It was supposed to be Trent Cole’s day. He met with reporters after putting his John Hancock on a shiny, new four-year extension with the Eagles. Cole shot down rumors the team was trying to reverse the opinion that they didn’t sign their homegrown stars to big-time contracts.
“I don’t have that consensus,” Cole said. “They’re going to do what’s best for the team and what’s best for the franchise.”
Then, some four hours later, the news broke that DeSean Jackson had signed a five-year deal worth an estimated $51 million. There is $15 million fully guaranteed.
“We are thrilled to be able to keep one of the NFL’s top playmakers in Philadelphia,” said Eagles coach Andy Reid in a statement. “DeSean is a game breaker, he has the speed and ability to score from anywhere on the field, and he has proven himself to be a big threat for our offense. Signing our own players was a big priority for us this offseason, and DeSean was certainly high on our list.”
Jackson, 25, was a second-round draft pick in 2008. Cole, 29, was selected in the fifth round back in 2005. They are now signed through 2016 and 2017, respectively. On Tuesday, the Eagles agreed on a three-year extension with tackle Todd Herremans, a fourth round pick in 2005. In other words, as NFL free agency rolls on, the Eagles seem content with their current roster.
“We really feel that we don’t need any extra pieces brought to us in free agency,” Herremans said. “We feel that the team we have in the locker room can make a great run and go to the Super Bowl next year.”
