Cowboys to sign Eagles legend Jason Peters, start him on practice squad
By Adam Weinrib
The long ramp-up period took much of the surprise out of this signing, but the week of anticipation — followed by some additional training behind the scenes — could do wonders for Cowboys fans trying to make the mental adjustment of seeing Jason Peters wearing their uniform. By the time he’s actually ready, the vision should be old hat.
After a meeting at The Star that seemed more like a formality than a free agent sales pitch, the Cowboys and Peters reportedly agreed on terms Monday morning that will bring the legendary 40-year-old left tackle to Dallas. Michael Gehlken was first on the agreement.
Once the long-rumored deal is completed, Peters will begin on the Cowboys’ practice squad, and will serve as a mentor for 2022 draftee Tyler Smith before he ever gets the chance to replace Tyron Smith on the field.
Dallas’ first battle with the Philadelphia Eagles comes Week 6 in Philly, and that also feels like a solid rough estimate of when Peters might be ready for action. If this league is as scripted now as it’s been in the past, you can rest assured Roger Goodell will be agitating to get Jerry Jones to play along there.
As if Jerry ever needed any goading to create great theater, though, right?
Cowboys plan a gradual rampup program for LT Jason Peters, a customary process for any new addition. His imminent signing addresses arguably their No. 1 roster need six days before the season opener. https://t.co/Xp0v8ObWKP https://t.co/XGBxNH5SxG
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) September 5, 2022
Cowboy sign Jason Peters to practice squad
Peters, who spent 12 years in Philadelphia before a one-year trip to Chicago, is a Texas native, despite his east-coast ties. Even though it feels like he’s leaving the nest, he’s actually coming home.
That hasn’t made the rumored adjustment any easier for Peters’ ex-Eagles mentees, though, as Jordan Mailata laid his thoughts bare this week:
"“That’s going to be really strange,” Jordan Mailata said after the news of Peters’ visit to Dallas broke. “That’s the one thing I did think about actually, was seeing him in a Dallas Cowboys outfit. It’s kind of weird.”"
Weird for both sides, Jordan.
The Cowboys didn’t have much to lose here, and certainly weren’t going to find some sort of roster-fringe swing tackle with more gravitas or ability than Peters. When he’s ready, he’ll hopefully be entrenched on the left side of the line.
