Jags sign rookie DE Harvey
editor1 |Aug 27,2008
|
|
|
JACKSONVILLE, Florida (Ticker) -- Jacksonville Jaguars rookie
defensive end Derrick Harvey is ready to finally play football.
Harvey ended his 33-day absence on Wednesday, signing with the
Jaguars in a deal that is worth up to $33.4 million, according
to multiple reports.
Although terms were not disclosed, both ESPN.com and the Florida
Times-Union reported that Harvey, the eighth overall pick in
this year's draft, received $17.175 million in guaranteed money
and $23.8 million as a base package.
"I'm relieved to have the contract done and I'm excited to join
my teammates," Harvey said. "I allowed my agent to do his job
and represent me, and in the end it was so important for me to
get this wrapped up so I could get here and get started."
The Jaguars made a dramatic move to acquire Harvey this past
April, trading up 18 spots with the Baltimore Ravens to nab the
former Florida pass-rushing specialist.
It was a costly decision by Jacksonville, which shipped its
first-round pick (No. 26), a pair of third-round selections
(Nos. 71 and 89) and a fourth-round selection (125) to get the
6-5, 270-pound Harvey.
But after finishing with an 11-5 record last season and winning
a first-round playoff game, the Jaguars apparently felt they
were missing just a couple of pieces to get to the elite level.
"We welcome Derrick and will work hard to get him up to speed as
quickly as possible," Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio said. "I know
that Derrick has been anxious to get here. It's good for him
and also for us to have this done as we finish up the preseason
and prepare to start the season."
Jacksonville certainly landed itself a game-altering pass rusher
in Harvey, who showed his big-play capability by recording two
sacks for the Gators while lining up against Michigan offensive
tackle Jake Long - the No. 1 overall pick - in the Capital One
Bowl.
|
|
Print
E-mail
Del.icio.us
Digg
