New contract will keep Jack Elliott in Chester through 2021 with option for 2022

One of the all-time steals in the MLS SuperDraft, Philadelphia Union center back Jack Elliott signed a new contract that will keep him on the books until 2021, the team announced on Wednesday.

“Jack Elliott is a great example of the value of hard work and making the most of your opportunities,” said Ernst Tanner, Union Sporting Director, in a news release. “This new contract is one that he has fully earned through his consistent and reliable play on the field. He is a tremendous passer, brings a unique blend of size and skill, and processes the game at a high level. We believe Jack has a bright future ahead of him and we are delighted to reward him with this new deal to keep him with the Union.”

The contract includes a team option for 2022 but the dollar amount was not released. His salary last season was $59.629.50, according to figures released in October by the players union.

The 23-year-old center back originally from London, England, has made 60 regular season appearances (58 starts) since joining the team in 2017. He was drafted 77th in the MLS SuperDraft after a successful career at West Virginia University playing both as a defender and holding midfielder. He was a finalist for Rookie of the Year in 2017 and split time with Mark McKenzie last season.

He’s played every minute of the season so far in 2019 and there’s a case to be made for him as the Team MVP so far this season with the way he has defended and passed out of the back. He ranks in the top 15 in clearances and blocked shots in the league and has completed the 10th most passes among defenders while coming in tied for fourth among that same group for passes into the final third.