Why Tyler Steen’s Patience Could Pay Off Big for the Eagles

After two years of waiting in the shadows, Tyler Steen finally has the opportunity — and the supporting cast — to claim his spot on Philadelphia Eagles' elite offensive line.

The so-called third-year curse is real in the NFL, but for Tyler Steen, it might just be his breakthrough. After two seasons of watching others claim the spotlight while he developed in the shadows, the Philadelphia Eagles guard finally has an unobstructed path to proving he belongs among the league’s elite offensive linemen.

Steen’s journey to this moment hasn’t followed the typical trajectory. Most third-round picks expect to compete for starting roles immediately, but his development has been more methodical. The Alabama product spent his rookie season learning the nuances of professional football, then watched an injury derail his 2024 starting bid just as he seemed poised to break through. Now, with the departure of Mekhi Becton and the uncertainty surrounding newly acquired Kenyon Green, Steen finds himself exactly where he needs to be at exactly the right time.

What makes Steen’s situation particularly compelling is the environment he’s stepping into. The Eagles didn’t just assemble a good offensive line — they built what many consider the best unit in football. Having Lane Johnson, Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson and Cam Jurgens as running mates means Steen won’t have to carry the unit’s success on his shoulders. Instead, he can focus on doing his job while learning from players who’ve already achieved everything he’s striving for.

The timing of this opportunity couldn’t be more perfect for Steen’s skill set. Philadelphia’s offensive identity revolves around establishing dominance in the ground game, which aligns perfectly with his strengths as a powerful, physical blocker. While pass protection remains an area for improvement, his foundation as a run blocker gives him a clear pathway to immediate impact.

There’s also something to be said for the hunger factor. Steen has watched from the sidelines as opportunities slipped away through circumstances largely beyond his control. That type of frustration either breaks players or forges them into something stronger. All indications suggest Steen falls into the latter category, approaching this season with the kind of determination that typically leads to breakthrough performances.

The Eagles’ patience with his development speaks volumes about their long-term vision for his role. Organizations don’t invest three years in a player unless they see genuine starter potential. The fact that he’s been given first-team reps throughout the offseason program indicates the coaching staff believes he’s ready to take the next step.

What’s particularly encouraging is how Steen’s limited 2024 playing time might actually work in his favor. Rather than being worn down by a full season of punishment, he’s entering his third year with relatively fresh legs and a clear understanding of what the position demands at this level. The game has slowed down for him in ways that weren’t possible during his first two seasons.

The acquisition of Green from Houston represents competition, but it also validates the Eagles’ commitment to finding the right answer at right guard. Green’s struggles in his first three seasons, combined with the team’s decision to decline his 2026 option, suggest they view him more as insurance than a long-term solution. Steen remains the favorite to win the job, but the competition should push him to elevate his game even further.

From a technical standpoint, Steen possesses all the physical tools necessary to excel at this level. His 6-foot-6 frame and 321-pound build give him the size to handle NFL pass rushers, while his athleticism allows him to reach the second level in the run game. The question was never about ability — it was about translating that ability into consistent performance when it mattered most.

The mental aspects of the position have often been overlooked in discussions about Steen’s development. Offensive line play requires split-second decision-making and constant communication, skills that typically improve with experience. Having spent two seasons absorbing information while getting periodic game action, he should be far more prepared mentally than most players entering their first full season as a starter.

Perhaps most importantly, Steen is entering this opportunity with realistic expectations. He’s not being asked to transform the Eagles’ offensive line from good to great — it’s already great. His job is simply to maintain the standard that’s been established while continuing to develop his individual skills. That’s a far more manageable task than trying to single-handedly elevate a struggling unit.

The narrative around Steen’s career is about to change. Instead of being the developmental project with potential, he’s positioned to become the answer to the Eagles’ final offensive line question. The opportunity is there, the timing is right, and the support system is elite. Now it’s up to him to seize the moment and prove that patience and persistence can indeed pay off at the highest level of professional football.