NFL - Sports Rumors

Thu Apr 10, 2008 8:16 am EDT

Jets sign Rhodes to 5-year, $33.5 million deal

By Joe Zedalis

Kerry Rhodes

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After a dizzying spending spree in free agency, the New York Jets finally got around to writing a big check for one of their own. They signed standout safety Kerry Rhodes on Wednesday to a five-year, $33.5 million contract extension, according to two people with knowledge of the deal.

The contract includes $20 million in guarantees, a stunning amount for a player who has a year remaining on his rookie contract. Rhodes, 25, would've been eligible for unrestricted free agency in 2009, so the Jets were proactive, engaging in several months of sometimes painfully slow negotiations. He was due to make only $927,000 this season.

The deal, which a team spokesman wouldn't confirm, makes Rhodes one of the NFL's highest-paid safeties. The highest is the Colts' Bob Sanders, who signed a five-year, $37.5 million contract (including $20 million guaranteed) last December.

Source: New York Daily NewsNew Window

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13 Comments

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  1. Ryan Perodeau
    1. Posted by Ryan Perodeau Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:03 pm EDT

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    K - RHO should have been in the pro bowl the last three seasons
  2. tripnizzle
    2. Posted by tripnizzle Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:21 pm EDT

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    It's about time they sured him up long-term. Easilly one of the top 3 safeties in the league, plus he'll bring in some extra revenue with his acting skills. Hollywood Kerry Rhodes
  3. The Unsilent Majority
    3. Posted by The Unsilent Majority Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:01 pm EDT

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    You would think teams like the Raiders and the Jets would have learned by now that you can't buy a championship. Keep pointing the finger and chanting "Spygate" because that's about all the attention this team is going to generate this season.
  4. Erick E
    4. Posted by Erick E Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:55 pm EDT

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    Unsilent, were you dropped on your head as a child? Rhodes is a top 10 safety in this league, he is a leader and a playmaker. He's been robbed of pro-bowl berths due to the fact the NFL mails John Lynch his pro-bowl tickets at the beginning of every year. This is a fantastic signing by the Jets with the departure of Vilma we need someone to step up and become the leader of this defense. Hopefully with an improved pass rush we'll see Hollywoods production go through the roof. And I don't have to chant "Spygate" all I need to say is 18-1.
  5. JETFAV
    5. Posted by JETFAV Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:07 pm EDT

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    Thanx mangini & tannenbaum for getting this deal done-kerry rhodes is
    a standout safety and has great character & work ethic- i hope he retires as a new york JET.
  6. the shark
    6. Posted by the shark Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:10 pm EDT

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    Not a rumor....but a great signing....im not a Jets fan at all,but this kid is a super player.He quietly went out and did his job every game and got rewarded,now he just has to keep it up!! Hmmm imagine if sports always worked this way??
  7. you_belong2
    7. Posted by you_belong2 Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:58 pm EDT

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    Considering the huge and ever-expanding NFL salary cap, under which most teams have lots of spending room, re-signing Rhodes would've cost the Jets a lot more if they waited until he became a free agent. the only alternative for the jets would be to put the franchise tag on him after this year, but that would make Rhodes an unhappy camper and only be stop gap solution, which doesn't fit for a player just coming into the prime of his career. so, this is a smart move for the Jets, eventhough the deal might seem pricey.
  8. The Bronx-178st
    8. Posted by The Bronx-178st Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:59 pm EDT

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    as a Jets fan i've just gotta hope that all this money being spent equates to wins. still need help rushing the QB and stopping the run. still need a home run hitter at receiver. and I sincerely hope it doesn't take 6-10 games AGAIN before the staff can get the defense playing competitively, let alone well.
  9. masterson9398
    9. Posted by masterson9398 Thu Sep 03, 2009 7:10 pm EDT

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    The Jets need to sign WR Chris Henry to give Pennington a 3rd receiver next to Coles and Cotchery
  10. John M
    10. Posted by John M Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:34 pm EDT

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    let it be known i discovered him i had his jersey for the second game in his second season...first in giants stadium with his jersey
  11. djmattn
    11. Posted by djmattn Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:44 pm EDT

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    Thank God! Kerry deserves all the props and recognition.
  12. R8rdave
    12. Posted by R8rdave Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:45 pm EDT

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    Great job re-signing Rhodes. He's a proven talent. Next year 5-11!!!! WooHooo!!!
  13. Marc Schneider
    13. Posted by Marc Schneider Thu Sep 03, 2009 7:05 pm EDT

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    This may quite possibly be THE best move of the off-season so far...
    Now if Tannenbaum can just dump Robertson's contract on Denver and take whatever you can get for him, then select Gohlston at #6 and the defense should be set.
    The team may still be a year away from the playoffs, but 8 or 9 wins is realistic this season and should buy Mangini another year.

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