After more than two decades in the NFL, 42-year-old left tackle Jason Peters isn’t ready to hang up his cleats just yet. The veteran offensive lineman is looking to extend his career, and ESPN’s Field Yates reported on September 24 that Peters may be targeting a return to the Seattle Seahawks, a team he played for last season.
“The Seahawks hosted veteran OT Jason Peters on a free agent visit,” Yates shared in a post on X. “The 42-year-old played in eight games with Seattle last season.”
Peters Seeking 21st NFL Season
Peters began his illustrious career with the Buffalo Bills in 2004 as an undrafted free agent. Initially a tight end, Peters was converted to right tackle and eventually to left tackle, where he became a force on the offensive line. During his time with the Bills, he earned two Pro Bowl appearances before a contract dispute led to his trade to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2009.
The move turned out to be one of the Bills’ most regrettable decisions, as Peters blossomed into one of the best left tackles in the league with the Eagles. He earned seven more Pro Bowl selections and solidified his legacy as one of the game’s greats. Meanwhile, the Bills would not make the playoffs again until 2017, nearly a decade after Peters’ departure.
Potential Fit in Seattle
As Pro Football Talk’s Josh Alper noted, Peters could serve a critical role for the Seahawks if re-signed. Seattle brought him in last season to provide depth after injuries to tackles Abraham Lucas and Charles Cross, and the team could face a similar situation this year.
“Lucas is currently on the physically unable to perform list, and the team put George Fant on injured reserve this month, so they’re thinner than they’d like on the offensive line,” Alper reported.
Peters played in eight games for Seattle last season, starting two. He has appeared in 248 regular-season games over the course of his career, ranking him 59th in NFL history. If he plays in 12 games this season, Peters would move into the top 40 for all-time games played.
"Seahawks host Jason Peters on visit, per report: OT would pass Aaron Rodgers as NFL's oldest player if signed – https://t.co/mTzP9UhrGO" https://t.co/gsOmFCRxxs
— Nathan Lewis (@sportsmixnathan) September 25, 2024
Peters’ Drive to Mentor or Compete
In 2022, Peters made it clear that he still has the drive to play, whether it’s on a contending team or as a mentor for younger players on an up-and-coming squad. His comments on SiriusXM NFL Radio last year highlighted his mindset.
“I just let my agent talk to those teams and he’ll hit me and let me know who’s interested and who’s not,” Peters said. “Looking for an upcoming offensive line, good team — or a playoff team. Either/or is good for me, because I can pass my torch on to some guys who are trying to get better, the younger guys, the new generation.”
While Peters would be the NFL’s oldest active player if signed, surpassing Aaron Rodgers, his experience and leadership make him a valuable asset for teams in need of offensive line depth.
Next Steps for the Seahawks
It remains to be seen if Peters and the Seahawks will reunite. Reporter Aaron Wilson shared on X that there was “no immediate deal” following Peters’ visit to Seattle on Tuesday. However, with the Seahawks dealing with injuries on their offensive line, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Peters back in a Seahawks uniform for what would be his 21st NFL season.
If signed, Peters could once again provide vital veteran leadership and depth as the Seahawks aim to solidify their offensive line for a playoff push. Regardless of where he lands, Peters’ incredible longevity in the league continues to be an inspiring story of resilience and excellence.
