Lane Johnson Signs Contract Extension with Philadelphia Eagles
Eagles Vice President of Football Operations Howie Roseman has done it again. For the third time in a week, the Eagles locked up a key member of their offense, this time signing 2013 first round pick Lane Johnson to a large contract extension. The reported deal will make Johnson the highest paid right tackle in the NFL.
Johnson was set to make a salary of $675,000 in the final year of his rookie deal with over $5 million worth of roster and signing bonuses.
Another deal done for the #Eagles! Lane Johnson gets a new six-year contract through 2021: https://t.co/4MQPDmOLk2 pic.twitter.com/3SPqngZFIT
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) January 29, 2016
The 25-year old’s new extension is reportedly a five year, $63 million dollar deal with $35.5 million guaranteed. He had one year remaining on his rookie deal, but it would appear that final year was restructured. Officially, it would appear to be a six year contract with the five year extension worked in.
The #Eagles and OT Lane Johnson have agreed on a 5-year extension that could pay him up to $63M with $35.5M in guarantees, sources say.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 29, 2016
Drafted by Chip Kelly with the fourth overall pick in 2013, Johnson has consistently been considered a top offensive tackle in the NFL. Pro Football Focus ranked him as the 10th best at his position last season and ranked him 6th last year.
Johnson is expected to move to left tackle in the near future, replacing veteran Jason Peters. A future Hall of Famer, the 34-year old Peters has battled injuries in recent years and dealt with back issues in 2015. Having Johnson locked up to a large deal ensures his place on the Eagles offensive line for years to come.
Earlier this week the Eagles extended the contract of tight end Zach Ertz, who was the second round pick in Lane Johnson’s draft class. They also worked out a new deal with veteran tight end Brent Celek, who has been a leader in the Eagles locker-room since he was drafted in 2007.
Now the Eagles are tasked with locking in their young defensive studs Fletcher Cox and Vinny Curry. Cox was the Eagles first round pick in 2012 as has quickly risen to become one of the best defensive lineman in the game. He has one year remaining after the team invoked his fifth year option. Curry on the other hand is a free agent defensive lineman the Eagles would like to develop in Jim Schwartz’s 4-3 defense. He saw little time on the field during the Chip Kelly 3-4 era and is expected to be a hot commodity if he were to reach free agency.
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