Philadelphia Eagles: Ertz, Cox Due for Big Deals Post Kendricks Extension
When young linebacker Mychal Kendricks received his four years, $29 million deal, fellow draft class partner Fletcher Cox and emerging star at tight end Zach Ertz each went on high alert. Still signed under their rookie contracts past this season, the two players are clearly making an impact much more worthy of those (seemingly) minor deals.
Kendrick’s contract placed him eighth among inside linebackers in total financial worth and one of the leaders in guaranteed money over the deal. Names with similar deal include Derrick Johnson and Daryl Washington. This just gives you a great perspective to where the Eagles hope Kendrick’s career is heading.
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As for his draft class mate Fletcher Cox, a deal even more substantial is due for the defensive lineman. Cox has quickly established himself as the leagues most talented defensive ends since the Eagles traded up for him in the 2012 draft. Playing in all but one game in his NFL career, Cox has 12.5 sacks and over 140 combined tackles. He’s proven to be both durable and consistent. While the numbers aren’t as flashy as some other defensive ends, his talent is limitless.
While a “JJ Watt” contract isn’t being called upon, something similar to what Cameron Jordan received is entirely possible. The Saints locked up Jordan this summer with a five-year, $55 million contract with over 60% guaranteed money. To lock up a 24 year-old defensive end with the blossoming talent he possesses is a priority for GM Chip Kelly.
As for Zach Ertz, it might be in his best for him to wait until the offseason to start looking at a deal. Coming off a sophomore season where he caught over 700 yards worth of passes and hauled in three touchdowns, Ertz has the same potential to breakout like Cox. Still on his rookie contract, Ertz is making just $1.34 million a season, which is a great number for the Eagles based on his projected career potential. While he’s currently coming off of minor groin surgery, he is expected to be a major contributor to the Eagles passing game. In just two seasons, his numbers are similar to Jason Witten’s first two seasons.
Dec 7, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz (86) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks at Lincoln Financial Field. The Seahawks defeated the Eagles 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Like Cox, Ertz won’t get ‘Gronk” money at this stage of his career. Jason Witten and Charles Clay are currently under contracts worth roughly $37-38 million over five seasons. If Ertz can break out like he’s expected to in his “junior” season, that kind of contract should be easily obtainable. The former basketball player will be a key redzone target for Sam Bradford in 2015, so expect those touchdown numbers to go back up. He’s one of the first players Chip Kelly ever drafted as a head coach, so he has tremendous respect from his head coach.
Another name to watch moving forward will be former fourth overall pick Lane Johnson. Johnson has held the starting right tackle job for practically his entire career in Philadelphia, and he, like Ertz, will have another two years to find a new deal.
After Kendricks shiny new deal was dried out, the Eagles sit $13 million under the $150 million salary cap set for 2016. They will also have key players, including Walter Thurmond, Sam Bradford, Vinny Curry and Cedric Thorton to resign following this season, making their season performances immensely critical. All this money and talent makes the LeSean McCoy trade and the alleviation of his enormous contract even clearer.