Eagles’ Landon Dickerson discusses possibly replacing Jason Kelce

Philadelphia Eagles Pro Bowl left guard Landon Dickerson spoke with reporters on Tuesday about possibly replacing franchise legend Jason Kelce at the center position and also as a key voice inside the locker room. 

"I think I can absolutely step up and have more of that leadership role," Dickerson explained, according to Chris Franklin of NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. "It’s nearly impossible to replace somebody like Jason Kelce because of what he did for not only his teammates but the city and everybody around him. There’s only one of him, and I think there will probably be only one of him. It’s big shoes to fill, but I’m going to embrace whatever role that comes to me and whatever this team needs." 

Kelce earned seven Pro Bowl and six First-Team All-Pro nods featuring at center for the Eagles from 2011 through this past season, and his retirement this winter occurred after quarterback Jalen Hurts became a target among media members and fans due to his alleged leadership deficiencies. It's widely believed head coach Nick Sirianni is on the hot seat after the 2023 Eagles went from 10-1 to 11-6 before they became a one-and-done playoff team. 

ESPN's Tim McManus mentioned on Monday that Dickerson, a 2021 second-round draft pick, became the highest-paid guard in NFL history via a four-year contract extension that has a maximum value of $87M and includes $50M guaranteed. McManus added that 2022 second-round choice Cam Jurgens "is expected to slide from right guard to center to replace Kelce," but Dickerson indicated Tuesday he'd welcome making the move this summer. 

"I think he is a phenomenal player," Dickerson said about Jurgens. "He’s done everything we’ve asked him to do. He’s extremely talented and extremely smart. I think there are a lot of good options in that offensive line room of guys that can move to center…My philosophy has always been to put the best five guys on the field, no matter where they play." 

Dickerson, Jurgens and others up front will be tasked with opening holes for star running back Saquon Barkley next season. Barkley reportedly is set to put pen to paper on a three-year, $37.75M contract that could be worth up to $46.75M with $26M fully guaranteed at signing to leave the division-rival New York Giants for the Eagles after the new league year opens on Wednesday. 

Barkley previously served as a Giants team captain and, with Dickerson, could help fill the void among Philadelphia team leaders created by Kelce’s retirement.