PHILADELPHIA -- The Eagles signed guard John Moffitt to a one-year contract, the team announced Monday.
Moffitt, 28, was a third-round draft pick by the Seattle Seahawks in 2011. He started 15 games, most of them at right guard, for the Seahawks in his first two seasons. During his rookie year, Moffitt was suspended by the NFL for violating the league policy on performance-enhancing drugs.
The Seahawks traded Moffitt to Denver in 2013. After playing in two games with the Broncos, Moffitt abruptly retired. He said at the time he was concerned about his long-term health.
But Moffitt's ensuing legal troubles may have shed some light on his retirement. He was arrested for assault and for possession of illegal drugs. In recent months, he began working out with trainer and Fox Sports NFL reporter Jay Glazer.
"I have never been so proud of a guy I've trained than I am of John Moffitt," Glazer wrote of Moffitt's NFL comeback attempt. "Retired two years ago (because) he knew he had drug issues, took time to go to rehab, clean up his life, beat his demons and he has taken his life back! Guy inspires us every day."
The Eagles released Cole Manhart, an undrafted rookie free agent who signed with the team in May, to create a roster spot for Moffitt.
Eagles coach Chip Kelly has tried to add depth at guard since releasing last year's starters, Todd Herremans and Evan Mathis. Kelly was in the mix for former Washington guard Chris Chester, but Chester decided to sign with the Atlanta Falcons.
The 6-foot-4, 320-pound Moffitt will get a chance to compete for the starting right guard job previously held by Herremans. Moffitt will join Matt Tobin, Andrew Gardner and Dennis Kelly in the mix for that position.
Allen Barbre has the edge in the competition for the left guard spot formerly occupied by Mathis.
