5 Philadelphia Eagles that must be given extensions immediately
By Ryan Loftus
Philadelphia Eagles left tackle Jordan Mailata
Philly’s Jordan Mailata is an interesting case and an amazing success story. The former Australian rugby player turned fifth-round pick is now slated to start at left tackle against the Falcons in Week 1 ahead of former first-round pick Andre Dillard.
Andre has been a disappointment as a tackle in the limited snaps he’s gotten. Last year, he was injured and his absence, along with the absences of several other Eagles mainstays, gave Mailata a chance to shine, and boy did he ever.
Nick Sirianni is also impressed with Mailata’s work, as he alluded to Mailata beating out Dillard in camp in his most recent sitdown with members of the Philly media. Here’s a quote
"“I mean, you’ve seen who has been working with the ones at every position. The guys have been working with the ones, I mean, that’s who we’re seeing as our starters at this point.”"
Mailata has been working with the first team in camp, which would, in turn, make him the starter according to Sirianni’s words. However, his contract is up after this season.
Locking Mailata up would add a cornerstone left tackle who is only 24 years old with a very high ceiling. The left tackle is often the most important point on the line, as he protects the QB’s blind spot, and bringing Mailata back would greatly improve the future of the offensive line. Let’s just hope Howie Roseman doesn’t give him a contract that’s as bad as Halapoulivaati Vaitai’s was.