RT Amidst Tua Tagovailoa’s Success, Austin Jackson Secures $36 Million Contract
Austin Jackson, an offensive tackle for the Miami Dolphins, reportedly reached a three-year contract extension on Thursday.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that the contract is valued at $36 million with a guaranteed $20.7 million; additional incentives could raise the contract value to $39 million.
Jackson was in the last year of his rookie contract before the extension, as the Dolphins had rejected his fifth-year option for 2024.
After being chosen by Miami with the 18th overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft from USC, Jackson has grown to be an important member of the offensive line for the Dolphins.
Before an ankle injury limited him to just two games in the previous season, Jackson started 28 of the 30 games in which he appeared over his first two seasons.
Jackson has started every game at right tackle so far this season, which is more crucial for the Dolphins than it is for most other teams.
Given that quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is a left-hander, Jackson essentially fills the role of a left tackle by protecting his blindside.
The Dolphins boast one of the best offenses in the NFL this season, led by Jackson, who is playing much better. The offense ranks first in total offense with 428.4 yards per game and second with 32.0 points per game.
Tagovailoa is having a career year, completing 70.1 percent of his passes for 3,457 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions with Jackson covering for him. This may put him in position to be selected to his first Pro Bowl in his career.
A potent running attack has also been made possible by Jackson; in just seven games, rookie De’Von Achane has gained 534 yards and seven touchdowns, while veteran Raheem Mostert has amassed 828 yards and 14 touchdowns.
The 24-year-old Jackson will likely anchor head coach Mike McDaniel’s offensive line for many years to come after signing a new contract in two years.
When the Dolphins host the Tennessee Titans on Monday night, they will aim to carry over their impressive play from this season. At 9-3, they lead the Buffalo Bills by three games for the top spot in the AFC East.
