NFL Stars Sign Massive Extensions
NFL teams are locking down key players before free agency officially opens. The Philadelphia Eagles gave defensive tackle Jordan Davis a record-breaking 3-year, $78M extension. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills shored up their offensive line by re-signing center Connor McGovern to a 4-year, $52M deal.
Jordan Davis's extension includes $65 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid nose tackle in NFL history. The deal keeps the former 13th overall pick under contract with Philadelphia through the 2029 season. The $26 million average annual salary places Davis alongside the top interior defensive linemen in the league, tying him for the second-highest AAV at the position, behind only Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs ($31.75M). This extension comes after a career-best season for Davis, where he set personal highs in tackles (72), sacks (4.5), and tackles for loss (9). Connor McGovern’s new contract with the Bills includes $32 million in guaranteed money. The $13 million average annual salary makes him the third-highest-paid center in the NFL. McGovern's extension solidifies a successful transition to a new position. After playing left guard for the Bills in 2023, he moved to center for the 2024 season following the departure of veteran Mitch Morse. These agreements were finalized just ahead of the NFL's "legal tampering" period, which begins on March 9. The new league year and the official start of free agency commence at 4 p.m. ET on March 11. By signing key players before the market officially opens, teams like the Eagles and Bills avoid potential bidding wars. This strategy allows them to secure foundational players without the risk of them negotiating with other franchises and driving up their price.
