Eagles Sign Lane Johnson to Mega-Extension

Dec 1

Eagles Sign Lane Johnson to Mega-Extension

The Eagles decided that they didn’t want to see Halapoulivaati Vaitai at right tackle anymore.

Seventh-year right tackle Lane Johnson just signed a huge extension with the Philadelphia Eagles that will keep him in town until the 2025 season. The best right tackle in football is now the highest-paid after agreeing to a four-year, $72 million deal. Johnson first came to Philadelphia as the fourth overall selection out of Oklahoma in the 2013 NFL draft but struggled with suspension issues early in his career. After starting his entire rookie season, he missed four games of his sophomore year after testing positive for PEDs. He played 16 games yet again in 2015, but received his second suspension for the same issue in 2016. Ever since, he’s been a rock on the right side of the Philadelphia Eagles offensive line and was an integral part of the championship team.

This deal comes right after the Eagles realized just how bad life without Johnson is. He missed last week’s game and part of the previous week’s game with a concussion. Vaitai and rookie Andre Dillard did a less-than-stellar job of filling in for the All-Pro lineman, causing general manager Howie Roseman to take immediate action and extend Johnson. His presence should aid in the stabilizing of a shaky passing attack.

This deal comes on the heels of fellow lineman Brandon Brooks receiving an extension of the same length (worth $56 million). The Eagles have been known for building in the trenches, and extending these two along with drafting Dillard will allow for Carson Wentz to comfortably accelerate his development.

Johnson is now the highest-paid tackle in football, passing Raiders free-agent signee, Trent Brown. Those in the Eagles organization along with the fans will hope that his play continues to justify such a hefty payday.

-By: Micah JImoh