Jenkins confirms quest for new deal: 'I have outplayed that contract'

Philadelphia Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins acknowledged Tuesday that his absence from voluntary workouts earlier in the offseason was related to his desire for a new deal.

"As a player, I feel like I have outplayed that contract," Jenkins said, according to Eliot Shorr-Parks of SportsRadio 94WIP.

Jenkins inked a four-year, $35-million extension with the Eagles after the 2016 campaign. He is scheduled to earn $8.1 million in base salary this year and is under contract for one more season after that.

The 31-year-old joined the team for mandatory minicamp and suggested he won't hold out of training camp to force the Eagles' hand.

"When you're under contract, you can't be out to be the highest paid out there, nor do I want to be, but you want to be within the ballpark of what your value is," he said, according to Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia.

Jenkins is entering his sixth season with the Eagles. He's been a linchpin of their defense since arriving as a free agent from the New Orleans Saints in 2014.

The former Ohio State star finished last season with 97 tackles, three forced fumbles, a sack, and an interception. He's played all 16 games in each of his five campaigns with Philadelphia.

"I think they understand the value that I bring," he said. "I feel respected, which I think is the biggest part. As a player, you want to make sure that you are valued and respected. But there is a business side."