Ex-Eagles LB L.J. Fort blossoming with Ravens, lands a contract extension

Only Howie Roseman and Philadelphia Eagles’ talent evaluators know the true reason for L.J. Fort not making a real impact on the field before being released and eventually signing with the Baltimore Ravens.

Whether juggling roster spots or making a decision on the best fit, the Eagles chose Zach Brown, Kamu Grugier-Hill and Nate Gerry over Fort and the results have not been in the Birds favor.

The Eagles made the move to release Fort partly to recoup a compensatory draft pick and to make room for Orlando Scandrick in the secondary. After signing Fort to a three-year, $5.5 million deal last March, Fort only logged 75 special teams snaps and rarely played, making his release that more puzzling.

Now flourishing in Baltimore, the Ravens rewarded the scrappy linebacker with a contract extension per Ian Rapoport of NFL Media.

The #Ravens have signed LB LJ Fort to a 2-year, surprise extension through 2021 that pays him $5.5M, source said. He gets $3.25M fully guaranteed at signing — all next year. He was cut 5 weeks ago by the #Eagles and still has $1.9M in guarantees this year. An early payday.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 8, 2019

Fort, who signed with the Ravens on September 30, logged 56 snaps in Baltimore’s huge road win over the Seahawks and was aggressive while manning the linebacker spot.

Fort finished that game against Seattle with six total tackles, a sack and two tackles for loss and he’s maintained a heavy workload in the Ravens complicated 3-4 scheme, even after not being able to find a place in the Eagles 4-3 defense.

Without Fort, the Eagles have leaned on Nate Gerry, Kamu Grugier-Hill and T.J. Edwards in Nigel Bradham’s absence and the results have been subpar at best.