Eagles Add Center Tennant, Release Vallos

The Eagles have made a roster move at center, signing Matt Tennant and releasing Steve Vallos.

Tennant (6-5, 300) was originally a fifth-round pick by the Saints in 2010. He played his college ball at Boston College. In 2010 and 2011, Tennant appeared in six games for New Orleans, but did not start any of them, according to Pro Football Focus. He was let go and claimed on waivers by the Patriots before this season. New England released Tennant once previously, but ended up re-signing him. Tennant did not dress for any games with the Patriots.

Here’s the NFL.com write-up on Tennant from when he was drafted:

Strengths: Tennant possesses a nice blend of size and athleticism. Displays impressive initial quickness and agility to reach his blocks at the second level. Is a real technician with great field awareness. Exhibits good hand use and gets his arms extended and locked. Body control and balance are also impressive.

Weaknesses: Has a good frame but lacks good bulk for the position. Does not possess the power to consistently deal with the bull rush when pass blocking or blow interior lineman off the ball in the running game. Is not a great knee bender.

The Eagles clearly feel like they have to upgrade the offensive line, but their options are limited right now. They’ve handed the starting left tackle spot back to King Dunlap, demoting Demetress Bell for the time-being. They also worked out veteran tackle/guard Chris Williams, but he signed with the Rams.

The Eagles have been scrambling at center ever since Jason Kelce tore his ACL in Week 2 against the Ravens. Kelce had surgery yesterday but is out for the season.

Dallas Reynoldshas started the last four games, but he’s been shaky. Vallos spent training camp with the Eagles, but was cut before the season started. He was re-signed after the Kelce injury, but didn’t dress the last two games.

There’s a chance Tennant could push Reynolds, but considering we’re already in Week 8, he’ll have to make up for lost time.

Follow Sheil Kapadia on Twitter and e-mail him at skapadia@phillymag.com.