Report: Eagles Extend LB Mychal Kendricks

In a move that will surely excite the fan base, the Philadelphia Eagles and Chip Kelly extended blossoming inside linebacker Mychal Kendricks. The deal is reportedly four years, $29 million, $16.5 of which is guaranteed. The deal is relatively similar to the one Terrell Suggs signed with the Baltimore Ravens, but with slightly more unguaranteed money. It also puts him in the top ten among inside linebackers.

ESPN’s Adam Caplan was the first to report Kendricks’ new deal.

Drafted in the second round of the 2012 NFL draft out of Cal, Mychal Kendricks has developed into one of Philadelphia’s up and coming stars on defense. The star-studded defensive corp has earned the nickname “Angry Birds” with their ferocious playing style. Kendrick is known for his ability not just to drop into coverage, but to rush the passer effectively. His hard hits and superb tackling riles up the Eagles fans every Sunday.

The combination of Kendricks and defensive lineman Fletcher Cox highlights the strong youth on the NFL’s best front seven. In his first three seasons of his rookie deal, Kendricks recorded 264 combined tackles, nine sacks, and three interceptions. His best seasons came in 2013, when he snagged all three interceptions and recorded four sacks. Kendricks was relieved to get the deal done before the season started, giving him an opportunity to just focus on football.

"“It feels amazing. All of the hard work went toward the end goal, which was to reach a second contract and now it’s here. It feels really nice. I think security is a big thing, and the fact that it’s done early, I can have peace of mind and just go out there and play the game that I love … It’s a special day.”"

Kendricks was part of trade rumors that swirled after the team acquired Kiko Alonso in the offseason prior to the draft. Many thought he would be moved in a package for Marcus Mariota, but a deal was obviously never completed. The inside linebacker has become a fan favorite, and is sure to get more reps with DeMeco Ryans still recovering from a torn achillies tendon.

The Eagles enter the 2015 season with undoubtedly the best front seven in the league. With young star Fletcher Cox playing alongside Cedric Thorton and Bennie Logan, the defensive line is as stout as you’ll find. In the linebacking corp, the group of Connor Barwin, DeMeco Ryans, Kendricks, Brandon Graham and Kiko Alonso is completely unmatched. Behind them, budding star Vinny Curry and last seasons first round pick Marcus Smith continue to develop into solid defenders.

The next step for Chip Kelly is to extend former first round pick Fletcher Cox. Cox has proven to be one of the leagues best 3-4 defensive ends over the past couple seasons, making it imperative that he gets extended.

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