Last week, the Eagles signed Winston Justice to a new four year contract. Today, Brent Celek joined the club, as the Eagles signed their young tight end to a six year extension worth $33 million, according to Adam Schefter. $11 million is in guarantees, and this deal now gives the Eagles 22 players signed through the 2012 season, meaning that they already have a young core in place for the next few seasons, which is something very few teams can actually say.
In his first full year as the starting tight end, Celek has been nothing short of excellent. He leads the Eagles in catches, with 54 and touchdowns, with five. His 601 receiving yards are fifth among all tight ends in the NFL, and he has really made a position that most people thought would be a weakness for the Eagles this year into a strength. He didn't have the best game on Sunday, dropping three passes in the second half, but he has been solid the entire year. He always seems to make the extra effort on every play, and isn't afraid of contact.
Personally, I love this move. Celek has risen to the top of the tight end class in the NFC, and has provided both Donovan McNabb and Kevin Kolb with a solid receiving threat this year. He will only be 25 years old when the 2010 season starts, and the Eagles now have him locked up for his prime years. Whether or not he remains at this level is yet to be seen, but for the moment, this is another good move by a front office that has somehow built for the future without sacrificing success in the present. Say what you will about the Eagles, but they certainly know how to keep their players around if they see them as being important.
ESPN.com: Brent Celek signs extension with Eagles
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