Though the Raiders weren’t able to keep their highest-profile free agent, they ensured that this year’s franchise player won’t be following Nnamdi Asomugha out of town in 2012.
Jason LaCanfora of NFL Network reports that the Raiders have agreed to terms on a five-year contract with linebacker Kamerion Wimbley. He’ll earn $48 million, with $29 million guaranteed.
Earlier this year, Wimbley signed a one-year, $11.3 million franchise tender, which means that he has, as a practical matter, signed a four-year extension with $36.7 million in new money and $17.7 million in new guarantees.
But, yeah, $48 million and $29 million guaranteed sounds a heck of a lot better.
A first-round pick of the Browns in 2006, Wimbley arrived in Oakland via trade during the 2010 offseason. The Raiders gave up a third-round pick in the 2010 draft to get him.
Per NFL.com’s player page, Wimbley had 9.0 sacks last season. He has 35.5 for his five-year career.