The negotiations between kicker Justin Tucker and the Baltimore Ravens came to an amicable and logical resolution about a half hour before Friday's 4 p.m deadline, when the sides agreed to a four-year, $16.8 million contract.
In kicking terms, the Ravens hit it right down the middle on this one. Baltimore closed the deal on what had suddenly became terse talks by making Tucker the highest-paid kicker in the NFL in terms of guaranteed money ($10.8 million) and signing bonus ($6 million).
"Justin has become a cornerstone for our team," general manager Ozzie Newsome said in a statement, "and we are happy to get this contract completed.