The Philadelphia Eagles are continuing to take care of their guys, as the team and center Jason Kelce agreed to a one-year contract extension through the 2021 season, the team announced Saturday morning.
The deal is valued at $11 million per season, according to Philly.com’s Zach Berman, which makes Kelce the highest-paid center in the league. Having the two-time All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler back for next season is crucial for Carson Wentz as he works to take the next step in his maturation as a passer.
With Kelce back and prepared to lead the offensive line, here are four takeaways from his new deal.
Kelce’s definitely not prepared to retire
Whether the Eagles made it worth his while or not, Kelce is still playing like the NFL’s top center and the Eagles rewarded him handsomely for it.
Eagles still likely to draft a center
The Birds have 8 picks in the draft and one middle to late round pick could be used on Kelce’s eventual replacement or needed depth, as both Isaac Seumalo and Stefen Wisniewski have experience at center
Timmy Jernigan is done in Philly?
Kelce and Graham’s new contracts keep the Eagles over the salary cap, which is $188 million. Howie Roseman is going to have to make several moves before the beginning of the league year on March 13, namely moving on from Jernigan and drafting his replacement at a lesser cost.
Eagles will have one of the top offensive lines again
Not only did the Eagles re-sign one of their own, but they locked up one of the best in the business, bolstering their own franchise. Kelce has been graded as the top center in the NFL by Pro Football Focus for the past two seasons, and both years he was named an All-Pro selection. Kelce, Brandon Brooks and Lane Johnson continue to perform at elite levels.
