By: Giovanni Pumarada EBC Florida Bureau
Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker, Telvin Smith, signed a 4 year contract extension last night making him the second Jacksonville starter to sign an extension this year joining Center, Brandon Linder. Smith’s contract is worth $50 million.
According to the team’s website, Jaguars.com, Smith called his new contract an “amazing opportunity”, and credited the locker room atmosphere. “We have created a bond in that locker room and everyone is committed to our goal of winning football games. I am honored to be a part of that culture and help continue to lead this team in the right direction”, stated Smith.
Selected in the 5th round of the 2014 NFL draft, the former FSU Seminole player has 408 tackles, 22 pass breakups, 6+ sacks and six interceptions. He has started 47 of 53 games. He is currently ranked sixth in the NFL in tackles.
Tom Coughlin, Executive Vice President of the Jaguars, stated,
“We want to identify the players who will contribute to help this team win going forward, and reward those who can do that. Telvin is certainly one of those players for us. This is a high performance business, and we look for his continued development as a team leader both on and off the field.
Along with this new contract Telvin must accept the high expectations that go with it” (Jaguars.com).
Because of Smith’s work ethic and improved fundamentals, he has developed into one of the NFL’s fastest linebackers.