The big spending continues in Jacksonville. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that the Jaguars have agreed on a three-year, $45MM deal with linebacker Foye Oluokun (Twitter link). He adds that there is $28MM in guaranteed money.
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The 26-year-old Yale product has emerged as a highly productive linebacker in the past two seasons in particular. In 2021, he played in all 17 games, registering a league-leading 192 combined tackles. He also added two sacks, three interceptions and a forced fumble, as he was an integral part of the Falcons’ defense.
That production had Atlanta eager to keep him. However, it was believed he would garner enough interest to land outside of the team’s price range. At an average value of $15MM per season, that has certainly turned out to be the case.
That figure stands in stark contrast to what an analytical evaluation might deem him to be worth. In his two seasons as a starter, Oluokun has received PFF grades of 56.6 and 46.5. While that is principally driven by underwhelming numbers in coverage, his run-stopping ability will be put to good use in Jacksonville. His addition, along with that of defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi, should improve a Jacksonville defense that gave up 125 yards per game on the ground in 2021.
Absurd.
Ouch. Racked up big tackle numbers, but that’s a lot of money for a non superstar LB.
He did a lot better than Myles Jack who was let go. Jack wasn’t that productive last season and certainly didn’t lead the league with 192 combined tackles and 3 interceptions.
Raw tackle totals aren’t a great measure of effectiveness. You’re right that Jack wasn’t any better, but this is a ton of money for a non elite off ball linebacker, especially when it’s a good draft for them.