Cowboys have nothing to lose by bringing in ex-Eagles OT Jason Peters

There are 10 days until the start of the regular season and the Dallas Cowboys have finally decided to look externally for help with the offensive line. Even before the team’s All-Pro left tackle Tyron Smith went down with an avulsion fracture in his knee, the team was still having issues finding a solid swing tackle option with Josh Ball and Matt Waletzko underperforming in preseason games. However, the front office continued to reiterate using players on the current roster.

After 53-man rosters and practice squads were announced on Wednesday, the Cowboys announced they’d be bringing in veteran OT Jason Peters for a visit on Thursday.

With the top free agents and cut offensive linemen already off the board, meeting with Peters on Thursday gives Dallas a chance to speak with one of the only viable tackle options left at this point in the offseason.

Peters has had a long tenure in the NFL. In 17 seasons, the tackle has collected nine Pro Bowl nods, two All-Pro designations, and a Super Bowl ring in 228 games played. Cowboys fans likely remember Peters for his 11-year stint with the Eagles from 2009-2020.

The 40-year-old spent the 2021 season with the Chicago Bears. Despite his age, the left tackle started in 15 games. He’s certainly not the best version of himself, but he was more durable than Tyron Smith was last year.

The Cowboys are bringing in former Eagles OT Jason Peters for a visit

The Cowboys have absolutely nothing to lose with this visit. If he isn’t in good health, they go back to the plan Stephen Jones has been preaching for the last week — staying in-house to fill Tyron’s role.

Bringing Peters in would give Tyler Smith a new veteran to learn from with Tyron Smith out until at least December. It would mean the rookie wouldn’t be expected to make a transition to a full-time left tackle in his first year in the pros.

Back in July, the free agent did an interview with Sirius XM where he said that he’s remaining in shape and ready for an opportunity if it comes his way.

"“I don’t have a time frame. Whenever the opportunity comes, I am going to give it one more run at it. Try to get me another ring or pass on some knowledge to some of the young kids, up-and-coming. But I don’t have a time frame on when I’m gonna get signed. Last year was like two-and-a-half weeks into training camp. Whenever the time comes, I’ll be ready.”"

The 40-year-old obviously isn’t the player he used to be, but even at 39 years old, he was PFF’s 21st-ranked tackle in 2021 with a grade of 77.5. If Peters plays in the NFL this year, he will be the second-oldest player in the league behind non-other than Tom Brady.