Giants reward RB Jacobs with four-year deal

Feb 25, 2009 - 11:13 PM EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (Ticker) - Brandon Jacobs got the payday he was seeking from the New York Giants.

The Giants on Wednesday agreed to terms on a four-year, $25 million contract with their bruising running back just 12 days after slapping the franchise tag on him.

Justin Schulman, the agent for Jacobs, confirmed the agreement to PA SportsTicker.

While Schulman declined to reveal specifics of the contract, the Star-Ledger of Newark reported that more than half the money is guaranteed.

"Brandon is ecstatic to continue his career with the New York Giants," Schulman said. "We appreciate the Giants' investment in Brandon. ... We're excited to keep Brandon in Giants blue for years to come."

The Giants had designated Jacobs as their franchise player on February 13, which would have guaranteed that Jacobs be paid $6,621,000 next season - the average salary of the five highest-paid running backs in the league.

However, both Jacobs and general manager Jerry Reese expressed confidence at the time that the sides would come to agreement on a long-term deal.

"I was confident all along that this was going to get done - I didn't panic one bit," Jacobs said. "I know the reason we did it the way we did; I knew I was going to be here. I was super-confident and I am here. I'm happy about it."

When Jacobs was tagged, it marked just the second time in franchise history that the Giants had gone that route with a player.

"Both parties are happy to get a long-term deal done," Reese said. "Now Brandon can totally concentrate on the offseason program and get himself ready to go this fall."

Jacobs just completed his fourth season with the Giants. He posted his second straight 1,000-yard season - both coming as a starter - and rushed for 15 touchdowns. Joe Morris, who ran for a team-record 21 scores in 1985, is the only other player in team history to rush for 15 TDs in a season.

"This team is full of young talent," Jacobs said. "We brought some great talent in here the last two years and those guys are still learning and getting better. Our offensive line is great and will continue to be great. There are a lot of young guys on our team that are still playing great, great football. I'm looking for big things out of our football team next year."

The 6-4, 265-pounder has averaged 5.0 yards per carry in his two seasons as a starter.