Philadelphia, PA – April 26, 2025 – Eagles offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo secured a linchpin, signing ex-Colts star Will Fries as an unrestricted free agent to anchor right guard, sources told ESPN. The blockbuster move fills the void left by Mekhi Becton’s departure to the Chargers.
Fries, 27, inked a four-year, $52 million deal ($13 million AAV, $15 million signing bonus, $8 million cap hit 2025), per Spotrac. With $60 million cap space, Philly absorbed the cost, outbidding rivals like the Bears, securing Patullo’s vision.
In 2024, Fries started 17 games, earning a PFF grade of 80.1 (fourth among guards). Allowing just 2 sacks and 36 pressures over 682 pass plays, his run-blocking prowess (PFF grade 82.3) fits Philly’s ground game, per The Athletic.
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“Will’s our cornerstone,” Patullo said. Becton’s exit left right guard shaky, with Kenyon Green (PFF grade 62.8) and Tyler Steen unproven. Fries, mentored by Jeff Stoutland, bolsters Saquon Barkley’s 2,005-yard attack alongside Jalen Hurts.
Fries’ durability—54 starts since 2022—shines after a tibia injury recovery. His 94.6% pass block win rate (fifth among guards) ensures Hurts’ safety. “He’s elite,” NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah said, praising Philly’s coup amid Grant Calcaterra’s drama.
The Eagles, post-Jihaad Campbell and Andrew Mukuba picks, eyed Fries over draft prospects like Donovan Jackson. “Patullo’s building a juggernaut,” tweeted @PhillyFaithful, still hyped from A.J. Brown’s car-theft saga, craving a perfect line.
Indianapolis, with $25 million cap space, couldn’t retain Fries. The Eagles’ $52 million pact, structured for a $30 million guaranteed, cements a core of Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, and Lane Johnson, per PhillyVoice.
With picks like No. 112 targeting a tight end like Harold Fannin Jr., Fries’ signing fuels Philly’s title repeat, outpacing NFC East rivals like the Cowboys. Patullo’s masterpiece line is now a fortress for another Super Bowl run.
