The Eagles have officially confirmed what Chip Kelly has been saying all along: DeMeco Ryans will definitely be back with the Eagles in 2015. According to a press release, the team has signed the veteran inside linebacker and defensive team captain to a one-year contract extension. Ryans' new deal will keep him under contract through the 2016 season.
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Ryans was scheduled to carry a $6.9 million cap hit in 2015. According to NFL media's Ian Rapoport, Ryans' new deal is worth $7.5 million base value. It can be worth up to $10.5 million and includes $6.25 million guaranteed. Jeff McLane reports Ryans got a $2.5 million signing bonus and his 2015 salary is $2 million, so the linebacker's cap number is around $3 million.
Ryans has played for the Eagles for three seasons and been the leader of the franchise during his tenure. He is coming off an Achilles tear that limited him to just eight games. Prior to the injury, Ryans was playing very well and collected 45 tackles and one interception. Ryans is set to turn 31 in July. Last week, the veteran told NJ.com that he expects to be ready to return to the field in time for training camp.
Ryans will lead an inside linebacker group that currently features Mychal Kendricks, Kiko Alonso, Brad Jones, Emmanuel Acho, and Brandon Hepburn. Fifth-year backup Casey Matthews signed with the Minnesota Vikings last week. The Eagles may draft an eventual successor to Ryans in April.