It’s that time of year again—when rosters are scrutinized like fine print on a contract and every position battle gets fans buzzing. And for the Philadelphia Eagles, the conversation isn't about quarterback drama or the wide receiver depth chart. Nope. This summer, the spotlight’s laser-focused on one of the trenches: the right guard position.
While the rest of the offensive line looks pretty much like a fortress—with some of the best names in the business locked in—the right guard spot still has a question mark hovering over it. And one name keeps popping up in every Eagles fan’s mind: Tyler Steen.
Now here’s the thing. If you rewind the tape to last offseason, this exact scenario played out before. Steen, a 2023 third-round draft pick out of Alabama, came in with promise. Coaches liked his potential. Fans were hopeful. And by all accounts, he looked like the early favorite to fill the right guard role even then.
But football—like life—is full of surprises.
💥 The Becton Bump
Enter Mekhi Becton. The big man on a one-year deal had something to prove—and boy, did he deliver. While Steen showed flashes in camp, Becton seized the moment. He made it clear, on the field and off, that he wasn’t there to just fill space on the roster. He wanted that starting job—and he earned it.
Fast forward, and Becton turned that opportunity into a payday, signing a lucrative deal this past March with the Los Angeles Chargers. Can’t blame the guy—he played his cards right.
So, here we are again. Becton’s moved on. The Eagles are back to square one. And just like last year, Tyler Steen is being penciled in as the “early favorite” to win the job. But is this just another repeat of 2024? Or has the young guard actually leveled up?
🔒 The Core is Locked In
Let’s take a step back and look at what’s solidified. Four out of five spots on the offensive line are already etched in stone:
-
Left Tackle: Jordan Mailata – the Aussie phenom turned franchise cornerstone.
-
Left Guard: Landon Dickerson – a monster in the run game and a rising star.
-
Center: Cam Jurgens – the versatile weapon who smoothly transitioned from guard and earned a Pro Bowl nod after Jason Kelce’s retirement.
-
Right Tackle: Lane Johnson – the future Hall of Famer who’s basically a wall with a pulse.
That’s a lineup any team would dream of. But that fifth slot—the right guard position—is still in flux. And that’s where Tyler Steen comes in.
🚀 All Eyes on Tyler Steen
After a year of development, working under the ever-demanding eyes of Eagles' O-line coach Jeff Stoutland, Steen’s entering this offseason with a ton of upside. He’s got a better feel for the system. He knows the playbook. And more importantly, he knows what he’s competing for now.
Steen’s raw strength and college tape have always been impressive, but NFL speed is a different animal. The 2023 season gave him time to grow, adjust, and, most importantly, learn from one of the best coaching staffs in the league.
🧠 The Jeff Stoutland Factor
Let’s talk about Jeff Stoutland for a second. The man is a magician when it comes to the offensive line. He doesn’t just coach players—he transforms them. We're talking about a guy who has helped turn rookies into Pro Bowlers and practice squad players into long-term starters.
If there’s anyone who can unlock Tyler Steen’s potential, it’s Coach Stout.
And it’s not just about Steen getting better. It’s about him being in the right environment to do so. Philadelphia has always prioritized the offensive line—financially, structurally, and culturally. And with guys like Lane Johnson and Jurgens nearby, you can bet Steen is learning from some of the best mentors around.
🗣️ A Vote of Confidence from a Pro Bowler
Speaking of Cam Jurgens, the guy who knows a thing or two about playing right guard and now leads the line at center, he’s already dropping positive feedback about Steen. That’s not just some casual locker room endorsement—it’s a serious confidence boost coming from someone who understands what it takes to make it in the trenches.
According to reports out of camp, Jurgens is excited about what Steen brings to the table. The tone? Optimistic. The energy? High. It sounds like Steen is making the most of every rep and earning the trust of his teammates along the way.
And in the NFL, trust matters—a lot.
🧩 Why This Battle Matters
Here’s why all of this matters more than most position battles you’ll see this offseason:
-
The Eagles rely heavily on their run-pass option (RPO) schemes, and a weak link on the line can blow the whole thing up.
-
With Jalen Hurts under center, mobility is a big factor, but that doesn’t work without solid protection inside.
-
The NFC East is loaded with interior defensive talent—Steen is going to need to hold his own against the likes of Dexter Lawrence, Jonathan Allen, and Osa Odighizuwa.
A reliable right guard can be the difference between 3rd-and-long heartbreaks and chain-moving drives.
📌 So... Is This Tyler Steen’s Time?
It’s starting to feel like it. The stars might finally be aligning. No Becton standing in his way this year. No mystery vet signing looming (at least for now). Just an open spot, a huge opportunity, and one highly motivated young lineman.
And with Stoutland running the show and veterans like Jurgens, Johnson, and Mailata offering backup, Steen’s not walking into this battle blind. He’s prepped, primed, and poised to step into the starting five.
Of course, this is the NFL—we’ve seen surprises before. Training camp can flip a depth chart upside down in a heartbeat. But if Steen comes out strong, stays healthy, and puts in the work, there’s no reason he can’t claim that right guard job for good.
🏈 Final Thoughts
Eagles fans have a lot to be excited about. The offensive line, even with one open slot, is already among the league’s best. And if Tyler Steen can finally turn potential into production, Philly’s front five might just become unstoppable.
So buckle up, Eagles Nation. The battle at right guard is one of the most important—and underrated—storylines heading into 2025. And it might just be Tyler Steen’s moment to shine.
Login