D’Brickashaw Ferguson Sticking Around in the Big Apple
Perhaps no other team in the NFL has had a busier offseason than the New York Jets. The Jets cleared up one contract issue as they gave offensive tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson a massive contract extension worth $60 million over six years.
This offseason, the Jets have released running back Thomas Jones, brought in Ladainian Tomlinson to replace him. The Jets traded draft picks to get Santonio Holmes from the Steelers and Antonio Cromartie from the Chargers. They released Thomas Jones and signed Tomlinson. Now their best player Darrelle Revis wants a new contract so the Jets will have to work that out as well.
On Ferguson’s original contract, he had two years remaining, which means he will remain with the NY Jets for eight more years for a total of $73.6 million.
“I am thankful for this opportunity and happy to continue playing for NY," Ferguson said.
Ferguson will now receive the most money ever offered to an offensive lineman as he will earn at least $34.8 million. The Miami Dolphins’ Jake Long is guaranteed $30 million. Long was Miami's number one overall draft pick in 2008.
Ferguson now becomes one of the richest offensive linemen in the league and has a contract through until 2017. His contract is technically five years with an option year at the end, but he is expected to take up that option.
The Jets’ work is far from over though. They still have three more players who want longer, more expensive contracts, center Nick Mangold, linebacker David Harris and most importantly cornerback Darrelle Revis.
New York Jets coach Rex Ryan said himself that Revis deserved the defensive player of the year award. If that’s the case, then he should probably be paid like one, but no progress has been made on a new contract for the Pro Bowler. Revis and Mangold have considered holding out during the Jets training camp if they do not get new deals.
Certainly, this offseason has been all about players wanting new deals and it is a case of bad timing. A new CBA agreement still has to be reached, leaving teams on the fence about negotiating new contracts. The current CBA agreement has a rule this season that a player cannot receive more than a 30% increase in pay. This was not a problem for Ferguson as he was already being paid $6 million, but Mangold, Harris and Revis made considerably less in 2009.
The offseason continues to be dominated by players wanting more money and more years. All players seeking new contracts were big helps to their teams in 2009. Chris Johnson for example, was an MVP candidate and rushed for over 2000 yards last year. Vincent Jackson was the Chargers most dangerous receiver on offence. As for the Jets, Revis was a candidate for the top defensive player and was a major reason why the Jets were the Cinderella team of 2009-10, making it to the AFC Championship game. He is also still very young and he may have many spectacular years ahead of him.
The signing of Ferguson though is a positive sign for the other Jets seeking new contracts as the organization has shown they are willing to make a long-term commitment to its players. Perhaps next year, it will be a lot easier for any team to offer massive contract extensions if a new CBA agreement is reached. It may take a little bit of patience for players seeking new contracts. They do have to realize that managements are in a tough position this year as no one knows what will happen regarding the CBA. With a lockout a possibility in 2011, a lot more will be clear next year.
Tags: