the Eagles' two first-round picks -- and a fourth-round selection in next week's NFL draft. Buffalo also acquired Philadelphia's sixth-round pick in the 2010 draft, NFL.com's Steve Wyche reports.
"Jason Peters is the best left tackle in football," Eagles coach Andy Reid said. "He is a powerful and athletic tackle, and I have admired his play over the last few years on film. I have always believed that success in the NFL is derived from the strong play of the offensive and defensive lines. This offseason, we have added two young, top-flight offensive linemen in Jason and Stacy Andrews."
While the Bills lose their most talented offensive lineman, they rid themselves of a potential headache. Peters was threatening to repeat last year's offseason holdout. He was scheduled to make a base salary of $7.2 million over the final two years of his contract.
By landing Peters, the Eagles fill an immediate hole on their offensive line after left tackle Tra Thomas signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars in free agency last month. Thomas, who protected quarterback Donovan McNabb's blind side the last 10 seasons, didn't receive an offer from Philadelphia. The Eagles still have their own first-round pick, the 21st overall, and nine other picks. They acquired the 28th pick from the Carolina Panthers in a draft-day trade last year.
The Eagles have revamped their offensive line since losing to the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC Championship Game. Philadelphia signed Andrews, the former Cincinnati Bengals right tackle, early in free agency. Stacy Andrews, the brother of Eagles right guard Shawn Andrews, is expected to replace longtime starter Jon Runyan, an unrestricted free agent who's coming off knee surgery.
Wilcots' take
During a live chat on NFL.com, NFL Network analyst Solomon Wilcots was asked what's next for the Bills after the trade of Jason Peters to the Eagles.
"At No. 11, hope that Michael Oher falls to you. But you might have to move up to get him. Then, with the pick at No. 28, hope that you can get your hands on that TE you need in Brandon Pettigrew. He could be available. An offensive linemen to replace Peters, and a tight end to help out Trent Edwards, is what you're looking for." More ...
Without Peters, the Bills have another need to address in either free agency or the draft. Buffalo already was in the midst of revamping its offensive line after releasing left guard Derrick Dockery and electing not to re-sign centers Duke Preston and Melvin Fowler in February.
The Bills, coming off their third straight 7-9 season, have added Geoff Hangartner, who's expected to take over at center, and versatile journeyman Seth McKinney in free agency.
After his rookie season, Peters was converted into an offensive lineman, and started 10 games at right tackle in 2005. He moved over to the left side midway through the following season.
By acquiring the 28th overall pick from Philadelphia, Buffalo now has three of the first 42 selections in the draft, including the 11th overall. Aside from offensive line, the Bills have specific needs on defense, including adding a lineman or an outside linebacker.
Right tackle Langston Walker is a candidate to take over for Peters. Walker filled in on the left side during Peters' holdout last year and in Buffalo's season opener.
Peters was fined by the Bills more than $600,000 for missing mandatory minicamp and all of training camp last year before reporting to the team one day before the season opener. It's not clear whether Peters paid those fines.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
