Eagles sign Mikell to four-year deal

The Eagles agreed to terms on a four-year contract with safety Quintin Mikell today, ending his potential to become an unrestricted free agent when the NFL bidding begins Friday.

Mikell, 26, will be signed through the 2010 season. The fifth-year safety was considered one of the team's free-agent priorities because he has emerged as the Eagles' top special teams player while also beginning to contribute more on the defensive side of the ball.

"Quintin has been a really good football player for us," said Eagles general manager Tom Heckert. "He's a vital contributor for us on special teams and does a very solid job when he's on the field defensively. We're glad to keep him here in Philadelphia."

With free agent Michael Lewis expected to leave the team, Mikell could play an even more significant role on defense next season. His most memorable play of last season came on Christmas night when he made a fourth-down tackle to complete a goal-line stand in the Eagles' win over the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium. Mikell led the Eagles special teams with 35 tackles last season.