LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles Agree to 5-Year, $45M Extension

ESPN is reporting that the Philadelphia Eagles have signed star running back LeSean McCoy to a five-year contract extension worth a whopping $45 million.

Per the report, McCoy’s deal — which (monetarily speaking) catapults him to an elite class of RBs that include Adrian Peterson and Chris Johnson — includes about $20.765 million of guaranteed money and puts him under contract through the 2017 season.

“We are excited to continue this offseason of taking care of our own players,” coach Andy Reid said in a statement. “LeSean is one of the most electrifying running backs in the National Football League. He can do it all — run, catch, block and score touchdowns from anywhere on the field. He’s worked extremely hard to turn himself into a Pro Bowl running back and he is well deserving of this contract extension. I give a lot of credit to Howie Roseman and Drew Rosenhaus for hammering out this deal.”

So just how good is LeSean McCoy?

In 2011, the 23-year-old second round draft pick set franchise records with 17 touchdowns rushing, and 20 total scores, while earning All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors. Sports Illustrated writes he also led the NFL with 102 first downs and 48 runs of 10-plus yards, while averaging 4.8 yards per carry and finishing as the league’s fourth-leading rusher with 1,309 yards.

“I love this team, and I’m kind of a hometown kid from Harrisburg which is like an hour and a half away,” McCoy said Thursday night after news of his deal went public. “Nothing could be better than being here for the long term. Once you kind of realize the feeling of wanting to be here for the long term, we contacted the team and it was a mutual feeling. So, it kicked off from there.”

McCoy, who, prior to his new deal, was scheduled to be paid $615,000 in base salary for 2012, also took to Twitter to offer some additional thanks.

“Thank u lord for everything because nothing would b possible without u… To the whole eagles management THANK YOU!!!!”