Two former Florida Gators, linebacker [autotag]Alex Anzalone[/autotag] and offensive tackle [autotag]Jawaan Taylor[/autotag], signed new NFL deals on Monday.
Anzalone, who has spent the last two years with in Detroit on one-year deals, inked a three-year contract worth a maximum value of $18.75, according to the Detroit Free Press. He wore the captain badge for the Lions last year and was one of the top performers on an otherwise bad defense.
Detroit acquired him as a free agent in 2021 after Anzalone spent 2020 recovering from injury. Prior to that, he spent time with the New Orleans Saints from 2017 to 2019. He was a third-round pick in the 2017 draft after spending four years at Florida — three of which were shortened by injuries.
Taylor signed with the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs on Monday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. He’s guaranteed $80 million over four years, $60 million of which is guaranteed.
The Jacksonville Jaguars drafted Taylor 35th overall in the second round of the 2019 draft after a three-year career with the Gators. He was a starter at right tackle for Florida for three years and stepped into the role as a true freshman.
Taylor has steadily improved over his first four years in the league and should now play a key role in one of the top offenses in the NFL. He’s only 25 years old and has four years of pro experience under his belt. If he takes a big step forward next season, he could be one of Florida’s top active alumni.
There are plenty of other Gators looking for contracts this free agency period, but these two locked up favorable deals early.
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