Tim Jernigan battles former Eagle Allen Barber in Birds 51-23 win over Denver. Jernigan signed a four-year extension Thursday. Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire

The Eagles are starting  to extend some of those one-year guys and began where every football coach tells you where winning games always starts…in the trenches.

The Eagles announced today they signed defensive tackle Tim Jernigan to a four-year contract extension through the 2021 season.

Jernigan is tied for the team lead with 8 tackles for a loss this season, while also contributing 1.5 sacks and 5 hurries. For his career, Jernigan has played in 52 games and amassed 14.5 sacks and 24 TFLs.

Originally a second-round draft choice of the Baltimore Ravens in 2014, Jernigan was acquired by the Eagles in a trade prior to the 2017 Draft. The Eagles sent a third-round pick (74^th overall) to the Ravens in exchange for Jernigan and a third-round pick (99^th overall).

The Eagles released  a statement as an organization:

“Since the day he entered the building, Tim has been a difference maker both on the field and around the building. He’s a tough, physical and relentless player who brings energy and enthusiasm every day. Tim possesses a lot of the qualities that we look for as we continue to build this team and we are excited about his future here in Philadelphia.”