The Los Angeles Rams are signing cornerback Jalen Ramsey to a reported five-year, $105 million extension, making him the first defensive back in NFL history to sign a nine-figure deal.
The agreement includes $71.2 million at signing, the largest guarantee ever for a defensive back, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Wednesday morning. Ramsey’s agent, David Mulugheta, confirmed the details with Schefter.
The Rams announced there was an agreement, but not the details. “Locking down our lockdown,” the team tweeted. “We’ve agreed with @jalenramsey on a 5-year extension.”
The Rams acquired Ramsey midway through the 2019 season in a trade that sent two first-round picks and a 2021 fourth-rounder to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The 25-year-old three-time Pro Bowl selection was due to earn $13.7 million in the fifth-year option of his rookie contract in 2020.
Between nine games with the Rams and three with the Jaguars, Ramsey finished 2019 with 50 tackles, five passes defensed and one interception.
Through 60 career games, the 2016 first-round pick (No. 5 overall) has 243 tackles, 49 passes defensed, 10 interceptions and three forced fumbles. He was a first-team All-Pro selection in 2017.
Ramsey’s average annual salary of $21 million dwarfs the previous largest number for a cornerback. Darrelle Revis signed a six-year deal in 2013 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers worth $18.2 million annually.
This is the third straight year the Rams have signed a key player to a large extension on the eve of the season. Defensive tackle Aaron Donald signed a six-year, $135 million deal on Aug. 31, 2018, and quarterback Jared Goff inked a four-year, $134 million extension on Sept. 3, 2019.
–Field Level Media
(Field Level Media)
