Rashean Mathis has played nine years with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He’s now on track to make it a full decade.
Six days from free agency, Mathis has agreed to terms on a new deal. Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that it’s a one-year, $5 million contract.
In 2011, Mathis earned a base salary of $4.45 million. He tore an ACL in November, appearing in only nine games.
Though some may point out that the deal is short, it’s actually better than a multi-year deal with an option or roster bonus due in 2013. In those situations, the team will keep the player if he’s effective -- cut him if he isn’t. In this situation, Mathis is guaranteed to get back to the market in 2013 no matter how he performs this season.
And with a one-year deal, he’s got a strong incentive to play well.