Eagles Extend Malcolm Jenkins Through 2020
Malcolm Jenkins has long been known as the best Eagles safety since Brian Dawkins and today the Philadelphia Eagles acknowledged his talents with a new contract. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Jenkins and the Eagles agreed to a five-year extension that will keep the 28-year old safety in Philadelphia through the 2020 season.
Eagles and safety Malcolm Jenkins agree to terms on a new five-year contract through 2020.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 22, 2016
Eagles Vice President of Football Operations Howie Roseman has been locking up key players this offseason and Jenkins is clearly another big piece to the puzzle. He previously extended the contracts of Lane Johnson, Vinny Curry, Zach Ertz, and Brent Celek. A reportedly large deal with former first round pick Fletcher Cox is also reportedly in the works
"“Malcolm has proven himself as a leader on and off the field. We are excited to have him on the team moving forward.”"
The Eagles signed Jenkins away from the New Orleans Saints after the 2013 season to a three-year contract worth $15.5 million. His new deal will increase his 2016 salary from $5.5 million to approximately $10 million.
With his 4-year, $35M extension, #Eagles have Malcolm Jenkins under contract for 5 years at $40.5M. Their priority was clear.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 22, 2016
Jenkins earned his first Pro Bowl nod this season after registering both career and season bests with 120 tackles, 15 passes defended and three forced fumbles. He was the first Eagles safety since Brian Dawkins to record three straight games with an interception.
Signed, sealed, delivered... I'm yours Philly! #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/xCX6wsqqKH
— Malcolm Jenkins (@MalcolmJenkins) February 22, 2016
Jenkins said the fact that the Eagles approached him about an extension with a year remaining in his original deal “spoke volume” and made him feel “valued and appreciated.” He also talked about how much new Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz molds his defense to what his players do best.
Jenkins was originally brought in by now departed Head Coach Chip Kelly, but his valued leadership is clearly something Roseman and new Head Coach Doug Pederson want in a young locker-room.
Next: NFL Weekly Recap: Players Prepare for Combine