The Jaguars made the contract extension for wide receiver Allen Hurns official Thursday evening, and in doing so reached an organizational milestone of sorts.
A few months after spending big in the initial wave of free agenct to add Malik Jackson, Chris Ivory and Tashaun Gipson, the signing of Hurns marks the first time under general manager Dave Caldwell and head coach Gus Bradley that the Jaguars have done a long-term extension for a homegrown player.
“Our organizational philosophy is to reward our homegrown players when the opportunity presents itself,” Caldwell said in a team statement. “Hurnsy is a clear example of that.
“Since the day he’s arrived, he’s been a consummate professional.”
Hurns’ new deal is worth $20 million in guaranteed money and as much as $40 million over four years.
Per the Florida Times-Union, Hurns signed as an undrafted free agent following the 2014 draft for $20,000 and now ranks among the NFL’s 10 highest-paid wide receivers.
“This for sure won’t change me,” Hurns said in a conference call with Jacksonville reporters. “No matter how much money I make, I’ll still go out on the field thinking about the day I wasn’t drafted.”