John Franklin-Myers, a defensive end with the New York Jets, has agreed to extend his contract through the 2021 season.
According to DJ Bien-Aime of the New York Daily News, the AFC East team extended Franklin-Myers' contract on Thursday. The deal is worth $55 million over four years, according to Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus, and includes $30 million in guaranteed money.
The 25-year-old began his career with the Los Angeles Rams as a fourth-round draught pick in 2018, but he's spent the last three seasons with the Jets, appearing in each of their first four games this season.
When he appeared in all 16 games during his rookie season and concluded with two sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery, it appeared as if the Stephen F. Austin graduate was well on his way to a productive career with the Rams.
During the New England Patriots' Super Bowl loss, he got a sack and forced fumble. The Rams, on the other hand, chose to waive Franklin-Myers prior to the 2019 season, as head coach Sean McVay explained to reporters:
"It was very difficult, and I think it's more of a credit of not what John didn't do, but what some other players did do. Again, a lot of those decisions do go back to, 'What is the projected 46(-man roster) for guys that are actually going to be active? John is a guy that's done a lot of good things and then that was a very difficult decision for Les (Snead), for myself, and really, for our organization. We're very thankful for John and what he's done and (he) couldn't have handled it with more class and we're appreciative of that."
He was claimed by the Jets when the Rams released him, despite missing the 2019 season due to injuries. Franklin-Myers played in 15 games last season and had 19 tackles, three sacks, two fumble recoveries, and two passes defended. Through four games this season, he has 15 tackles, three sacks, and a forced fumble.
With a new deal, he hopes to capitalise on his strong start.