Lane Johnson OT and the Philadelphia Eagles agree to a five year, $63 million dollar contract.
Per Adam Caplan, The fourth-overall pick from the 2013 NFL draft, Lane Johnson, has signed a contract that will keep him in an Eagles uniform until 2021. The Eagles inked their offensive tackle to a contract valued at $63 million, with $35.5 million in guaranteed money.
In Johnson’s career thus far, he has played in 44 regular season games and one playoff game. When drafted, he had played at left tackle in college; since joining the Eagles, however, he has played 43 games at right tackle.
When evaluating his contract it is important to consider that the Eagles plan to eventually move Johnson to left tackle. As a result, the Eagles paid Johnson as a left, and not a right tackle.
Per Spotrac, Johnson’s average salary per year is $12,600,000. His average seasonal salary is higher than any other right tackle. The closest average salary to Johnson’s is Bryan Bulaga, who makes an average of $6,750,000 per season. In other words, Philadelphia paid its current right tackle almost double the going rate for right tackles.
Furthermore, Johnson’s salary fits more in line with left tackles. The Cowboys starting left tackle, Tyron Smith, earns an average of $12,200,000 per season.
What this means going forward is that the Philadelphia Eagles have, in theory, overpaid Johnson for his services while he is the team’s right tackle. However, as soon as the team flips him to the other side of the offensive line, his pay will be proportionally better. Moreover, while handing a right tackle a contact of $63 million looks questionable, the Eagles made a long-term investment in the team’s future.