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Lane Johnson signs 6-year contract

Lane Johnson has been considered the Eagles' future left tackle since the team invested the No. 4 overall pick in the 2013 draft. On Friday, the Eagles ensured that Johnson could remain in Philadelphia to eventually play left tackle - and would be compensated accordingly.

Johnson signed a six-year deal that keeps him under contract through the 2021 season. The deal is for $59 million with a maximum value of $63 million and $35.5 million guaranteed. It makes him the highest-paid right tackle in the NFL and puts him among the top left tackles - whenever that time comes.

The Eagles have eight-time Pro Bowler Jason Peters at left tackle now. Coach Doug Pederson sounded optimistic that Peters, 34, would return this season. But whenever Peters moves on, Johnson will be ready to move from the right to the left.

"I think that's what they drafted me for," Johnson said. "Obviously, Jason Peters is probably the best tackle of all time. One of them. Him and Walter Jones, in my opinion. Having him here, he's taught me so much. I'm going to continue to [play right tackle] until that time comes."

Johnson and Peters maintain a good relationship. They recently saw each other in Dallas, and Johnson said Peters "knows what the deal is." Johnson started two games in Peters' place at left tackle in 2015 while Peters was injured.

"Moving forward, all those decisions will be made," Johnson said. "For right now, I think he's good where he's at."

Johnson, 25, has been a steady presence on the Eagles' offensive line during the last three seasons. Other than a four-game suspension in 2014 for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing drugs, Johnson has not missed a start.

He said he emulates the mentality of former Eagles offensive lineman Jon Runyan, who was known for his toughness playing through injuries.

The team has been bullish about Johnson's development. He is a converted college quarterback who is still progressing as an offensive lineman. The Eagles made him the first 2013 first-round pick to sign a second contract. Tight end Zach Ertz, the team's second-round pick that season, also reached an extension earlier this week.

"Kind of the style here," Johnson said. "We like to get stuff done early. I was happy when the deal came along. Something you don't want to pass up. I want to be here the rest of my career."

Johnson's agent, Ken Sarnoff, said his guiding principle when negotiating the contract was to have Johnson paid for future performance and not for the past. He also credited Howie Roseman, the team's executive vice president of football operations, for drafting Johnson in 2013. Sarnoff said Roseman, who was general manager at the time, deserves credit for a pick that is often attributed to Chip Kelly.

Johnson met new coach Doug Pederson for the first time on Friday. He was ecstatic that the Eagles retained offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, whom Johnson credited for his development.

Stoutland could oversee Johnson's eventual move to left tackle. Johnson said he wants to make sure he gives the Eagles "their money's worth," and that money puts Johnson among the top tackles in the NFL.

"Looking over the contract, it was definitely a fair deal," Johnson said. "Highest-paid right tackle, and when it comes to left, I think it's fair."