Eagles give star lineman $33M extension

The Philadelphia Eagles have lost some key members of their 2022 Super Bowl roster, but they have also managed to get some good news when it comes to retaining most of their offensive line. That includes Friday's report from ESPN that star tackle Lane Johnson has agreed to a one-year contract extension worth $33.445 million with $30 million in guarantees. 

That contract extension will keep Johnson under contract through the 2026 season. 

That extension comes after star center Jason Kelce decided to return for at least one more season after flirting with retirement, helping to keep a significant part of their line together. That is great news for quarterback Jalen Hurts and the team's running backs. 

Johnson has become one of the best tackles in all of football in recent years and has not allowed a single sack over the past years, while the Eagles' record with him in the lineup (79-47-1) is dramatically better than when he is not (13-22). He is clearly one of the main driving forces behind the Eagles' success in both the running game and passing game.

There was also a practical matter for the Eagles to sign Johnson to an extension, beyond just rewarding him for his great play.

That contract extension also reduces his salary cap number for the 2023 season from $24 million all the way down to $14.8 million, saving the team nearly $10 million in salary cap space.