It’s not common to see NFL players return to their original teams.
There’s a reason for the departure, be it on the side of the team or the player.
That’s why what happened during Malcolm Jenkins‘ career is a massive deal.
After playing five seasons with the New Orleans Saints, the team did not offer him a contract extension.
That scenario led him to sign with the Philadelphia Eagles on a three-year, $16.25 million contract.
In 2016, Jenkins signed another four-year, $35 million extension with the Eagles.
But despite being away from New Orleans for six seasons, the team brought him back on a four-year, $32 million deal in 2020.
However, he ended up retiring two seasons into his second stint with the Saints, leaving two years left in his contract.
He announced his retirement with a smile on his face in his recent guesting at the Pivot Podcast of Ryan Clark and Channing Crowder.
Jenkins looked content with his career, especially his achievements.
As he looks forward to the next phase of his career, he has nothing but gratitude for the team that drafted him in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft.
In response to his retirement announcement at the Saints’ official Twitter account, Jenkins responded: “Thank you to my #WhoDat family for believing in me from day 1 and welcoming me back with open arms.”
Jenkins’ Tenure With The Saints
He joined the Saints at the right time because they won Super Bowl XLIV against the Indianapolis Colts in his rookie season.
Jenkins also became a Second-Team All-Pro in his sophomore year with the team.
In that season, the former Ohio State Buckeye had 64 total tackles, 12 passes defended, two interceptions, and a sack.
Even in his final season with the Saints, he didn’t look like a broken player because he still had 79 tackles, an interception, and a sack.
Jenkins’ departure will give C.J. Gardner-Johnson more playing time, together with new additions Marcus Maye and Daniel Sorensen.
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