The Philadelphia Eagles have constructed one of the league's most effective and deep defensive fronts over the last couple of seasons. It played a big part in their defense that helped the franchise to a win Super Bowl LII against the New England Patriots.

However, one of the key pieces of the defensive line in defensive tackle Tim Jernigan will be out off the field for the NFL offseason due to surgery on a herniated disc, according to Howard Eskin of Sports Radio 94 WIP.

The 25-year-old has just wrapped up his first campaign with the Eagles after spending his first three years with the Baltimore Ravens. Jernigan quickly proved to be a significant factor along the defensive front recording 29 tackles and 2.5 sacks in 15 games played. His presence helped bring additional depth to the defensive line while playing in a starting role alongside Pro Bowler Fletcher Cox.

This is a minor setback, but it should prevent him from being able to be ready in time for the start of the 2018 NFL season as that is still about four months away. That is plenty of time for him to be fully healthy to give it a go on the field to help his team defend their title.

Jernigan is set to enter the first year of his four-year, $48 million extension that he signed last November in the midst of his first campaign in Philadelphia. This has placed a tremendous level of expectations ahead of him, which shouldn't cause a serious level of concern about his long-term health and performance on the field.

What should be noted is that the Eagles have beefed up their defensive line even further this offseason with the addition of Pro Bowl defensive end Michael Bennett via trade and inked veteran defensive tackle Haloti Ngata to a deal in free agency. Each of them should help mask any potential issues if Jernigan were to be unable to give it a go to start the regular season.