NFL Free Agency: Eagles Land Left Tackle Demetrius Bell on 5-Year Deal

Update: the Eagles have signed Bell to a 5-year deal.

The Philadelphia Eagles will likely be without star left tackle Jason Peters for much—if not all—of the 2012 season after the offensive lineman ruptured his Achilles tendon during a recent offseason workout. However, the team is understood to be closing in on a potential replacement for him.

Philadelphia is the “frontrunner” to land free agent Demetrius Bell, according to Aaron Wilson of the Carroll County Times.

Bell is an athletic young tackle with the ability to swing to the left or right side. He has attracted interest from a number of clubs this offseason, but has been patient in deciding upon his new team.

Buffalo has shown interest in retaining him, but it appears Bell wants more money than the club is willing to invest.

Originally a 2008 seventh-round pick out of Northwestern State, Bell has spent the entirety of his four-year career with the Bills, playing and starting in 28 games. In 2011, the Bills finished 4-3 in the seven games in which he played, and just 2-7 during those that he missed.

In Buffalo, he provided blindside protection for QB Ryan Fitzpatrick. In Philadelphia, he would be called upon to protect the strong side of Michael Vick, who is left handed.

Bell is still a work in progress as a player. He didn’t start playing the game until he enrolled at Northwestern State. Buffalo drafted him with development in mind, and they were able to hone his physical skills into a dependable left tackle.

He’s 6’5” and solidly built at just over 300 pounds. Philadelphia has long had a history of developing linemen as well.

It remains unclear what the Eagles may be willing to offer Bell, but it’s possible that the team could push for a one-year deal with him while Peters is on the mend.

Bell, who has experienced a slower market for his services than he likely expected, may opt to sign a one-year pact as a platform to set himself up for a payday next offseason. He also needs to prove that his durability is not a concern, as he does have an injury history that includes a season-ending knee injury in 2009.

Bell is the son of NBA legend Karl Malone, although the two have a unique, strained relationship. 

Washington, Green Bay and Arizona are all rumored to have interest in Bell as well.