Jason Kelce, arguably the most revered athlete in the City of Brotherly Love, announced his retirement on Monday, after 13 seasons holding down the center position for the Philadelphia Eagles.
If you haven’t watched his full retirement speech, please do so.
Kelce’s accolades are plentiful: 205 games as a starter, seven-time Pro Bowler, six-time First-team All-Pro, six playoffs wins and one Super Bowl ring. His off-the-field contributions are even more impactful and will continue to grow in years to come.
Kelce is beloved by the Eagles’ demanding fans and the offensive line he led gave confidence to people who dabble in Pennsylvania sports betting.
Now, though, the business side of football must come into focus: Who possibly can step in to replace a legend?
PennStakes.com, home to the best PA sportsbook promo codes, has created a list of possible replacements for Kelce, with hypothetical odds attached as to who might be delivering the ball to quarterback Jalen Hurts this season. Here are the probable replacements. There is a heavy favorite:
Jason Kelce Replacement Odds
The odds here are from PennStakes.com and won’t be found on PA sports betting apps.
It’s Jurgens’ Job to Lose
Internal experience has a hold on the first two choices as Eagles third-year offensive lineman Cam Jurgens is the more than likely choice to move over. He is the solid favorite at -150 (60% chance).
The Eagles drafted Jurgens out of the University of Nebraska in 2022 with a mind to make him Kelce’s eventual replacement. Jurgens has played in 28 games over the last two seasons, highlighted by 11 starts next to Kelce at right guard last season.
Another Eagles starter entering his fifth season is guard SuaOpeta, who is the second choice at +700 (12.5%). Last year was Opeta's best to date, having played in 13 games with six starts. He has almost exclusively been a guard, though.
A potential pick out of the NFL Draft in Detroit (April 25-27) is up next with Oregon center and 2023 Rimington Trophy winner Jackson Powers-Johnson at +1200 (7.7%).
Unrestricted free agent center Brian Allen, formerly with the Los Angeles Rams, is listed at +1500 (6.2%). Michigan center and national champion Drake Nugent, a first team Big Ten Conference selection last season, rounds out the list of potentials at +1750 (5.4%). Any other player not listed is at +1000 (9.1%).
The loss of Kelce will factor into the future odds for the Eagles next season. Right now, BetRivers PA lists the Eagles at +1600 to win the Super Bowl. That places them eighth overall. San Francisco (+550) and Kansas City (+650) lead the pack.
The Eagles will open their 2024 season as the host team (opponent TBD) at Corinthians Arena in São Paulo, Brazil on Friday, Sept. 6.
If it is Jurgens or anyone else who replaces Kelce, they better be hungry.
