"If we both manage to play on the right side, then we could probably build the Great Wall of Philadelphia," Shawn Andrews said.
The Eagles made the signing of Stacy Andrews official yesterday when they introduced the 6-foot-7, 342-pound right tackle, formerly of the Cincinnati Bengals. Terms of the six-year contract were not disclosed but it's believed to be worth about $7 million a year.
Reid, who seems to be in the midst of re-vamping his offensive line, said Stacy Andrews can play guard or tackle on either side. But most of his experience is at right tackle.
Right tackle has belonged to Jon Runyan every game since 2000, but the 35-year-old Runyan is a free agent whose future is uncertain as he recovers from microfracture surgery on his right knee.
At a news conference yesterday, Reid steadfastly declined to discuss Runyan, the state of his offensive line, free agency, or any other issue involving the team. It's Stacy's day, he said, and that was that.
Shawn Andrews seems to be on the mend. Physical and emotional issues wiped out most of his 2008 season. He missed the last 14 games with a problem back that required surgery after having sat out almost all of training camp before he announced he was suffering from depression.
That's no small matter, because he's a two-time Pro Bowl choice with the ability, according to Reid, to play left tackle, if needed. Left tackle is up in the air because Tra Thomas, who played the position for 11 seasons, is a free agent.
"Oh yeah, definitely," Shawn Andrews said when asked if he'll be ready for next season. "I'm really excited. [Eagles trainer] Rick Burkholder and his staff did a great job with my rehab. I'm doing everything I can possibly do to get back and hit the ground running."
