The Philadelphia Eagles have a major void to fill.
Following All-Pro center Jason Kelce‘s retirement, the Eagles must figure out how to fill the leadership vacuum he leaves behind as well as ensure Cam Jurgens can quickly get on the same page with quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Former Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman and current analyst Barrett Brooks believes Kelce’s loss could be substantial on both fronts.
“Hurts will feel the biggest void of Kelce’s retirement,” Brooks recently told me. “He was probably the single biggest factor in Hurts’ development as a QB. Calling the defense, protections, run-blocking schemes, and blitz!
“Kelce was more than a locker room example and Captain. On the field, he was the best center in football. Probably the best lineman in football for a couple of years. His consistency gave him a voice in the locker room, on the field, and throughout Philadelphia as a man’s-man among the people.”
Stepping away from the sport when he was on top of his game, Kelce allowed just one sack and 12 total quarterback pressures during a stellar 2023 campaign.
How Philadelphia Eagles will Replace Jason Kelce
As for how the Philadelphia Eagles replace Kelce on the field, Cam Jurgens will likely slide from offensive guard to center.
Jurgens, originally chosen by the Eagles in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, is coming off a 2023 season in which he didn’t allow a single sack while surrendering just 22 quarterback pressures.
Prior to the Eagles drafting Jurgens, Kelce couldn’t have been higher on the then University of Nebraska standout.
“He’s my favorite center prospect of the last 3-to-5 years, I think he can be special,” Kelce said. “I’m excited to work with him. This kid offers a seamless transition, same type of player, with exceptional upside. It’s hard to explain why I think he’s so good, it comes down to how he moves and looks. He bends well, opens his hips, is very strong for his size, is an incredible athlete for his size. On top of that, just a great temperament, solid workhorse, lunch-pail mentality.”
Now, after learning from Kelce, Jurgens gets his chance to replace the Philadelphia Eagles legend.