Eagles extend Brent Celek through 2016

First it was Winston Justice getting his contract extended through 2013, now it's Brent Celek's turn for an extension. Celek, who has rapidly improved into the most reliable receiver in the Eagles passing game, has agreed to a 6 year contract extension with the Eagles that will keep him with the Birds through 2016.

Celek has made great strides in his 3 years in the league, jumping from 16 catches in 2007 to 27 in 2008 to already 54 catches this season. Despite his case of the dropsies when he was dealing with an injured thumb last week against the Redskins, Celek has proven that he can be trusted to make the tough catches.

This contract extension is just yet another example of the Eagles being smart with their money. They consistently identify the young players they want to keep around and lock them up for long extensions at a cheap rate before they can cash in as free agents. It's a smart business plan but it can lead to some complaining from the player once they play to their potential and they aren't getting paid like the top players at their position.