Jason Kelce put a stop to retirement rumors Thursday. The decorated Eagles center will return for the 2022 season, he announced (via Twitter).
The 11-year veteran suggested after the 2021 season it might have been his last, but the Eagles will have their longtime snapper on the field again next season. Kelce, 34, has not missed a game since the 2014 season.
While the Eagles have naturally seen many Super Bowl LII starters depart, the team still has Kelce and Lane Johnson anchoring their offensive line. Since that 2017 season, Kelce has added a run of honors despite turning 30 that year. Kelce is now a four-time first-team All-Pro, with his latest such honor coming last season. His four All-Pros lead the way among centers in the 21st century, with no other center whose career began after 2000 earning more than two such nods.
The Cincinnati product has added five Pro Bowls and played a central role in the Eagles leading the NFL in rushing last season. They became the first team since the 1985 Bears to rush for at least 175 yards in seven straight games, doing so after committing to the ground game in Week 7.
Kelce’s contract runs through the 2022 season, though several void years are present due to restructuring. He is on Philadelphia’s books at $10.6MM next season. The Eagles have Johnson and left tackle Jordan Mailata under contract through 2025.
Maybe now people will stop mocking Linderbaum to the Eagles (when they drafted a top center prospect last year anyway).
I still want Linderbaum. This team can use more OL depth as guys age and Dickerson has injury issues.
Linderbaum’s a great prospect, but he doesn’t really have the measurables to play anywhere but center. Zion Johnson or Kenyon Green will be available for them if they really want to go interior line in the first, but they could wait and grab someone like Darian Kinnard or Dylan Parham a round or two later.
Great news for my eagles!!