Shawn Andrews Signs Deal

Offensive linemen are getting the respect they deserve lately and the Philadelphia Eagles are not about to lose one they feel is an anchor in the line. Shawn Andrews was approaching the free agency point, but he will never get there are the Eagles made him an offer he could not refuse. Eagles and Andrews agreed on a seven-year extension, which could be worth up to $40 million.

Shawn Andrews, an alternate to last season’s Pro Bowl, still had three years to go on his initial contract, but the Eagles wanted to make sure he spends at least the prime of his career in Philadelphia. He is now locked up for the next 10 years. The first year of the new contract will pay Andrews $12 million.

While locking up players before they get to the free agency point is becoming common for the Eagles, it may become a practice by more NFL teams as the markets become fiercer. The practice puts a premium on being able to see progress of a player in the future.