For years, Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has emphasized building the team through the offensive and defensive lines in the NFL Draft. His strategy has paid off, as the Eagles have secured two Super Bowl victories in the last eight years under his leadership. Roseman has consistently drafted and developed talent in the trenches, including two standout centers—future Hall of Famer Jason Kelce and his successor, Cam Jurgens, who just helped the team win Super Bowl LIX.
At only 25 years old, Jurgens is entering the final season of the four-year, $6.86 million rookie contract he signed in 2022. Given his performance, it seems inevitable that the Eagles will offer him a contract extension soon. According to Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine, securing Jurgens long-term should be the team’s top priority this offseason.
“A commitment to building an elite offensive line is at the core of Howie Roseman’s blueprint for the Eagles,” Ballentine noted. “… (Jurgens) was drafted as Jason Kelce’s successor at center, earned Pro Bowl recognition in his first season at the position, and exemplifies the Eagles’ ability to identify and develop offensive line talent. Locking him into a long-term deal now makes perfect sense before his price tag rises.”
Estimating Jurgens’ Market Value
The Eagles have already invested heavily in their offensive line, with three of their five starters earning around $20 million annually: left tackle Jordan Mailata (three years, $66 million), left guard Landon Dickerson (four years, $84 million), and right tackle Lane Johnson (four years, $80.7 million).
While Jurgens likely won’t command that level of salary, he will aim to be among the highest-paid centers in the league. Currently, Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro Creed Humphrey holds the top spot with a four-year, $72 million extension ($18 million annually) signed in August 2024. A reasonable starting point for Jurgens’ negotiations could be a four-year, $60 million extension.
Kelce’s Influence in Selecting Jurgens
Aware that Kelce had been contemplating retirement since before the 2022 season, the Eagles sought his input in identifying a potential successor. They ultimately selected Jurgens, a 6-foot-3, 303-pound standout from Nebraska, with the 51st overall pick in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
“I knew we were taking him,” Kelce revealed after the selection. “This was my favorite player in the draft. The Eagles had me evaluate centers over the past few years, and of all the prospects I reviewed, he was the one who reminded me most of myself.”
Jurgens played all 17 regular-season games as a rookie and appeared in the Super Bowl against the Chiefs. In 2023, he started 11 games at guard before transitioning to center after Kelce’s retirement.