The Philadelphia Eagles have faced their share of challenges with injuries along the offensive line, but two players stood tall through it all: left tackle Jordan Mailata and right guard Tyler Steen.
Mailata's performance is as dependable as they come, earning him All-Pro recognition. However, the spotlight is on Steen, who, despite some doubts among fans, is seen as a promising talent by the Eagles' management. General Manager Howie Roseman expressed confidence in Steen's potential, especially as he steps into his second year as a starter.
"We've got four Pro Bowl players returning to our offensive line, which is thrilling," Roseman mentioned. "We also have young talent like Tyler Steen, and with free agency and the draft ahead, we're in a strong position."
So, should the Eagles stick with Steen in 2026? Absolutely.
His reliability is crucial, especially given the injury concerns with Lane Johnson, Landon Dickerson, and Cam Jurgens. Steen played every game, a testament to his durability.
Last season, Steen showed promise in his right guard role. He allowed 36 pressures, two sacks, and one quarterback hit over 589 pass-blocking snaps. While penalties were a concern, with nine called against him, his overall performance earned him a Pro Football Focus grade of 71.6, ranking him 17th out of 81 NFL guards.
Some fans are eyeing free agent Mekhi Becton as a potential addition. However, Steen's performance suggests he's not just holding his ground-he's growing into it. With more experience, he could very well become one of the Eagles' standout linemen.
If the Eagles are considering bolstering their offensive line through free agency or the draft, the focus should be on finding a successor for Johnson. For now, Steen appears to be a solid choice for the Eagles' future.