The Philadelphia Eagles have found their new left tackle, and did not waste any time throwing the bag at him. On Saturday, the Eagles announced they had signed Jordan Mailata to a four-year extension. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports it’s a $64 million extension that could be worth up to $80 million. It also reportedly includes $40.85 million guaranteed.
Mailata was in competition with former first-round pick Andre Dillard for the Eagles’ left tackle spot, and took over after an impressive training camp. Teams reportedly reached out to the Eagles to inquire about the availability of Dillard due to the emergence of Mailata. According to Spotrac, Mailata’s new deal ties him for seventh among highest-paid left tackles (AAV). The $40.85 million ranks ninth.
Mailata’s story is an incredible one. The Australian grew up playing rugby, and evolved into a stud. He was selected by the Eagles in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft, but missed his first two seasons due to injury. He played in 15 games this past season, started in 10 and recorded a 70.3 PFF grade over 700 offensive snaps. His stock continued to rise into the offseason and he now has a new contract.
“Jordan came back in phenomenal shape,” Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said during training camp. “He had a target weight that he was trying to come back at and he came back at that weight. He came back lighter, he came back more fit and it’s showing out there.”
Nothing but love, gratitude, and excitement@jordan_mailata | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/litHyNhrM8
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 11, 2021
With Mailata’s lack of experience and injury history, this seems like a bit of a risky move. But, he is just 24 years old and has an athletic 6-foot-8 frame. Mailata possesses a special kind of upside, and the Eagles are putting all their eggs in this basket when it comes to keeping Jalen Hurts upright for the next few years.