Breaking News: Jason Kelce Signs 3-Year, $24.5 Million Deal to Stay with the Philadelphia Eagles
In a move that solidifies the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive line for years to come, veteran center Jason Kelce has signed a new 3-year contract worth $24.5 million with the team. The deal, which includes $17.5 million in guaranteed money, is a testament to Kelce’s enduring value as one of the NFL’s best centers and his importance to the Eagles’ ongoing success.
Kelce, who has been the heart and soul of the Eagles’ offensive line for over a decade, is not only a fan favorite but also a key figure in Philadelphia’s football culture. His decision to stay in Philadelphia for the foreseeable future is a major win for the team, which has leaned heavily on his leadership and skill over the years. This new contract reaffirms the Eagles’ commitment to keeping Kelce at the center of their offensive unit, while also recognizing his contributions to the team both on and off the field.
A Career of Consistency and Excellence
Since being drafted by the Eagles in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft, Kelce has developed into one of the most reliable and accomplished centers in NFL history. He has been named to six Pro Bowls, earned five First-Team All-Pro selections, and helped lead the Eagles to a Super Bowl victory in the 2017 season. Throughout his career, Kelce has been known for his remarkable athleticism, football intelligence, and leadership abilities, making him a cornerstone of the Eagles’ success over the past decade.
Standing 6’3″ and weighing 295 pounds, Kelce is undersized for his position compared to most NFL centers. However, his quickness, agility, and toughness more than make up for any perceived physical limitations. Kelce’s ability to pull block and get out in front of running backs on screens and sweeps is unparalleled in the league, allowing the Eagles to run a more dynamic and varied offense. His football IQ is also top-notch, as he has been responsible for making line calls and adjustments pre-snap, which is crucial to the success of the Eagles’ offense.
The Importance of Retaining Kelce
Kelce’s new contract comes as no surprise to those familiar with the Eagles’ plans for the future. The Eagles have made a concerted effort to retain key veterans and build a roster capable of competing for another Super Bowl, and keeping Kelce at the center of the offensive line was a top priority. His durability has also been remarkable, as Kelce has missed only a handful of games over the past decade, despite playing one of the most physically demanding positions in the NFL.
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman, known for his ability to manage the salary cap while building competitive rosters, made it clear that the team was eager to keep Kelce in Philadelphia for the remainder of his career. The new contract, which includes $17.5 million in guaranteed money, reflects the team’s commitment to Kelce and ensures that he will remain one of the highest-paid centers in the NFL.
“We’re thrilled to have Jason back for the next three years,” Roseman said in a statement following the signing. “Jason has been the backbone of our offensive line for over a decade, and his leadership both on and off the field is invaluable. He’s the type of player who makes everyone around him better, and we believe he still has plenty of great football left in him. This contract is a reflection of how much we value everything Jason brings to this team.”
Head coach Nick Sirianni echoed Roseman’s sentiments, praising Kelce’s influence on the entire team.
“Jason is the ultimate professional and the ultimate competitor,” Sirianni said. “He sets the standard for how we want to play football in Philadelphia — tough, physical, smart, and with passion. I’m excited to continue working with him and see what we can accomplish together in the coming years.”
Kelce’s Leadership in the Locker Room
Beyond his on-field contributions, Kelce has become one of the most respected and influential voices in the Eagles’ locker room. He is seen as a natural leader, not just by his fellow offensive linemen, but by the entire team. His experience, work ethic, and commitment to excellence have made him a mentor to younger players, and his passion for the game is contagious.
Kelce’s fiery speeches, particularly the one he delivered during the Eagles’ Super Bowl parade in 2018, have become the stuff of legend. Wearing a colorful Mummers costume, Kelce famously addressed the crowd with an emotional and expletive-filled speech that captured the spirit of Philadelphia — a city known for its tough, no-nonsense attitude. His words that day endeared him even further to the Eagles fan base, solidifying his place as a beloved figure in Philadelphia sports history.
