Jason Kelce Is Back: What’s Next?
He’s back!
After mulling retirement for a second consecutive offseason, Jason Kelce will return for the 12th season. The Eagles announced the good news on Thursday afternoon.
A video was posted of Kelce pouring a beer from a keg. Most likely the one Coach Nick Sirianni sent in an effort to recruit his veteran center to return.
Kelce stated, “Got a lot of questions on the air yesterday about my future. So, I decided to clear it up right now. Unfortunately, I decided that I’m retiring from hosting WIP,” Kelce said. “But I’m definitely not retiring from playing for the Philadelphia Eagles. I’m having way too much fun doing that. Looking forward to another year, Philadelphia. And to all my teammates. Let’s go dominate.”
Along with the announcement of Kelce’s return, it has been reported that the Philadelphia Eagles agreed to a new one-year deal with their star center worth $14 million. Kelce becomes the highest-paid center in the league.
A Huge Win For Philly’s Offseason
Kelce has only missed two games in 11 seasons. He’s been to five Pro Bowls and has four First-Team All-Pro selections in his career. Kelce’s return means the Eagles do not have to draft or sign his replacement this offseason.
The Eagles can focus on defense if they choose to. The Eagles could also draft his replacement in this year’s draft and possibly have Kelce mentor him. If they went that route, it would be interesting to see if they were to draft in the early rounds, or would they attempt to find a hidden gem like Kelce in the later rounds?
Before officially announcing his return to the team, Kelce appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia and offered his unwavering support and praise for the team’s young starting quarterback, Jalen Hurts. When asked about the criticism that Hurts has received early in his career, Kelce responded “I don’t think it bothers Jalen Hurts. I probably wouldn’t be a fan of the guy if it did bother him.” He went on to explain that the criticism “makes him a better player.” He even expressed that he and his young quarterback have a great deal in common and are “cut from the same cloth.”
High praise for a young quarterback from a key veteran on his team, and a great omen for what is to come in 2022 for the Philadelphia squad coming off a surprise playoff appearance in 2021.
Kelce has seen a lot in his career. His leadership and knowledge of the game are priceless. It would have been painful to lose Brandon Brooks and Jason Kelce in the same off-season. Kelce means so much to the locker room. He has embodied Philadelphia’s blue-collar, hard-working mentality since day one. The Eagles are sure glad to have Kelce back. The sky is the limit with Kelce’s return. Kelce said it best earlier in his video let’s dominate.
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