The Washington Redskins and tight end Jordan Reed agreed to a multi-year contract extension, which the team announced Thursday.
The new contract makes Reed one of the highest paid tight ends in the NFL. The extension is for five years with the potential worth being roughly $50 million, a source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. The new contract also includes $22 million in guaranteed money.
Reed, 25, was drafted in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft out of the University of Florida by the Washington Redskins, and had only one year remaining on his rookie deal before signing an extension. The former Gators tight end set a Redskins record last season in receiving yards by a tight end with 952 yards and was heavily targeted by quarterback Kirk Cousins. Reed would finish the 2015 season with 87 receptions for 952 yards and 11 touchdowns.
“He can get a lot better, that’s the scary part,” Redskins head coach Jay Gruden said. “He is very natural gifted route running tight end with natural hands and great ability to run after the catch. As he gets bigger, more confident, bigger frame as he works out with (strength and conditioning) coach (Mike) Clark in the weight room, he’s going to be more of an impact in the running game which is only going to help him also in the passing game with play action.”
The contract is one of the bigger deals in the league among tight ends, and is just shy of New England Patriots Rob Gronkowski’s six-year, $54 million deal. Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs signed a five-year, $46 million deal with $20 million guaranteed earlier this off-season. According to Spotrac, Reed’s $50 million contract is the second most total money for the tight end position.
The Redskins were willing to part with some cap space for the next few years, but they give themselves a bit of leverage going forward with their offensive skill players. Reed is now under contract for the next five years – six if the five years are added to the end of his rookie deal instead of replacing the final year. Their first-round draft pick, Josh Doctson, has the potential to be a No. 1 receiver on his rookie contract, while second-round receiver, Jamison Crowder, is also a bargain with his rookie contract. The Redskins are barely spending any money on their running backs as well, due to the fact that their contracts are very team friendly.
LANDOVER, MA: December 7: Tight end Jordan Reed #86 of the Washington Redskins is upended by cornerback E.J. Gaines #33 and defensive tackle Aaron Donald #99 of the St. Louis Rams in the third quarter of a game at FedExField on December 7, 2014 in Landover, Maryland. Photo by Patrick Smith, Getty Images, NFL Collection.
