After sitting out for the 2008 season, Bell was named the starting left tackle in 2009. Bell got hurt midway through 2009 and only played in 8 games. In 2010 he started and played in all 16 games for the Bills, but played in just 7 games last year.
Bell took over when Jason Peters signed with the Eagles in 2009, and now he will once again be attempting to replace Peters. Although he has been injured, Bell was still considered one of the better offensive linemen available in free agency.
Reid had this to say on the signing: “Demetress was one of the top free agent offensive linemen available this year and we are happy to be able to add him to our squad. We had a chance to meet him over the weekend and study him extensively on tape and we came away quite impressed with what we saw and heard. He’s a great athlete.”
I really like this signing because it enables the Eagles to go ahead and bolster their defense in the draft. When Peters got hurt last week, it seemed like maybe the Eagles would have to change their plans of drafting a linebacker or defensive tackle and instead go after an offensive lineman. Now with a suitable replacement, the Eagles can go ahead and look into drafting a safety, linebacker, or defensive tackle.
It will be interesting to see how Bell fits in with the rest of the line. Toward the end of last year the offensive line really started to gel. Herremans, Watkins, Kelce, Mathis, and Peters eventually came together and provided Vick with some good protection. The Eagles certainly recognized the improved play of the offensive line by re-signing both Mathis and Herremans to long term deals. So when Peters went down, it was a crushing blow to the offensive line. Hopefully Bell can come in and fill in nicely for Peters while he is out.
Peters underwent successful surgery yesterday, and while no official timetable has been set for his return, it looks like he will miss over half of the 2012 season. The Eagles will have to do without the pro bowler and hope that Bell will be a suitable substitute.
Looking ahead to the rest of the off season, in the draft the Eagles need to focus on defense, defense, defense. In addition, the Eagles should also look to lock up Lesean McCoy and not have his contract status be a distraction in training camp.
any word on the contract status? like salary/guaranteed dollars?
ReplyDeleteWhat are the odds that he actually wins the job from King Dunlap. I think Dunlap is being sold short, and Bell a little overhyped. No matter what, an experienced tackle was needed if for no other reason than as depth
ReplyDeleteEven if Bell wins the job, he sat in 2008, got hurt in 2009, played all 16 in 2010 and played 7 in 2011