St. Louis Rams: Extension for Janoris Jenkins Make Sense?

By Matt LaPan | Jul 28, 2015

With the start of St. Louis Rams training camp just days away, reports have surfaced indicating the Rams are currently working with 26-year old cornerback Janoris Jenkins on a long-term contract. The reports first surfaced from Rand Getlin of the NFL Network (via Twitter) on Monday.

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Getlin’s indicated that Jenkins’ representatives and the Rams are optimistic that the two can get a deal done by the start of the 2015 regular season. It also indicated that if an extension could not be reached by the start of the season, Jenkins would likely play out the season and re-visit his contract following the season.

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The fourth-year cornerback has ascended to the number-one cornerback role for head coach Jeff Fisher, and has already amassed 45 career games for the Rams. In his three years, Jenkins has 33 passes defended and seven interceptions, five of which have been returned for touchdowns. In total, Jenkins has six defensive touchdowns since entering the league in 2012 – the most in the NFL in that span.

The question the Rams now need to answer is: How much is Jenkins worth, and is he worth signing to a big-money extension?

Nov 23, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; St. Louis Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins (21) defends San Diego Chargers wide receiver

Eddie Royal

(11) during the fourth quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Jenkins enters the market following a huge year for free agent cornerback contracts. Players such as Darrelle Revis, Antonio Cromartie, Byron Maxwell and others received big-money contracts this offseason, setting up the market well for players such as Jenkins. On average, cornerbacks received $5,034,541 this offseason. When looking at the top-10 cornerback contracts, players received an average contract of $31,562,106 with an average of $13,775,000 guaranteed.

While Jenkins does not likely fit into the same pay scale as Revis, Maxwell and others, he likely fits into the lower-half of the top-10 cornerback contracts. A good number for Jenkins could be around the numbers that Davon House and Buster Skrine received in free agency. House received a four-year, $24.5 million contract with $10 million guaranteed from the Jacksonville Jaguars. Skrine also received a four-year deal, but his was worth $25 million with $13 million guaranteed.

All three players are 26 years old with both House and Skrine having four years of NFL service. Jenkins already has the most interceptions in the group (7), and trails Skrine in total passes defended. Much like Skrine, Jenkins is a regular starter and has shown good durability in his career.

With the growth of the young Rams defense, it makes sense for general manager Les Snead to offer Jenkins an extension in the range of four years and $25 million. His toughness, leadership and play making ability make him an integral part of the defense, and would solidify one cornerback position for the foreseeable future.

Next: What’s Next For St. Louis Rams DT Aaron Donald?

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