Fred Johnson's return could slow the development of two young Eagles
What does another year with Fred Johnson mean for Myles Hinton and Cameron Williams?
The Philadelphia Eagles made a safe move by bringing back a familiar face : Fred Johnson. He signs a one-year deal, but stability often comes with trade-offs. He is widely viewed as one of the league's more reliable swing tackles, a veteran capable of stepping in on either side of the line when needed.
That kind of insurance matters for a team with championship aspirations. Johnson didn't enjoy his best year last season, but he earned the trust of former Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland. That says a lot, but his presence also complicates the development timeline for two younger players.
Myles Hinton and Cameron Williams were both sixth-round selections a year ago. Both were, and are, viewed more as long-term projects than as immediate contributors. Neither was expected to take the league by storm.
Williams also missed time because of a shoulder injury. Still, development reps are everything for players in their position, and that's where the challenge lies. When push comes to shove, coaching staffs tend to lean on players they trust.