The Philadelphia Eagles have acquired Jalen Hurts’ blindside protector for the near future, Jordan Mailata.
Philadelphia recently came to terms with left tackle Jordan Mailata on a three-year, $66 million extension. The deal keeps him under contract through 2028.
“It is an honour to be able to play at one club,” Mailata said on Friday during his press conference via the team website. “I’ve always wanted to be a player for one team and few who get to do that. To be a part of the history and part of the club and the culture we are trying to continue to build is an honour. I am very grateful to the organization.”
Mailata’s journey from Australia to Philadelphia is impressive. Before joining the NFL, he grew up playing rugby before transitioning to professional football. Mailata was part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program. He impressed the Eagles that they chose him in the seventh round in the 2018 NFL Draft.
But, Mailata suffered back injuries in his first two seasons. He recorded his first start in 2020 and finished the campaign with 10 starts in 15 matches. Since 2021, he has been a consistent starter for the Eagles, starting in 47 games over the last three seasons.
Now 27, Mailata credited his run game coordinator and offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland for being a figure that significantly impacted his career.
“It all starts with the coach I have in that room right now and the culture that he set,” Mailata said of Stoutland. “You either sink to the bottom or rise to the top because of Coach Stout.”
Mailata’s performance has improved every season. With his new three-year contract extension ($22 million per season), he now ranks fourth among left tackles, behind Laremy Tunsil, Andrew Thomas and Trent Williams.
Furthermore, with Jason Kelce retiring this offseason, Mailata is ready to embrace a leadership role entering the 2024 season.
“Any opportunity I can get to lead from within, I will always embrace,” Mailata said. “I am looking forward to coming back here and building something we can look forward to.”
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