Eagles adjust safety Blake Countess’ contract, reducing 2019 salary-cap hit

The Eagles adjusted the contract of new safety Blake Countess by adding another year to the deal to lower his salary-cap number this season, according to a league source.

NBC Sports Philadelphia first reported the news.

Countess, who was claimed off waivers from the Los Angeles Rams last week, would have counted $2.025 million against the salary cap this season. The new contract terms were not available, but his salary-cap charge for 2019 has been reduced. That would make it more manageable to keep Countess on the roster if he impresses this spring and summer.

The Rams waived Countess after they asked him to take a pay cut, according to reports.

Countess, 25, was a sixth-round pick by the Eagles in 2016. They cut him before that season and he joined the Rams practice squad, eventually earning a promotion and carving a role on defense and special teams. Countess could find a similar role with the Eagles. Malcolm Jenkins and Rodney McLeod are back as starters, although McLeod is coming off a season-ending knee injury. The Eagles signed veteran Andrew Sendejo and also have Tre Sullivan and Deiondre’ Hall returning from last season.

The Eagles waived wide receiver Johnny Holton. They need open roster spots to officially sign undrafted rookies, who will likely join the team on Thursday. The team opens rookie minicamp on Friday.