Every spot on the roster counts, and the Eagles are certainly being aggressive upgrading where they can. They've signed offensive tackle Will Beatty to a one-year contract, and Beatty becomes the third veteran acquired – running back Jay Ajayi came to the Eagles via a trade with Miami and linebacker Dannell Ellerbe signed as a free agent – in the last couple of weeks as the team prepares for the stretch run of the 2017 season.
As the Eagles added Beatty to the roster on Tuesday, they released Taylor Hart, the converted defensive tackle trying to make it in the NFL as an offensive tackle. Beatty represents a tremendous upgrade in every facet, especially from an experience standpoint: He's played in 88 career games, with 63 starts.
A second-round draft pick from the University of Connecticut of the New York Giants in 2009, Beatty started 58 games for the Giants at left tackle through 2014, four at right tackle, and one as an extra offensive lineman. He's battled injuries in his career – suffering a torn retina in 2011 and a torn pectoral muscle in 2015, but Beatty is healthy now and gives the Eagles terrific veteran depth along the offensive line.
The Eagles are pleased with the way Halapoulivaati Vaitai has stepped in and played at left tackle with All-Pro Jason Peters gone for the season, and now they've got a veteran (Beatty) replacing a project (Hart) in a depth role. The Eagles have Beatty, guard Chance Warmack, and guard/tackle Isaac Seumalo as backups along the offensive line, giving the team plenty of experience for the final push of the season.
In two seasons with the Chicago Bears, Jones-Quartey started in 16 of the 29 games he played. He accumulated 111 tackles, two interceptions, seven pass deflections, one forced fumble, and an additional 10 tackles on special teams. The 5-11, 210-pound safety originally joined the NFL as a rookie free agent with the Arizona Cardinals in 2015 before landing with the Bears. Last month, he was on the Jets' practice squad.
