Jets S Rhodes gets 5-year extension

Apr 10, 2008 - 3:21 PM HEMPSTEAD, New York (Ticker) -- After watching the New York Jets break the bank on other players this offseason, Kerry Rhodes finally got his big payday.

The Jets secured the long-term services of Rhodes, agreeing to terms with the star safety on a five-year contract extension reportedly worth $33.5 million.

The deal was first reported Wednesday by the NFL Network, which claimed that Rhodes will receive $20 million in guaranteed money.

Rhodes' agent, Todd France, confirmed the five-year extension to PA SportsTicker in a phone conversation Thursday morning. However, France did not comment on the financial figures of the deal.

If the reported money is accurate, Rhodes would become one of the highest-paid safeties in the NFL. Indianapolis Colts All-Pro Bob Sanders, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, signed a five-year deal worth $37.5 million last December.

Rhodes, 25, had one year remaining on his rookie contract and would have become an unrestricted free agent after next season.

But after spending over $140 million to acquire new players, the Jets decided to pay Rhodes, who has emerged as one of football's top young defensive backs.

An All-Pro in 2006, Rhodes has started all 48 games over his three-year career, recording 270 tackles, 10 interceptions and eight sacks. The Birmingham, Alabama native had 67 tackles and a career-high five sacks last season.

Rhodes' extension was the latest lucrative deal handed out this offseason by the Jets, who have completely overhauled their roster following a disappointing 4-12 season.

New York bolstered its linebacking corps and added an explosive pass rusher by signing Calvin Pace, who received a six-year deal worth $42 million.

The Jets signed Pace four days after completing a trade with the Carolina Panthers to acquire defensive tackle Kris Jenkins, who signed a five-year, $35 million extension with New York after the deal.

Pace and Jenkins will headline a revamped defense which also includes cornerback Andre Woolfork, who spent four years with the Tennessee Titans before missing the 2007 season.

The Jets also have restructured their offensive line over the last two months, signing free agent guard Alan Faneca and tackle Damien Woody. Faneca received a five-year deal worth $40 million while Woody inked a five-year, $25.5 million contract.

Faneca and Woody will pave the way for an offense which also acquired fullback Tony Richardson and tight end Bubba Franks last month.