OT Jason Peters says he 'feels great’ and wants to play into his 40s

Connected to a possible return to the Eagles for what would be a 12th season in Philadelphia, offensive tackle Jason Peters remains a free agent. And he either is attempting to convince teams he can be an option for longer than one season or believes he will legitimately play into his 40s.

The nine-time Pro Bowl left tackle has said he feels great and views playing past 40 as realistic, according to NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo (video link). While the Eagles and Peters appear to be in a holding pattern for now, Garafolo adds other teams have engaged in discussions with the 38-year-old blocker.

Teams such as the Broncos and Chargers make sense for a stopgap left tackle. Neither drafted one, and the Chargers now have a new quarterback investment — in No. 6 overall pick Justin Herbert — and a glaring vacancy at left tackle after trading Russell Okung to the Panthers for Trai Turner. The Broncos, Chargers, Browns and Jets could be suitors, according to James Palmer of NFL.com, but nothing concrete has emerged on Peters beyond a potential Eagles return. 

The Browns and Jets drafted tackles in Round 1, and each is expected to start in Week 1.

Denver did not pick up Garett Bolles‘ fifth-year option and was not in the mix for Trent Williams, Palmer adds. As of now, the Broncos’ plan is for Bolles and swing man Elijah Wilkinson — who started at right tackle for most of 2019 due — to battle for the left tackle spot. The Broncos carry just more than $17M in cap space; the Chargers hold $22M-plus. Both teams were active in March, adding several new starters, and the Broncos loaded up on offensive playmakers in the draft. Each AFC West squad, though, has a big question at left tackle.

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As for Peters’ plans of playing past 40, that would be a rare occurrence for his position. Hall of Fame right tackle Jackie Slater and Ray Brown, who primarily played guard in his 20-year career, are the only tackles in NFL history to suit up for age-40 seasons. Andrew Whitworth, however, just re-signed a multiyear deal with the Rams. He will turn 39 later this year.