NFL: Franchise Deadline Day Had Some Surprises
They are quite happy in a few cities across the NFL landscape at the moment as a few star performers will be back with their teams for a long time.
As the July 15 deadline for designated franchise players came and went on Friday afternoon, there were a couple of last-minute deals – including one enormous surprise.
The big shocker was in the form of 6’4”, 305-pound New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson, who seemingly out of the blue wound up signing a new five-year deal with the Green and White.
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As Brian Costello of the New York Post reminds us, it’s been less-than-amicable between the team and the 2015 Pro Bowler. But all’s well that ends well as CBS Sports Jason La Canfora reports that it’s a contract worth an impressive $86 million.
The five-year pro and a first-round pick in 2011, Wilkerson turned to Twitter to express his appreciation.
“I give my all every Sunday on the field and play with so much love and passion for the game. I’m thankful for everything that comes my way and proud to say I’m back on the green and white for a few more years.”
The new deal for the talented defender wasn’t the only big contract signed on deadline day and it also wasn’t the only surprise.
On Thursday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter had the scoop on Baltimore kicker Jason Tucker, who had signed his tender previously but was looking for a longer deal.
“Justin’s disillusioned with the process right now and the Ravens’ position with him on his contract,” said Rob Roche, Tucker’s agent. “If we don’t get a long-term deal done by Friday, Justin will not entertain offers from (the) Ravens after the season.”
On Friday, via Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Tucker inked a four-year, $16.8 million contract.
Of course, this all follows the biggest news of the day in the Denver Broncos bringing back four-time Pro Bowl outside linebacker and Super Bowl 50 MVP Von Miller. Negotiations heated up between the talented defender and the Broncos the last few days. When it was all said and done, the reported deal (courtesy of Mike Klis of KUSA) adds up to six years, $114.5 million, with $70 million guaranteed.
“I’m super happy and excited to be back with my teammates for the next six years,” said the five=year pro via a team statement. “This is something I really wanted – to stay with the Denver Broncos. I am so appreciative and grateful for this opportunity. I want to thank Mr. Bowlen, Joe Ellis, John Elway and coach (Gary) Kubiak for making this possible. I’m also thankful for the way my teammates and our fans have supported me. I’m excited for the future and ready to get back to work.”
What a day. So as it stands right now, the only franchise player without any kind of a contract is Kansas City Chiefs free safety Eric Berry. Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star reported that the four-time Pro Bowler and 2015 NFL Comeback Player of the Year still has not signed his $10.8 million tender and that contract talks between the parties never really went anywhere.
“Unfortunately, we were unable to reach a long-term agreement with Eric’s representatives before today’s deadline,” said general manager John Dorsey in a statement. “Although both sides would have preferred a different outcome, Eric is a true professional and a tremendous football player. We know that he will continue to be a leader in our locker room and we look forward to resuming our discussions on a long-term agreement when the negotiating window reopens after the season.”
While Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, Los Angeles Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson and Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins didn’t ink extended contracts, all three have signed their tenders and will suit up for their clubs this fall. You will also recall that Buffalo Bills left tackle Cordy Glenn, given the tag by his team, signed a five-year, $60 million extension back in May (via Spotrac).
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So if you’re wondering about those enormous sighs of relief coming from Baltimore, Denver and the Tri-State Area, it’s that three very reliable and talented players are locked up for the long term.
More times than not, these things always seem to work themselves out.