With New Deal, Justice Is Long-Term Starter
The Philadelphia Daily News - Eagletarian
With New Deal, Justice Is Long-Term Starter
Les Bowen, Daily News Staff Writer
Both Winston Justice and Eagles general manager Tom Heckert indicated Tuesday that Justice's new contract extension -- reportedly worth $18.15 million over four years, with a $6 million signing bonus -- makes Justice the right tackle starter going forward.
Heckert said that with Shawn Andrews essentially sitting out his second successive season with back problems, the "question isn't even relevant right now."
It will be relevant next summer, of course, which was why the question was asked. Another source said the team views the commitment to Justice as very much "a quality starter deal." At this point, sources indicate, the Eagles will view Shawn Andrews' return as a bonus, if it happens, but they certainly aren't counting on it. Shawn Andrews could end up competing with his brother Stacy for the right guard job next year (assuming either of them is healthy/good enough to beat out Nick Cole).
Justice, meanwhile, said the money was less important to him than the faith the organization was showing in him by signing him through 2013. "That actually feels better than the whole financial security part," he said. Asked about being viewed as a starter henceforth, he said: "I think so, but again, I really don't play for money ... I don't play for the next contract ... I just play to glorify God and to go out there and enjoy playing."
Justice had been scheduled to become a free agent following this season. Whether he would have been restricted or unrestricted would have depended upon whether there is a new labor deal, but now that's moot, for Justice, anyway.
Until this summer, Justice was widely considered a huge bust, after being drafted in the second round out of USC in 2006. His lone start, at left tackle in 2007 against the Giants, was a memorable disaster, as New York sacked Donovan McNabb a dozen times, at least four of the sacks charged to Justice, who was nowhere near ready to handle Osi Umenyiora.
But Justice moved back to his more natural right side, where he'd played in college, and when Andrews' bad back flared up at the start of this year's training camp, Justice got a chance few had foreseen him ever earning. He has started every game, and though he hasn't been perfect, he has been solid and unflappable, as most of the components of the line around him have shifted through various injuries and recoveries.
The best part of this is that the Ambassador of the Eagles Hugh Dougla said Justice did not have what it takes to be a starter. Justice has looked better and better and the Eagles seem to think so as well. Goes to show you Hugh is as bad as the talk show he is on in the morning. I don't know who is worse Hugh or Al Lessganti. Thank goodness for 104.5 in my morning commute.— rockinrob
Has Hugh Douglas admitted he was wrong. I recall him saying that Winston has "no heart", "no fight or fire in him", and no chance for success after the NY game.— KINGOFZED- haha this team is a joke— ArtieLange
- Despite Andy setting him up for failure (first NFL start against a beast like Umenyiora with no help) he overcame - good for him - make the money my brother - the NFL is a cruel career— jhjack
- I thought it funny how Osi/Justice game propelled Osi into the pro bowl with 12 sacks, 5 coming in 1 game. That means he had 7 sacks in 15 games which is nothing. Finally Justice prevails.
- now that he got his contract its time for him to get HURT&LAZY>> seems to be the way with the eagles O-line the last few years.....— socalbirdsfan
- I guess they're doubly happy: a lineman AND a draft pick -- and he still dresses on Sundays! Whatta coup. Funny how everyone's on board with this 'best roster in the NFL' thing again. Banner and Lurie should be running the country - we need to delude ourselves out of this recession thing too.— raoool
- Not sure Winston is worth that kind of money, but he could be the right tackle for some time to come, and probably will improve each year.— tacklinjoe
- Icredibly odd to see such positive posts on this subject. You're getting soft Negadelphia.— jonnyb0916
- I thought he was done after that debacle in NY. You gotta give him credit. He worked hard and made himself into a starting o-lineman in this league and so far the best of the Eagles o-line. Way to go Winston. Keep up the decent work.— Will54
Comment removed.- Congratulations and best wishes to Winston. He eared the extension.— paolibulldog
- He plays right tackle to glorify God? God doesn't even like offense. God prefers run stuffing d-tackles.— p-diddy
- Comment removed.
- Winston has done a good job, but on what planet does he deserve to be paid $18 million dollars????? He has played DECENT for 10 games! Salaries are insane!— scars73
