Mychal Kendricks and the Philadelphia Eagles surprised everyone by signing a contract extension on Monday evening. The deal is reportedly worth $29 million over four years with $16.4 million guaranteed. Here's a look at how Kendricks now ranks compared to other NFL inside linebackers. Numbers via overthecap.com:
2nd highest guaranteed
Kendricks' guarantee is pretty big. Only Houston's Brian Cushing received more with $21 million guaranteed overall. Oft-injured Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee ranks third with $16.1 million.
9th highest average per year
While the guaranteed money is very high, the contract's annual value is a little lower. Kendricks is scheduled to make $7.25 million per year. The eight players who make more include, in order: Seattle's Bobby Wagner ($10.75M), Pittsburgh's Lawrence Timmons ($9.5M), San Francisco's NaVorro Bowman ($9M), Houston's Brian Cushing ($8.75M), St. Louis' James Laurinitis ($8.3M), Arizona's Daryl Washington ($8M), San Diego's Donald Butler ($7.4M), and New England's Jerod Mayo ($7.3M).
Good deal for both sides
I consider this deal a win-win. Kendricks gets long-term security. The Eagles lock up their 24-year-old stud linebacker before he makes it to free agency this offseason. Now Philadelphia will presumably have the inside linebacker duo of Kendricks and Kiko Alonso for years to come. Keeping Kendricks will help the Eagles have one of the NFL's best front sevens moving forward.