Jacksonville Jaguars land multimillion dollar deals to WR Laurent Robinson, others-NFL News
The Jacksonville Jaguars confirmed on Wednesday, March 14, 2012, first splash-out of the season after bringing home a number of players off the free agency market on fresh contracts.
It is probably for the first time that Jaguars have doled out millions of dollars on the players signing under the new owner, Shahid Khan, since his acceptance of the team’s ownership rights on January 04, 2012.
According to a number of reports, the management and the wide receiver, Laurent Robinson, have agreed to a five-year, $32.5 million deal with $14.2 million as guaranteed money.
The deal also carries incentives based on the player’s performance and pro bowl appearances, amounting to $600,000 a season.
In total, the player will make $6.5 million yearly. He is expected to receive $11 million by March 2013, in addition to the guaranteed money, which he is due to get paid in 2012 and 2013.
Robinson, who played for the Dallas Cowboys last season, while commenting on the deal, tweeted:
“I wanna say thank you to the Cowboys Organization and especially FANS 4 all your support last year. But it’s the beginning of a new chapter.”
Furthermore, the team has added Miami Dolphins’ former quarterback, Chad Henne, to the squad on a two-year contract.
The terms and value of his deal were not available immediately. However, it is confirmed that the player will be positioned as a backup of Jags’ rookie QB, Blaine Gabbert.
Gabbert, the 2011 draft pick, had performed at the starting position last year, and retains the role while coming back into second year with the team.
Some commentators said it was a good move to bring Henne, as in case of Gabbert’s failure, which is likely in view of his last season’s below-the-mark performance, Henne will get the starting role. He might be able to capitalise on the opportunity and perform
better than Gabbert.
Gabbert’s consistent failure on the starting line was the main reason behind criticism on the former coach, Del Rio, who eventually lost his job for continuously backing the rookie QB.
Now, the new coach, Mike Mularkey, has posed confidence in Gabbert and backed him to either come out with a better form and skills or else think of alternatives.
Meanwhile, the Jags have retained defensive end, Jeremy Mincey, to a new four-deal of worth $20 million. The payout includes $8 million signing bonus, $9 million guaranteed money and $1 million guaranteed salary in 2012.
The team is also reported to have given a three-year, $10 million deal to defensive tackle, C.J. Mosley.
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