‘09 Eagles UFA: OT Jon Runyan

Next up in the UFA spotlight, nine year Eagle offensive tackle Jon Runyan.

2008 Season Overview:

• Runyan has started 192 consecutive regular season games in the NFL, the 3rd longest streak at any position.  The fact that this streak is still alive is nothing short of a miracle, as Runyan made it through the final games of the year on a knee that required microfracture surgery.  Although it wasn’t his best year (16th amongst right tackles who played all 16 games with 7.0 sacks allowed), Runyan’s 2008 performance was chest-bump worthy.

2009 Outlook:

• The offensive tackle position is the #1 priority of the 2009 offseason and how the organization chooses to address this situation will impact the Eagles performance for years to come.  Both starting RT Runyan and LT Thomas are UFAs, but there are some options on the current roster:

1. Winston Justice - I know what your thinking, but one game means little to nothing about a player’s career.  Justice was a reliable on the blind-side in college, but maybe RT would suit him better in the NFL.  Plus you’ve got to hope he learned something from giving up six sacks to Osi in a single game.
2. Shawn Andrews - He’s still on the team, remember?  Since Andrews was drafted people have talked about his eventual transition to tackle.  Right now I’m more concerned with him playing in ‘09, regardless of position.  I better not read a “Andrews Retires” headline heading into training camp.  I’d be forced to go find him and beat him with my shoe (then run and die), which would just depress him more (or revitalize his bloodlust).
3. Todd Herremans - If Andrews returns in ‘09, Nick Cole proved that he can play in the NFL last year.  He could step into the LG spot (Cole is currently listed as backup to both guard spots on the Eagles depth chart), allowing Herremans to move to RT in place of Runyan.

Zero sacks in 6 of your final 11 games against the Eagles buddy. I win.

• Runyan’s microfracture surgery and his age will both hinder his ability to strike gold on the free agent market.  However, there are teams that could use a proven, reliable right tackle.   Runyan will need to face the potentially uphill battle of convincing another team he is healthy to pay big money for, but it’s possible he ends up leaving Philadelphia if Banner tries to get a home-town discount.
• Runyan may not sign with anyone until more can be determined about the status of his knee.

Will he be an Eagle in ‘09?

• I sure hope so.
• Runyan is the type of hard-working, blue-collar player that Philadelphia fans love.  He has proven time and time again that he will give everything he has for Andy Reid and the Philadelphia Eagles team.  If he’s healthy enough to play, I would love to resign Runyan to a 2 year, $6-8 million deal; he’s a hell of a football player and a great locker room presence as well.