"Justice" Served With Extension
Eagles Ink Winston Justice to 4-year extension
By DAN STAMM
Updated 4:56 PM EST, Tue, Nov 24, 2009
The Eagles locked up the right side of their offensive line for years to come Tuesday when they signed tackle Winston Justice to a four-year extension.
The deal reportedly pays Justice $18.15 million with a $6 million signing bonus, according to ESPN.
After being picked in the second-round (39th overall) of the 2006 Draft much was expected of the USC product. But, he faltered in rare opportunities while honing his skills behind o-line stalwarts Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan for two seasons.
Before this season he underwhelmed in rare chances -- he played in 12 games and made only one start.
He became known for that one start -- a horrific showing in Sept. 2007 -- when he looked like a turnstile while allowing four sacks to the Giants' Osi Umenyiora.
Most Eagles fans were ready to see Justice served some walking papers. But, that all changed this season.
The Birds turned to Justice after allowing the aging Thomas and Runyan to leave. Justice was penciled in at right tackle and has responded well. He is the only Eagles’ lineman besides center Jamaal Jackson to start all 10 games this season.
The 25-year-old credits his turnaround this season to a strict off-season training routine and newfound spirituality, according to the Eagles.
The move could mean the end of the line for Shawn Andrews in Philly. The "Big Kid" was originally slated to start at right tackle but was placed on injured reserve before the season.
Justice would now be served in Philly until 2013.
First Published: Nov 24, 2009 12:07 PM EST
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