This past off-season, veteran wide receiver Alshon Jeffery bet on himself when he signed a one-year worth $14 million with the Philadelphia Eagles. The former Pro Bowler had expected to secure a more lucrative deal, but the offer never materialized. Jeffery instead, wanted to prove to the league that he could stay healthy for a full season, and exceed expectations on the field.
On Saturday, December 2, 2017, Jeffery got his wish. ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter has reported that the Eagles have announced they have agreed to terms with their star wide receiver on a four-year $52 million extension through the 2021 season.
As reported by the NFL, the deal includes $27 million in guaranteed money, as well an additional $4 million available through bonus incentives.
On-field success for Jeffery and the Eagles offense
Jeffery appears to be enjoying his first season in Philadelphia, both on and off the field. The sixth-year veteran wideout has found success as an integral part of head coach Doug Pederson's high-flying offense.
After a slow start, Jeffery has come on to score five times in the last four games, including an eight-yard touchdown catch against his former team in a Week 12 blowout win. Bleeding Green Nation notes that, through 11 games, Jeffery has accumulated 43 receptions for 619 yards and 7 touchdowns this season. He is currently three touchdowns shy of matching his career high of 10, which he scored as a member of the Chicago Bears in 2014.
No one has benefited more from the acquisition of Jeffery than second-year quarterback Carson Wentz. Wentz has been deadly near the goal line this season. Jeffery's size and physical presence have helped Wentz improve his accuracy in the red zone and on third down.
Many consider Wentz to be the current front-runner for NFL MVP consideration this season. He and Jeffery have developed an amazing on-field chemistry, something the young QB is clearly excited to build on in future seasons.
Jeffery's addition to the lineup has also created additional scoring opportunities for other members of the Eagles offense. Tight end Zach Ertz and fellow wide receiver Nelson Agholor have enjoyed career seasons in 2017. And a rushing attack that features LeGarrette Blount and Jay Ajayi and currently ranks second in the NFL with an average of 147.5 yards per game. The Eagles lead the league in points per game, as they look to continue their dominance versus a battered Seattle Seahawks team in a Week 13 Sunday Night Football matchup.
A statement from the Eagles
The NFL reported that the Eagles organization have released a statement about the Jeffery signing. "Alshon has been a tremendous addition to this organization on and off the field," the team noted. "We place a priority on making sure we are able to build the team around quality players like Alshon who embrace this team and this city the way he has. We are excited about his future here."
Jeffery released a statement of his own through the team. "First of all I just want to thank Jeffrey Lurie and the entire Eagles organization," the receiver said. "Like I said the other day, I love it here. I'm blessed to have the opportunity to play for this organization and for these fans.
Everyone has welcomed me with open arms and now I'm looking forward to being here for a long time. We have a great group here, and I'm excited to be a part of it."
Alshon Jeffery will now be paid as a top-tier wide receiver in the NFL. His gamble on himself this past offseason has paid off. Eagles fans will rejoice, as they can now look forward to watching No. 17 score touchdowns and execute awesome celebrations for seasons to come.