Should I Stay or Should I Go? The Malcolm Jenkins Contract Story
Malcolm Jenkins is a defensive team leader and many call the heart and soul of the Philadelphia Eagles organization.
In his eleven years in the NFL, Jenkins has been a three-time Pro Bowl selection and has received All-Pro honors as well.
Jenkins has earned two Super Bowl rings – one with the Eagles and the other with the New Orleans Saints. Malcolm Jenkins has been the model of consistency and hard work and last season did not miss one defensive play all season which is impressive in its own right. Jenkins has been a community leader by starting the Malcolm Jenkins Foundation and when his playing days are over his true legacy will no doubt be his passion for wanting to help other people.
While it is truly easy to sing praises when mentioning Malcolm Jenkins, the harsh reality lies in the fact that he has been seeking a contract restructuring for over a year and has publicly stated that he will not be a part of the Eagles organization this coming season if he doesn’t receive a new contract.
Statistics from the 2019 season show that Malcolm Jenkins truly is the heart of the secondary with 82 solo tackles, 2.5 sacks and 8 tackles for losses combined with a team-leading 4 forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. Although he didn’t have an interception this past season, Jenkins’ presence at safety continually poses a threat to quarterbacks looking to throw deep routes.
While attempting to renegotiate a four-year deal signed back in 2016, Jenkins has pointed out that he would like to be closer in salary to other top safeties such as Earl Thomas and Tyrann Mathieu (both of whom also have Super Bowl rings.)
Jenkins has clearly stated in a previous interview with Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philly that “you want to be within the ballpark of what your value is.”
At the conclusion of the 2019 season, Jenkins was clearing out his locker after the 17-9 Wild Card loss to Seattle and stated Ed Kracz of Sports Illustrated that “I won’t be back on the same deal. That won’t happen. I think like anything else you set your value on the market.”
If Malcolm Jenkins decides to continue challenging his contract and eventually moves on to another team, the Eagles organization will feel an immediate void in the defensive secondary. Jenkins has proven to be a player a team can always count on to give 100% on every single play all season long. That being said, fans need to also remember that the NFL is a professional sport which ultimately means that the game we love is a business and if Malcolm Jenkins stays in Philadelphia or leaves, he’s making a business decision and nothing more. Other great Eagles players such as Reggie White left permanent marks on this organization and then moved on to other teams.
Nick Foles will forever be remembered as the quarterback who had to step in to replace Carson Wentz during the 2017 season and then went on to win the first Super Bowl in Eagles history.
Where is Nick Foles now? He moved on to a new contract deal in Jacksonville.
NFL players are professional athletes and if they want to seek better contract deals with other teams, then that is their prerogative as professionals. By the same token, NFL teams are businesses and player contracts are business deals.
If a team no longer seeks the services of a player then the team has every right to seek out players who fit their “business model” which is winning football games and a Super Bowl trophy. Malcolm Jenkins is 32 years old and the Eagles have already stated they are in the process of building a youth movement on both sides of the ball.
A lack of movement on contract restructuring between the Eagles front office and Jenkins may be sending a signal that his time in Philadelphia, along with other veteran players, may be coming to an end.
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