Philadelphia Union Sign Defender Jack Elliott To New Contract
Union ink centerback to new deal; Elliott’s contract with Union now guaranteed through 2021 with a team option for 2022 season
CHESTER, Pa. (May 22, 2019) – Philadelphia Union announced today that the club has signed centerback Jack Elliott to a new contract. Taking effect immediately, the deal ensures that Elliott is under contract with Philadelphia through the 2021 season, with a club option for 2022.
"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. “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.”
MORE: New contract a just reward for big Jack Elliott
Elliott, 23, has made 60 regular-season appearances (58 starts) since joining Philadelphia as a fourth round MLS SuperDraft pick (77th overall) from West Virginia University prior to the 2017 season. This season, he has played every minute of every match for the Union. Among all MLS defenders, he ranks in the top 15 in both clearances (51, 13th) and blocked shots (9, T-11th). Skilled with his feet, he also has completed the 10th-most passes among any league defender (565) and is tied for fourth among that group in passes into the final third (115).
In 2017, Elliott’s first campaign, he was named a finalist for the MLS Rookie of the Year award after making 30 appearances (29 starts), tying for sixth among all league defenders in blocks (23) and tying for seventh among that group in clearances (150). He has four career MLS goals to his name, including a brace in a 2018 win at New England (August 11) and the opening goal in a victory over the Revolution this season (May 4).
TRANSACTION: Philadelphia Union sign defender Jack Elliott to a new contract on May 22, 2019.