Lane Johnson Reportedly Signs Contract Extension with Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles have reportedly agreed to a contract extension with offensive lineman Lane Johnson, according to Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ Advance Media.

On Jan. 22 Shorr-Parks of NJ Advance Media said the team's front office was putting an emphasis on locking up young players this offseason and will make an offer to Johnson "soon."  

Johnson, 25, brings valuable versatility as a player who can play either tackle position. He could move into the crucial left tackle spot full time next season depending on what the Eagles decide to do with high-priced veteran Jason Peters, who will count more than $9 million against the cap, per Spotrac.

The Oklahoma product was usually one of the rare bright spots for a line that rated 20th in pass protection and 30th in run blocking, per Football Outsiders.

He did have issues with penalties at times, though. He finished with 11 calls against him during the regular season, three more than any other Philadelphia player, according to the NFL Penalty Tracker.

Johnson stated after Chip Kelly was let go that he believed the coaching staff changes could have a positive impact on the overall offensive play. Marcus Hayes of the Philadelphia Daily News provided the tackle's remarks about the toll the fast pace takes on linemen:

"

Get back to a more traditional style of offense. I've been running this tempo (bleep) since college. I'm pretty damned tired. It takes a toll on you. You do it over a period of time, a lot of guys in this league aren't going to last . . . Bigger guys, it's harder on your joints. A lot of pounding. Your hips. Your back. All you're doing is torquing all day.

"

Clearly, the Eagles believe Johnson can have a positive long-term impact if they want to sign him to a new deal while he still has one year left on his current contract. The question is how much of a cap-hit increase an extension would bring compared to the around $6 million he'd receive without a new deal.