Taylor Lewan now has the richest deal for an offensive lineman in NFL history after inking a five-year, $80 million extension with the Tennessee Titans on Friday that will reportedly pay him $50m in guaranteed money.
The deal comes two days after the 27-year-old tackle reported to training camp following his absence from mandatory minicamp in June with the aim of securing a long-term commitment.
With his extension, Lewan will earn $16m annually, placing him above Nate Solder, who signed a four-year, $62 contract with the New York Giants in March that made him the highest-paid offensive lineman at the time.
“I’m extremely happy to be a part of this team for a few more years and I think it’s going to be a special few years for all of us,” Lewan said in a press conference on Friday.
Taylor Lewan and the offensive line make quite the entrance into Lewan’s time at the podium. Walk in with the Dukes of Hazard there song playing behind them. Lewan starts by saying “Dad’s home.” pic.twitter.com/ZCHppohbvZ
— Titans Radio (@titansradio) July 27, 2018
Just hours after Lewan put pen to paper, Jake Matthews received a reported five-year, $75 extension from the Atlanta Falcons to make him the third-highest-paid offensive lineman in league history, in terms of average annual salary.
Both Lewan and Matthews are tasked with protecting the blind side of their team’s franchise quarterbacks – Marcus Mariota and Matt Ryan, respectively – and are key members of the offence.
With reliable offensive tackles hard to find, the position is becoming scarcer at the top. As such, salaries for the top players continue to rise, which means it’s likely Lewan won’t be the highest-paid lineman for too long.
A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Lewan has been a steady performer ever since he entered the league as the 11th overall pick in 2014.
His propensity to play with a mean streak can get him in trouble with penalties at times, but overall he’s considered one of the best tackles in the game – although his grade of 79.8 handed out by Pro Football Focus ranked him 18th at the position last season.
After reaching the playoffs with a 9-7 record in 2017, the Titans are expected to take another step under new coach Mike Vrabel this coming season.