Kelce’s leadership extends beyond fiery speeches, however. He is a consummate professional who leads by example, showing younger players what it means to be dedicated to the game. Rookie offensive linemen and younger teammates frequently cite Kelce as someone they look up to, and his guidance has helped shape the careers of many players who have come through the Eagles organization.
Second-year offensive lineman Cam Jurgens, who is viewed as a potential successor to Kelce at center, recently spoke about how much he has learned from Kelce.
“Jason has taught me so much in such a short time,” Jurgens said. “The way he prepares, the way he approaches every game, every practice — it’s on another level. He’s always willing to help and share his knowledge, and that’s made a huge difference for me as I try to grow in this league.”
The State of the Eagles’ Offensive Line
The Eagles have long prided themselves on having one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, and much of that success can be attributed to Kelce’s presence in the middle of the line. Over the years, the Eagles have built a formidable front that includes standout players like Lane Johnson, Jordan Mailata, and Landon Dickerson, all of whom have benefited from Kelce’s leadership and ability to anchor the line.
With Kelce back for the next three years, the Eagles’ offensive line remains one of the most stable and dominant units in the NFL. Lane Johnson, the team’s All-Pro right tackle, recently signed a contract extension that will keep him in Philadelphia for several more years, while Jordan Mailata, the towering left tackle, continues to develop into one of the league’s top young linemen. Landon Dickerson, a young guard who has shown tremendous promise, is another key piece of the puzzle.
Kelce’s return ensures that the Eagles will maintain continuity on the offensive line, which is critical for the development of their young franchise quarterback, Jalen Hurts. Hurts, who has rapidly ascended to elite status in the NFL, will undoubtedly benefit from having Kelce in front of him, making line calls and protecting him in the pocket.
Jason Kelce’s Legacy in Philadelphia
As Kelce enters the final chapters of his illustrious career, his legacy in Philadelphia is already cemented. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in Eagles history and is a likely candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame once he retires. Kelce’s impact on the Eagles goes beyond his individual accolades and statistics; he has been the heartbeat of the team during one of the most successful periods in franchise history.
Kelce’s role in the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII victory cannot be overstated. He was a key figure in the team’s historic run to the championship, helping to protect backup quarterback Nick Foles and open up running lanes for the Eagles’ ground game. In the Super Bowl, the Eagles’ offensive line dominated a New England Patriots defense that had been one of the best in the NFL all season. Kelce’s leadership and steady presence were critical to the Eagles’ success on football’s biggest stage.
That Super Bowl win marked the first championship in the history of the Eagles franchise, and Kelce’s role in that victory has made him a Philadelphia legend. His iconic Super Bowl parade speech only further cemented his place in Eagles lore, and fans in Philadelphia have embraced him as one of their own.
Kelce’s new contract all but guarantees that he will finish his career as a lifelong Eagle, a rarity in today’s NFL, where player movement is more common than ever. Kelce has spoken in the past about his love for the city of Philadelphia and the fans who have supported him throughout his career.
“This city means everything to me,” Kelce said in a recent interview. “The fans, the people, the energy — there’s no place like Philly. I’ve been blessed to play here for my entire career, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. It’s an honor to put on that Eagles jersey every Sunday, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue doing that.”
What’s Next for Kelce and the Eagles?
With his new contract in place, Jason Kelce will continue to be a central figure for the Eagles as they look to build on their recent success and compete for another Super Bowl. The team has been a playoff contender in recent years, thanks in large part to the development of Jalen Hurts and the stability of the offensive line.
Hurts, who has grown into one of the NFL’s most dynamic young quarterbacks, will benefit from Kelce’s continued presence. Kelce’s ability to read defenses and make line adjustments is invaluable to Hurts, particularly as he continues to evolve as a passer. The Eagles’ offense, which relies heavily on the run game and play-action passing, is built around the strength of the offensive line, and Kelce is the key to making it all work.
In the short term, the Eagles are poised to remain one of the top teams in the NFC. With Kelce and the rest of the offensive line returning, the team will have the stability needed to compete against top
Leave a Reply