The best center in football is back for another season. According to Ian Rapoport, the Eagles and Jason Kelce have agreed to a restructured one-year contract worth up to $12 million with $9 million guaranteed. Kelce was rumored to be retiring after another injury battled season.

Philadelphia’s cap situation is very tight, but retaining Kelce was a necessity. He is the glue that holds this entire offensive line together. While every other Eagles starter missed significant time this past season, Kelce never missed a single game. Alongside that, he hasn’t missed a game in over six seasons. The three-time first-team All-Pro center was one of three Eagles players to make the Pro Bowl this past season, and the only one on offense.

The Eagles offensive line, when healthy, is one of the best in football, and a lot of that is due to Kelce’s success. He is a tremendous second-level blocker and excellent in the open field. With all of the starters returning for next season on the line, it should provide some stability for new QB Jalen Hurts and Nick Sirianni. The ten-year NFL vet will be reunited with long-time offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland who almost left to go to Alabama this offseason.

Kelce was initially due $5.5 million before the restructure and is deserving of his new pay-day. Jason seems to be the only veteran receiving an upgraded contract with Darius Slay, Lane Johnson, and Brandon Graham, all undergoing restructures to provide salary cap relief for the upcoming season. Howie Roseman has also moved on from Desean Jackson and Alshon Jeffery to create space with Malik Jackson and Zach Ertz possibly gone soon as well.