Kolb gets one-year extension
Kevin Kolb and the Eagles have agreed to a one-year contract extension through the 2011 season, the team announced today.
Kolb gets one-year extension
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
Kevin Kolb and the Eagles have agreed to a one-year contract extension through the 2011 season, the team announced today.
In the span of three and a half week, Kolb has been named the Eagles starting quarterback, welcomed into the world his second daughter and received a contract extension.
"It's been a good month," Kolb said. "Named the starting quarterback, contract extension and, of course, the baby. It's been a whirlwind."
Kolb is set to earn a guaranteed $12.26 million over two years, most of it in the form of a signing bonus, according to his agent, Jeff Nalley.
"I think if the current [collective bargaining agreement] rules weren't in place, I think the goal would have been to do a long-term deal on both sides," Nalley said "But the rules are what they are."
The CBA's 30-percent rule doesn't allow for players playing in their rookie deals to get a raise in their next contract of more than 30 percent of their base salary. Kolb's base salary this season was $550,000, but is now a guaranteed $715,000.
“We’re happy to have Kevin under contract for the next two seasons,” Eagles coach Andy Reid said in a statement. “When given the chance, Kevin has proven to have good command of this offense and we’re looking forward to having him operate as the number one quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles.”
Kolb was named the Eagles starter on Easter Sunday, April 4, the day the team traded Donovan McNabb to the Redskins. According to Nalley, both sides didn't start negotiating a new deal until over a week later. The back-and-forth went on for a while until yesterday, when Nalley decided it would be in his best interest to fly from Houston to Philadelphia to negotiate with the Eagles in person.
“We’re excited about what we’ve seen from Kevin during his three seasons in Philadelphia both on and off the field," Eagles general manager Howie Roseman said. "We’re happy to get this contract in place for the near future and are looking forward to keeping Kevin in Philadelphia for many more years to come.”
Said Eagles president Joe Banner, “I’d like to thank Kevin and his agent Jeff Nalley for their work in getting this contract signed. We’re very happy with Kevin and all the attributes he brings to this organization and we’re pleased to sign another young, ascending player to a contract. It’s something that this organization has prioritized over the last several years.”
Kolb's extension comes the day before the start of minicamp. A second-round draft choice in 2007, Kolb was McNabb's backup for three seasons. Kolb filled in for two games last season when McNabb was injured in the season opener. In those two games, a loss to the Saints and a win over the Chiefs, Kolb became the first quarterback in NFL history to pass for 300 yards in his first two NFL starts.
He threw for 391 yards vs. New Orleans and 327 yards a week later vs. Kansas City and was named NFC Offensive player of the week honors for his performance in that game.
Kolb isn't the only Eagles player that was due a bump in pay. Wide receiver DeSean Jackson, a Pro Bowler last season, will earn $480,000 in base salary this year. He has said that he wants a new deal, but also that he's willing to wait. It'll be interesting to see if the Eagles have Jackson next on their list.
An outlandishly large amount of money for an unproven player. And Kolb could be an absolute failure too. McNabb was not making that amount till his extension last year and he took us to 5 NFC title games.— bradco- I don't blame the Eagles at all on this move- they are saying: "Do a good job, and you will get a nice fat contract. F-- up, you are gone". I don't see any problem with this- I am personally confident that Kolb will get us 10-11 wins this season. If not, he has next season after getting acquainted this one... Seems very fair to me. If after two years he doesn't work- the Birds will move on. And I am sure they will be able to draft a quality QB if that is the case. The key will be to keep DeSean, Maclin, Shady, Celek and the other core scorers on the O around no matter what... All eyes are on you Kolb, you are now the man- make it happen.— ArcaneAlchemy
- Folks: it takes two to tango; everyone seems to believe that Kolb is anxious for a long-term deal? Probably not. A great season or two and his value skyrockets.— chuckw
Comment removed.- Did half of you people read this story?? The couldn't come to terms on a LONG-TERM deal because of the CBA's 30-percent rule. Why would Kolb and his agent agree to a five-year deal when NONE of those years can be more than $715,000 in worth??? Next, why would the Eagles give him more bonus money in a long-term deal? That would just be BAD business. You people really are stupid— PSU DEJA BLUE
- Owatagoofiam, you are correct. A 12 million dollar roster bonus? Not paid if there's a lockout. No extension past next year? Don't want to pay anybody big money on a multiyear contract. All of the veterans gone, new players brought in cheap, all RFAs signing one year tenders, trading down for most of the draft. Wow, could a franchise go in a more opposite direction than the Phillies? The FO makes it so tough to root for this team.— mjc1
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- Interesting point Phillies09, but I don't recall McNabb lighting up a good defense in quite a few years now either. He has padded his numbers against some pretty brutal defenses himself. This deal makes sense for both sides. If Kolb proves himself as starting caliber, he will get a more lucrative deal, and if not, Eagles can cut bait. Sounds reasonable to me.— KevDic3
- This is a smart move by the FO. If Kolb shows he can play in this league, then they can extend him again. If not, then they can part ways and not take a big cap hit. I like the move. 8-8 is my prediction for next year, though.— FKD215
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- 1 year deal is absolutely the right move. Does not show a lack of faith in Kolb at all, if anything it will ease his mind that this isnt a contract year for him. No young player like Kolb or DeSean is going to agree to a long term deal with that 30% restriction, and no front office is going to offer a long term contract making up the difference in guaranteed money.
- Did any of you even read the article? Kold signed a one-year deal because players still playing under their rookie contract can't get a raise of more than 30%. This contract will get him an extra year locked up and then if he performs they sign him long-term. God, the inability of the average Philadelphian to read and comprehend is astounding.— jreiss
- Dross you're absolutely right. Had the Eagles locked him up for 5 years people would be screaming. A one year deal is perfect - let's see what the kid can do. Has nothing to do with confidence in Kolb.— Tacklebury
- The contract seems like a lot of money to invest but who knows if there is even going to be football in 2011. Unless the players cave on the higher percentage of the revenue going to owners there's not going to be a season. And if there is a lockout players do not get paid. The owners would be in favor of the lockout because they would still make money. They'd have their overhead for stadium maintenance and debt, cost for front office and coaching staff, and training staff, etc., but would not have to pay stadium employees or players their salaries...AND they still collect the national TV contract. With or without games played they still have to pay the NFL. Nice contract there. Also...why would they give Desean a new deal now? What could they give him? A one-year deal like Kolb and lose the rest of the years on his original contract? That would make perfect business sense. Jackson's going to have to prove his worth the next couple of seasons, see if he can put up the amazing numbers with Kolb throwing the football (breakaway speed doesn't do much when you're not getting the ball thrown down the field and McNabb was better at that than Kolb). All that being said...I don't know what kind of record the Eagles will have next year. They could go 4-12 and Kolb lead the league in INT's...or the offense could flourish with him and go 14-2 and win it all. The point is NO ONE knows for sure what will happen. Probably 10-6, 9-7 as Andy Reid always finds ways to win football games and get his team to the playoffs somehow...— Eilex826
