The start of the NFL season is right around the corner, but there's been plenty of excitement already. A day after DeAndre Hopkins set a record with the highest-paid contract for a wide receiver, the man who will be guarding him twice a year followed suit.
The Los Angeles Rams agreed to a five-year, $105 million contract extension with Jalen Ramsey. The team acquired Ramsey from the Jacksonville Jaguars in the middle of last season. Now, in the final year of his deal, they're making sure he sticks around for the long-term.
Adam Schefter reports Ramsey's deal is the largest contract a cornerback has ever signed. Ramsey's $71.2 million is the largest guarantee for a defensive back. He's also the first defensive back in history to receive a deal worth $100 million or more.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 08: Cornerback Jalen Ramsey #20 of the Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
The $21 million average annual salary brings the defensive back market into new territory. Ramsey's deal could open up the groundwork for future deals. Buffalo's Tre'Davious White received a new contract this week, too. His $70 million deal will pay him $17.5 million per year.
Per The MMQB's Albert Breer, Ramsey's new deal means six NFL positions have now topped at least $20 million per year. Ramsey joins quarterback Patrick Mahomes ($45 million), defensive end Joey Bosa, defensive tackle Aaron Donald ($22.5 million), wide receivers Julio Jones ($22 million) and DeAndre Hopkins ($27.25 million), and offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil ($22 million).
In a league that continues to largely favor offenses, Ramsey's extension is a big deal. He's shining a light on the need for quality defensive playmakers to keep up with the league's high-powered offenses.
Guys becoming free agents in 2021 can point to Ramsey's deal during negotiations. He set a new bar for defensive backs. Now the Rams hope Ramsey can help the team reach new heights as they aim for a return to the Super Bowl.
