How Does John Moffitt Fit In?


John Moffitt (Chris Humphreys/USA Today)

John Moffitt (Chris Humphreys/USA Today)

The Eagles gave themselves another option on the offensive line today, inking veteran John Moffitt to a one-year deal.

The 6-4, 319-pound guard started 15 games for the Seahawks in 2011 and 2012. Seattle traded him to the Broncos, and Moffitt decided midway through the 2013 season that he was done with football.

“I just really thought about it and decided I’m not happy. I’m not happy at all,” Moffitt told The Associated Press in a phone interview from Seattle. “And I think it’s really madness to risk your body, risk your well-being and risk your happiness for money.

“Everybody, they just don’t get it and they think it’s crazy. But I think what I was doing is crazy.”

It appears that there was more to the story. Moffitt has had his share of off-field issues, mostly related to drug and alcohol addiction. Jay Glazer Tweeted about Moffitt’s rehab efforts, which have led him to the decision that giving football another chance at the age of 28 is the right move.

So how does he fit in with the Eagles?

Really, a wide range of outcomes is in play. Moffitt has a chance to a starting job. The Eagles seem pretty comfortable with Allen Barbre at left guard, but the right guard spot is wide open. It’s possible that Moffitt could outplay guys like Matt TobinAndrew Gardner and Dennis Kelly to steal that spot.

There are a lot of variables with Moffitt – what kind of shape he’s in, how he’s dealing with addiction, where he’s at mentally – but from an on-field resume standpoint, he’d seem like a good bet to at least earn a backup job and provide some much needed depth.

However, it’s possible the Eagles are just taking a flier on him, and Moffitt won’t even crack the 53-man roster. He hasn’t played in a game of any kind since September 2013.

In addition to the links above, The New York Times also did a feature on Moffitt last year.

In order to make room for Moffitt on the roster, the Eagles released UDFA Cole Manhart.