The Tennessee Titans have signed a key piece of their defence to a long-term deal: Outside linebacker Harold Landry signs for five more years in Nashville and becomes the Titans’ highest-paid defensive player.

Munich/Nashville – There has long been speculation about whether the Tennessee Titans would take the franchise tag option. That would allow them to lock up a top player for a year without negotiating certain terms.

Most traded candidate was outside linebacker Harold Landry, but that speculation is now over.

20.5M in first year, 52.5M guaranteed

Just before the deadline for the franchise tags ended, the Titans officially agreed to a new five-year contract with Landry.

In the process, the 25-year-old will earn a whopping $20.5 million in his first year, making him one of the highest-paid players at his position. That’s more than he would have gotten with the placement of a franchise tag, around 18 million.

The total contract, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, is said to be 87.5 million, 52.5 million of which is guaranteed.

Twelve sacks, 75 tackles and a nomination for the Pro Bowl in the 2021 season were enough for Landry to convince the Tennessee Titans of a long-term contract extension.