Jordan Mailata has inked a three-year contract extension with the Philadelphia Eagles, securing his presence in the City of Brotherly Love until the 2028 season. Louis Rees-Zammit and Mailata, both participants in the International Player Pathway Program (IPP), share the sidelines as members of this initiative. Rees-Zammit can draw inspiration from Mailata’s journey as he endeavors to carve his own path in the NFL.
Mailata, who, like Rees-Zammit, entered the NFL through the IPP, recently finalized a lucrative three-year deal worth $66 million (£55.25m) with the Philadelphia Eagles. This agreement guarantees him a staggering $48 million (£38m) and includes a substantial $20 million (£15.8m) signing bonus, ensuring his tenure with the Eagles until 2028.
Despite lacking prior football experience before joining the IPP, Mailata’s exceptional showing at the 2018 combine caught the attention of league officials, leading to his selection by the Eagles in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft. His journey serves as a testament to the potential success attainable in the NFL through the IPP.
Despite not making his debut until the 2020 season, Mailata made his mark by starting against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 4. Since the 2021 season, Mailata has solidified his role as the starting left tackle and was rewarded with a four-year, $64 million (£50.6m) contract just before the start of the 2021 season.
Louis Rees-Zammit, a former rugby star, has the opportunity to emulate Mailata’s path. While their positions on the field differ, Rees-Zammit’s combination of size and speed renders him a versatile player, potentially offering him an edge in various roles. The Chiefs have officially enlisted Rees-Zammit as a running back, yet at 23 years old, his attributes could lead to utilization similar to San Francisco 49ers’ standout Deebo Samuel, who excels in both running back and wide receiver positions.
Additionally, it’s important to mention that Rees-Zammit won’t be included in the 90-man offseason roster limit for training camp, as each team is granted an extra spot for an international player. The Chiefs have demonstrated their confidence in Rees-Zammit’s abilities by offering him a three-year contract.
