As soon as free agency began this offseason, teams plunged deep into their pockets for the league’s premier pass rushers.
Defensive ends Malik Jackson and Olivier Vernon were the top earners in free agency. Jackson, who became a free agent after helping the Denver Broncos defeat the Carolina Panthers in the Super Bowl, signed a whopping six-year, $90 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Vernon, formerly of the Miami Dolphins, signed a five-year, $85 million contract with the New York Giants. According to NFL Network, Vernon’s deal included $52.5 million in guarantees — $10.5 million more than Jackson’s deal.