To get Wells, the Eagles gave up a sixth-round pick in 2011, a bargain price that indicates he was likely on his way out of Arizona one way or another. The Cardinals had added two free agents this off-season, had a glut of guards, and had moved Wells from the left to the right side.
Wells started every game for a prolific Cardinals offense for five of the last six years, including five playoff games and a Super Bowl. A broken ankle limited him to nine games in 2005. Nearly every start came at left guard, though he has also played some tackle.
But he moved to right guard after the Cardinals signed Alan Faneca and Wells didn't win the starting job at his customary spot.
Wells' arrival could mean trouble for Stacy Andrews, who has been shaky at right guard and has been sharing first-team snaps in recent practices with Nick Cole, or for one of the backups.
Even if he doesn't start, Wells will at least provide depth for an offensive line that was battered by injuries last season. Several linemen - including Jackson and starting left guard Todd Herremans - missed significant time during training camp and are heading into the season with health concerns that bear watching.
"We're adding a player that has started several seasons in the National Football League and has played at a very high level during the course of his career," head coach Andy Reid said in a statement. "He has experience at several different positions along the offensive line and he will be a welcome addition to that group. You can never have enough depth at that position as you go through an NFL season."
Wells, who turns 30 in November, is entering the final year of his contract and is due $2.4 million this year, according to the Arizona Republic. He has never been to a Pro Bowl.
Jackson, meanwhile, sounded ready to go for the Eagles' opener less than nine months after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
