Jaelin Howell's contract extension with Gotham FC is deserving, and too soon | OneFootball

On Monday, NJ/NY Gotham FC announced that midfielder Jaelin Howell has extended her contract with the club. The player will remain with the Bats through 2027, eliminating any question about her future since her contract was originally set to end after this season.

When Howell first joined Gotham FC after she was traded to the NJ/NY side from Seattle Reign FC, there were some questions about whether she would fit in and play well in New Jersey. Howell clearly had the potential to impact the team, but after her time with Racing Louisville FC and Seattle, there was no guarantee she would have success.

Jaelin Howell extended her stay with Gotham FC

However, the midfielder has proven herself with Gotham, starting in every game. Plus, she recently scored her first goal not only with the club, but in the NWSL regular season. She has played well, especially as the season progressed.

Additionally, the player leads the team "in aerial duels won (26), 14 more than the next closest teammate." She is also second "in tackles (32), trailing only defender Lilly Reale, and second in recoveries (70), behind goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger." These statistics are outstanding, but at the same time, more is expected from her offensively. Ideally, the goal from the Utah Royals FC game will lead her to more goals and assists.

Howell deserves the extension, but one must remember that Rose Lavelle is working her way back from injury. She already started one match for Gotham FC before the break, so she might be ready to start every match come August. So, what does that mean for the midfielders who have been starting? Will Howell continue to start with Lavelle? What about Nealy Martin and Sarah Schupansky?

These questions are relevant, especially since Schupansky had been playing extremely well in her rookie season, and Martin significantly helps the defense.

Therefore, did Gotham FC jump the gun in extending Howell? Should they have waited until the end of the season to ensure she continues to regularly play? More importantly, will the midfielder continue to perform at the same level? Will somebody come along who could easily force her down the depth chart that the club cannot pass up?

While these are legitimate questions, Howell does deserve the contract. The problem is that it might be too soon, but perhaps the Bats felt that if they did not act now, then Howell could have left at the end of the season, seeking a better contract. Nevertheless, she has been awarded for her work, and hopefully, she will show Gotham FC that it was worthwhile to keep her around.