The Jacksonville Jaguars closed their 2023 season with a lackluster performance. Their offense witnessed a severe setback due to quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s injury. The signal-caller is recovering from the injury and the team signed Mac Jones to aid the QB room.
The Jaguars defense is going through some changes with the arrival of defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen. Linebacker Foye Oluokun has solidified his position in the revitalized defense by securing a contract extension after an outstanding performance in the 2023 season.
Jaguars agree to extend LB Foye Oluokun’s contract
The Jaguars solidified their defense by extending Foye Oluokun’s contract for three more years, as announced on Friday via CBS Sports. This strategic decision adds $30 million in new money, shaping the linebacker’s deal into a formidable four-year, $45 million agreement, with $22.5 million guaranteed.
The veteran’s extension reaffirms his status among the elite linebackers in the league, ranking him among the top 10 highest-paid players at his position. His average annual value now places him in esteemed company alongside names like Roquan Smith, Fred Warner, and others.
After the 2021 season, the 28-year-old linebacker joined Jacksonville as an unrestricted free agent. He was about to enter the final year of his previous contract. With the extension, it is anticipated that his cap hit will be adjusted, giving the Jaguars more financial flexibility to pursue additional free agents and strengthen their upcoming draft class.
Foye Oluokun’s presence fortifies an already formidable front seven, complementing fellow defensive weapons like Josh Allen, Arik Armstead, and others. The team’s offense is grappling with the departure of Calvin Ridley in free agency. They are likely to lean on their defense to spearhead their success in the upcoming season, and Olukoun is expected to aid in the goal. It will be a major shift from previous years, where offensive firepower took center stage.
Foye Oluokun 2023 NFL season in numbers
In the 2023 season, Foye Oluokun showcased his defensive dominance by recording an impressive 173 total tackles. Last season, he had an outstanding performance with 111 solo tackles, eight tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, one forced fumble, six passes defensed, and one interception returned for a touchdown.
What truly sets the linebacker apart is his remarkable consistency. He surpassed the 150-total-tackle mark for the third consecutive season, joining an elite cohort of players who have achieved this feat since 2000. His durability is equally impressive, having missed only one game in his NFL career and participating in a staggering 66 consecutive contests, including playoffs.
The football prodigy has a career tally of 819 tackles, 10 forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries, and 9.5 sacks in 98 games in the NFL.
