The Eagles have agreed to a five-year contract with left tackle Demetress Bell, hoping the former Bills lineman can replace injured All-Pro Jason Peters. Bell, 6-foot-5 and 311 pounds, started 30 games in four seasons in Buffalo. The deal was announced Wednesday.
A seventh-round pick in 2008, Bell replaced Peters after he was traded to Philadelphia. Peters, who went to his fifth Pro Bowl in January, ruptured his right Achilles tendon last week and had surgery on Tuesday. It's uncertain whether he'll return in 2012. Bell was limited to just six games last year because of a shoulder injury.

Peters ruptured the Achilles tendon in his right leg on Tuesday, and surgery is required.
Peters, who was undrafted out of Arkansas and has developed into a key cog on the Philadelphia offensive line, was injured while training in Texas. Surgery to repair the tendon is scheduled for Tuesday in Philadelphia, and will be performed by Dr. Steve Raikin of the Rothman Institute. Peters is a 6-foot-4, 340-pound native of Queen City, Texas.

The Philadelphia Eagles have acquired Ryans from the Houston Texans for a fourth-round draft pick in 2012.
The 27-year-old linebacker leaves Houston as the Texans all-time leader with 637 tackles while also contributing eight sacks, six forced fumbles, eight fumble recoveries and two interceptions in his six-year career. Ryans missed most of the 2010 season after tearing his left Achilles' tendon. Eagles coach Andy Reid calls Ryans a "proven Pro Bowl linebacker" that he can plug into the middle of the defense.

Mathis and the Philadelphia Eagles have agreed on a five-year contract, the latest key player the team has locked up.
A person familiar with the negotiations says Mathis' deal is worth $25.5 million with $7 million guaranteed. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because terms have not been announced.