Ferguson Deal May Be An Appetizer for McNeill
By admin
New York Jets Pro Bowl left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson's six-year, $60 million dollar contract extension, with $34.8 million in guarantees, caught the attention of Alvin Keels.
"6 years/$60 million/$35 million guaranteed for D'Brickashaw Ferguson with 2 years left on his. Another premium deal for a Left Tackle," Keels posted on Twitter, moments after Ferguson's extension become public.
Keels represents unsigned San Diego Chargers restricted free agent left tackle Marcus McNeill, who is rumored to be considering a holdout until November unless he receives a long-term contract extension.
The two-time Pro Bowler was tendered at the "First- and Third-Round" level, which if he had signed the tender prior to June 15, would have paid him a $3.168 million dollar base salary in 2010. McNeill opted not to sign, and the Chargers exercised their option to reduce the tender to 110% of McNeill's 2009 salary, or $588,500.
Keels' ears perked up considerably when hearing about the $10M per year in "new money", and nearly $35 million in guaranteed money that Ferguson and the Jets agreed to on Wednesday, but that may only be an appetizer to 2010 fourth overall pick Trent Williams' contract with the Washington Redskins.
The last two fourth overall picks--Oakland's Darren McFadden (2008) and Seattle's Aaron Curry (2009)--received six-year contracts with maximum values of $60 million dollars, with between $26M-$34M in guarantees.
Neither play a premium position like left tackle, which Williams will play, despite the acquisition of Jammal Brown from the New Orleans Saints.
Williams' deal will likely include between $30M-$36M in guaranteed money, depending on the length of the contract. That $6M per year in guaranteed money would dwarf the $4.35M in guaranteed money Ferguson will average as part of his eight-year deal.

