Eagles Extend Lane Johnson; Fletcher Cox Too?

After Celek spoke highly of Pederson, offensive tackle Lane Johnson, who signed a six-year contract, gave his vote of support for his new head coach.

Terms of the contract were not disclosed. “That’s what they drafted me for”, he said with his Southern twang Friday at the Eagles’ NovaCare Complex.

It’s been widely speculated that Johnson, the number 4 overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft and arguably the Eagles best offensive lineman this year, will step over to left tackle when Pro Bowler Jason Peters retires. Once Peters returned, Johnson went back to the right, but his new deal seems to indicate a permanent move to the left is in his future.

In Johnson’s career thus far, he has played in 44 regular season games and one playoff game.

Furthermore, Johnson’s salary fits more in line with left tackles.

According to The Inquirer, $35.5 million of the deal is guaranteed, making Johnson one of the NFL’s highest-paid tackles.

Right now, Johnson’s the anchor of that line, with Peters slowing down and Jason Kelce (Travis’ older brother) coming off a subpar year. “I think he’s going to be a great leader for us”.

Lane Johnson’s rookie deal wasn’t set to expire until the end of the 2016 season, but the Philadelphia Eagles didn’t let things reach the point where the prized right tackle could test free agency.

Doug Pederson is building hope for Eagles fans. “Seeing where he is at, then motivating him for the next year”.

The Eagles have been aggressive in securing their core players this month after a disappointing 2015 season that spurred a change at the top of the organization.