The Philadelphia Eagles have made a notable move in free agency, bringing back offensive lineman Matt Pryor on a one-year deal. The signing, first reported by Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer, marks a homecoming for Pryor, who originally began his NFL career with the Eagles as a sixth-round pick in 2018. After spending time with multiple teams across the league, he now returns to Philadelphia to bolster the offensive line ahead of the 2025 season.

Pryor’s journey in the NFL has been one of perseverance and adaptability. After being drafted by the Eagles, he spent three seasons with the team, developing as a depth piece along the offensive line. Though he wasn’t initially a full-time starter, he proved his versatility by playing multiple positions, which made him a valuable asset in Philadelphia’s offensive line rotation. His first stint with the Eagles lasted until 2020 before he was traded to the Indianapolis Colts, where he spent the next two seasons.

During his time with the Colts (2021-22), Pryor gained significant experience as a starting-caliber offensive lineman. He played in various spots across the offensive front, demonstrating his ability to step up when needed. In 2023, he signed with the San Francisco 49ers, further expanding his NFL experience before landing with the Chicago Bears in 2024. It was in Chicago that Pryor had his most productive season to date, starting in 15 of 17 regular-season games. His ability to hold down a starting role with the Bears showed that he was more than capable of contributing at a high level.

Now, Pryor returns to Philadelphia with a chance to provide much-needed depth to the Eagles’ offensive line. His arrival comes at a crucial time, as the team recently lost right tackle Mekhi Becton in free agency. With Becton’s departure, the Eagles were left searching for additional reinforcements to maintain the stability of their offensive front. Pryor, along with Kenyon Green, will now offer Philadelphia valuable options at the right guard position, ensuring that the Eagles have reliable depth heading into the new season.

One of Pryor’s greatest strengths is his versatility. Throughout his career, he has played at both guard and tackle, making him a flexible piece for any offensive line. This kind of adaptability is essential for a team like the Eagles, who rely heavily on having a strong, well-rounded group of linemen to protect quarterback Jalen Hurts and establish a dominant rushing attack. Pryor’s ability to play multiple positions means he can step in as a starter if necessary or serve as a reliable backup in case of injuries.

His return to Philadelphia also brings familiarity with the Eagles’ system, which should ease his transition back into the team. While coaching staff changes and roster adjustments have occurred since his last stint with the Eagles, the core philosophy of the organization remains the same. This familiarity could allow Pryor to integrate quickly, giving him an edge as he competes for playing time.

The Eagles’ offensive line has long been a cornerstone of the team’s success. With All-Pro talents such as Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata anchoring the tackle positions, having experienced and dependable depth players like Pryor ensures that the unit remains strong throughout the season. Injuries are an inevitable part of the game, and teams with deep offensive lines are often the ones that can sustain success even when key starters are unavailable.

Additionally, Pryor’s return to Philadelphia represents an opportunity for redemption. During his first tenure with the Eagles, he was primarily seen as a developmental player, working his way up the depth chart. Now, he comes back as a seasoned veteran with starting experience, ready to contribute in a bigger way. His performance in Chicago showed that he could handle the responsibilities of being a starter, and the Eagles will hope he can bring that same level of reliability back to Philadelphia.

For Pryor, this move also represents a chance to establish long-term stability. Having bounced around the league in recent years, he now has an opportunity to prove himself with the team that originally drafted him. A strong performance in 2025 could potentially lead to an extended stay with the Eagles or even open up new opportunities elsewhere in the league.

From a broader perspective, the signing of Pryor reinforces Howie Roseman’s approach to roster construction. The Eagles’ general manager has consistently prioritized building a strong offensive line, ensuring that the team remains competitive in the trenches. Adding a player like Pryor, who brings both experience and positional flexibility, aligns with the Eagles’ philosophy of maintaining one of the best offensive lines in the NFL.

As the Eagles gear up for the 2025 season, all eyes will be on how Pryor fits into the team’s plans. Whether he ends up starting or serving as a key rotational player, his presence will undoubtedly add value to the offensive line. His return to Philadelphia is a reminder that sometimes, players find their way back to where they started, and for Pryor, this homecoming could be the perfect opportunity to solidify his place in the league.