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The Philadelphia Eagles agreed to terms with Lane Johnson on a six-year contract, according to multiple reports. The 25-year-old offensive tackle is now under contract through the 2021 season. The deal is reportedly worth up to $63 million with $35.5 million guaranteed. Official confirmation:
Another deal done for the #Eagles! Lane Johnson gets a new six-year contract through 2021: https://t.co/4MQPDmOLk2 pic.twitter.com/3SPqngZFIT
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) January 29, 2016
This contract extension doesn't come as a surprise. Johnson himself recently told a reporter he's been in contract negotiations with the Eagles. Early on Friday morning it was reported that Johnson and the Eagles were close to finalizing a new deal. The team hasn't made an official announcement yet.
Since being drafted No. 4 overall in the 2013 NFL Draft, Johnson has started and played in 44 games for the Eagles. He's never missed a start due to injury. He only missed four games in 2014 due to a PEDS suspension. Johnson has spent most of his starts at right tackle but he started two at left tackle during the 2015 season. It's believed Johnson will eventually start at left tackle once Jason Peters is no longer there. New Eagles head coach Doug Pederson said he wants Peters back for 2016 so it seems Johnson's position change might have to wait.
Pro Football Focus graded Johnson as the 10th best right tackle in 2015. He ranked sixth in 2014 and 26th as a rookie in 2013.
Johnson wasn't truly scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent until after the 2017 season. The Eagles could have used their fifth-year option on Johnson for 2017, but instead have opted to work out this long-term deal.
Johnson is the third Eagles player to receive a new contract this week behind Zach Ertz and Brent Celek. Eagles executive vice president of football operations Howie Roseman has clearly put an emphasis on retaining Philadelphia's home grown talent. Vinny Curry and Fletcher Cox are among those expected to be signed at some point in the future.