The Philadelphia Eagles' offseason was different from what fans have come to expect from general manager Howie Roseman.
Free agents who signed with the team received one-year deals, and the team traded away two key players on the roster: Kenny Pickett and C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Contract extensions were also handed out to running back Saquon Barkley, right tackle Lane Johnson, center Cam Jurgens, and head coach Nick Sirianni.
Among the multiple moves the Eagles made, despite most of them being small signings to add depth, one critical move became one of the best transactions in the NFL.
Bleacher Report praises Eagles' contract extension for starting offensive lineman
Bleacher Report writer Gary Davenport ranked the top 25 best offseason moves in the NFL. The Eagles giving Jurgens a contract extension was ranked 22nd as the team focuses on their favorite position group: the offensive line.
"The Eagles are adopting an interesting strategy as they attempt to defend their Super Bowl title—the team ranks near the top of the league in spending on offense and near the bottom of the NFL in spending on defense. However, Philadelphia didn’t have much choice but to extend their Pro Bowl center after the best season of his career—Jurgens was 10th among interior linemen in pass block win rate in 2024."
Jurgens was a second round pick of the Eagles in 2022 as he started his career backing up Jason Kelce to be his eventual successor. Last year was his first full season at center as he quickly dominated the position as he played every game except for the season finalize against the New York Giants.
He was selected to his first Pro Bowl of his career. According to PFF, Jurgens ranked 16th in overall grade among centers with a grade of 67.1. His top grade from PFF was in run blocking, with a score of 68.5, which ranks 19th among centers.
It was a move that didn't receive as much praise at the time, but the Eagles rewarded Jurgens with a four-year, $68 million extension. The move was made to secure their center for multiple years and keep the offensive line intact, especially since they lost Mekhi Becton in free agency.
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With Jurgens teamed up with Jordan Mailata and Landon Dickerson, the future is secure. Johnson could be on his last legs in the NFL and projected starting right guard Tyler Steen needs to prove himself.
Protecting starting quarterback Jalen Hurts is the most crucial part of the roster, and Jurgens gives them someone who could be the next Kelce.