Fat Batman is Back! What Jason Kelce’s Return Means for the Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles face a lot of uncertainty heading into free agency, but one thing is for sure, Jason Kelce isn’t going anywhere. Kelce took to Twitter Monday afternoon to announce his return to the team, signing a 1-year deal worth up to $14.75 million. The veteran center will enter his 13th season in the NFL donning midnight green. That’s right.. Fat Batman is back, but what does it mean for the Eagles?

Kelce, 35, is coming off of his 6th Pro Bowl season and is still one of the best centers in the game. With Javon Hargrave (DT), Marcus Epps (S), T.J. Edwards (LB) and Andre Dillard (LT) all heading for other destinations, Kelce’s decision to return offers the Eagles front office some much needed clarity in an otherwise foggy free agency.

First things first, The Announcement

I have put much thought into whether it makes sense to play another season. After talking it over with my wife and many other friends and family, I have decided to return for another year. Thank you to all my supporters and detractors for fueling me, I ain’t fucking done yet! Jason Kelce via Twitter

Cam Jurgens will replace Issac Seumalo at RG

Kelce’s signing guarantees 4 out of 5 starting Eagles offensive linemen return in 2023. In other words, it gives the Birds the option to let free agent guard Isaac Seumalo walk. Cam Jurgens was drafted in the second round of last year’s draft just for this occasion. Jurgens will fill Seumalo’s spot as starter should the veteran guard leave as anticipated. Had Kelce not decide to return, 2 holes on the offensive line would need to be filled.

Howie will prioritize restructuring Lane Johnson’s contract

According to overthecap.com, Lane Johnson’s cap hit in 2023 is $24,194,000, second only to Darius Slay at $26,111,000. As it currently stands, Johnson will have the highest cap hit in 2024. Like Kelce, Lane Johnson is another life-long Eagle and fan favorite. The Birds will do everything they can to make sure Johnson retires an Eagle while freeing up some much needed cap space this year.

The grass is not always greener on the other side

Jason Kelce, Fat Batman, has flirted with retirement for a few years now. So why not hang up the cape and cowl for good? Last year, Coach Sirianni sent Kelce two full kegs of beer to help persuade the big man to return. This year, there’s no of beer… there’s no wait and see. With the aftertaste of Super Bowl LVII still on his taste buds, Kelce knows the Eagles can return to the big game. Kelce is showing his hand. He’s going all in this year, which is fitting since the end result is a trip to Las Vegas. Retirement is nowhere near as exciting as this!