Philadelphia Eagles extend Lane Johnson: 3 Immediate reactions
The Philadelphia Eagles have locked up their All-Pro right tackle to an extension. Here are three immediate reactions following the move.
For as bad as Chip Kelly‘s run was with the Philadelphia Eagles (and it was bad), there are a couple of things that we can all agree that we owe him a ton of thanks for. One is Zach Ertz. The other is Lane Johnson.
The latter spent the better part of the last two weeks attempting to clear the NFL’s concussion protocol, but he finally did. He’s been cleared for contact. He’s been practicing. He’s expected to play in Week 13 versus the Miami Dolphins.
On Friday, he saw his financial future become even more solidified than it already was, putting pen to paper on a four-year extension that will keep him in the ‘City of Brotherly Love’ through 2025. Take a look.
Thank you to the Lurie family, Howie, Coach Pederson, Stout, the @Eagles organization, my teammates, and #EaglesNation! PHILLY FOREVER! #flyeaglesfly #pavethelane #probowlvote #lanejohnson pic.twitter.com/oPLI3UWaB9
— Lane Johnson (@LaneJohnson65) November 29, 2019
Let’s fly, @LaneJohnson65! #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/tytUHHUrCm
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) November 29, 2019
Here are three immediate reactions:
1. Can you say cha-ching?
According to several sources, including the NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport, Johnson’s deal is worth $72 million and includes almost $54.6 million in guarantees. It’s the largest contract for an NFL offensive lineman in history on a per-year and guarantee basis. His grandchildren, now, won’t have to work, unless, of course, they just want to.
2. This is good news for the Eagles offensive line.
The Eagles offensive line looks better already. Andre Dillard may not be a right tackle, but we can all agree that he’ll be fine on the left side. Johnson gives Philly’s offensive line a nice bookend on the right. You’ve seen what things look like without him, and you already know what the likes of Brandon Brooks and Jason Kelce are capable of. Somewhere, Carson Wentz is smiling.
Next. Eagles versus Dolphins: 5 Subplots. dark
3. This is a deal that had to be done.
Though this Eagles roster will look vastly different in 2020 (as it should), there are certain guys that need to be here. Some of these guys have earned those green jerseys and the wings on their helmets. Throw Johnson in that category. Philly’s got a nice nucleus, and for the new guys who will be in the locker room next season, Johnson is one of those team leaders that have proven they’re worth listening to.