Philadelphia Eagles

Report: Eagles offered Chris Chester contract before he signed with Falcons

Published Jun. 5, 2015 12:51 p.m. ET

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When the Washington Redskins released offensive guard Chris Chester last week, the Philadelphia Eagles were one of two teams to show the most interest in signing the veteran. Chester mulled over his options and decided to sign with the other team, the Atlanta Falcons. According to ESPN Insider Adam Caplan, the Eagles went down swinging hard.

After establishing himself as a starter with the Redskins, Chester valued the opportunity for playing time first. In all likelihood, Evan Mathis will be returning to man the left guard spot for the Eagles, and the team is high on Allen Barbre taking over at right guard. Chester will be joining Kyle Shanahan in a similar zone scheme to the one he played in under Shanahan when he was the Redskins' offensive coordinator. That likely played a major factor as well.

The Eagles are lacking depth along the offensive line, and that has been apparent during OTAs with Mathis absent. They are likely to sign a veteran offensive lineman at some point during the offseason when more cuts are made.

Photo Credit: Geoff Burke/USA TODAY Sports

On Chris Chester, Eagles offered a 2-year deal, but he has a better chance of starting with #Falcons (LG or even C if Hawley isn't ready).
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) June 5, 2015