Steven Means, Eagles sign contract extension

The Philadelphia Eagles have signed defensive end Steven Means to a one-year contract extension, according to an official announcement from the team.

Means was set to be a restricted free agent after the 2017 season but now he’ll be under contract through 2018.

This extension comes after a very productive preseason by the 26-year-old pass rusher. Means graded out as one of the NFL’s best defensive ends this summer. In his first two preseason games alone, Means recorded 16 total pressures including four sacks and a forced fumble.

Means figures to be the Eagles’ fifth defensive end behind the likes of Brandon Graham, Vinny Curry, Derek Barnett, and Chris Long. This extension would seem to signal he’s beat out Alex McCalister, who has also had some positive flashes this summer.

Perhaps the Eagles will keep six defensive ends, but that doesn’t seem likely. McCalister could be a practice squad candidate if he doesn’t get picked up on waivers.

The Eagles originally signed Means off the Texans’ practice squad back in 2015. He played well enough last year to make the final roster but only 36 of the team’s defensive snaps.

Means shares a connection with Eagles vice president of player personnel Joe Douglas. Douglas was still with the Ravens when Means signed with Baltimore in 2014.