THOUSAND OAKS, CA — On Wednesday after many months of speculation, a brand new five year, $105 million extension that is the largest contract ever for a cornerback was done for Jalen Ramsey.
Earlier in the year Rams GM Les Snead remained optimistic that a deal would get done and stressed the fact that the team and Ramsey’s agent David Mulugheta have a good relationship. The two kept open communication throughout the process.
“I’m happy for Jalen and I’m happy for our football team,” head coach Sean McVay said. “I think for him to be able to get that taken care of, you don’t have any sort of distractions in the background, so that’s definitely a positive for us.“
With $71.2 million guaranteed, this new $105 million contract is the largest contract for a player of his position in NFL history.
Like Snead, Ramsey also remained optimistic that an extension would happen and focused on what he could control, which is what he does on the field.
“We’re obviously very excited for him. Today’s a big day for him and all the people along the way that helped him to get to this point,” defensive coordinator Brandon Staley said smiling. “I think that when moments like this happen, it involves a lot of people. We’re certainly excited that he’s here.
“I think for him, now he can just go be Jalen Ramsey. He can go play the way he’s capable of playing and I think that for him, probably more than myself and everybody else, is that I think he gets to be free now.”
The three-time Pro Bowler, continues to display leadership qualities in the field, something that definitely impressed McVay throughout camp. Ramsey galvanized his teammates on defense and even helped out others on offense.
“He’s been in my opinion, the top corner in our league for a long time. He deserves every bit of it and I’m excited about it. And selfishly, I’m excited to practice against him for a long time,” quarterback Jared Goff told reporters.
The Rams traded for Ramsey last October, and sent their 2020 and 2021 first-round picks and a 2021 fourth-round pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Ramsey was excited to come to Los Angeles and apart of a great organization like the Rams. He mentioned on an episode of HBO’s Hard Knocks, that Jim being traded was, “probably one of the best days of my life.“
His best days are certainly to come and with the team looking to elevate, Ramsey can solely focus on causing defensive nightmares to his opponents weekly this season.
