Jacksonville Jaguars’ kicker Josh Scobee says he takes no pressure from expensive deal – NFL News
Jacksonville Jaguars’ kicker, Josh Scobee, has refused to take any pressure from the higher expectations set out of the new expensive deal and insisted on playing as per his natural strength and potential.
He was commenting on the new four-year $14.2 million contract that Jaguars have landed him at last hour of the franchise tender deadline of July 16.
The day was as lucky for Josh as it was for Baltimore Ravens’ running back, Ray Rice, and a number of other National Football League (NFL) franchise players: they were given new contracts just before closing of the deadline.
Josh is one of the most expensive kickers in the league and the player notes that the payout brings along some challenges in terms of team’s higher expectations.
He said the management normally expects the players to outperform others on the field because of the higher payouts but added that he will not buy into such hopes.
He said:
"There's added pressure any time you sign a nice deal because people expect you to live up to it. I won't put any extra added pressure on myself. I like to take things easy and not take myself too seriously, but at the same time work as hard as I can to
be the best kicker I can. So I'm sure my teammates expect me to make every kick and that's my goal so that's what I'll work to do."
The kicker was assigned a franchise tender earlier this year, before his previous contract came closer to expiry. He refused to sign the tag, which carried the value of $2.88 million.
He kept hoping the team will give him a long-term contract and after seeing the situation not heading anywhere he spoke of his frustration in stronger words recently.
The player complained of the indifferent attitude of Jaguars’ managers to his patience over the matter.
This finally broke the impasse and both sides established contacts to talk the matter out.
As per the league rules, all franchise players had to be signed before or on July 16 to help them avoid playing under the tag. Jaguars after remaining adamant to move on the deal, finally agreed to fresh terms with the player just before 4.00pm on Monday,
July 16.
Under new terms, the player is set to earn $3.45 million annually. This is with $4.75 million guaranteed. Further, he can make $400,000 in incentives.
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