The Jaguars and cornerback Tyson Campbell agreed to a four-year contract extension worth $76.5 million including $53.4 effectively guaranteed, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported on Tuesday.
The deal will make Campbell the highest-paid cornerback to have not yet appeared in a Pro Bowl in NFL history. The contract’s $19.125 million average annual value makes Campbell the league’s seventh-highest-paid cornerback currently.
Jacksonville’s second-round, No. 33 overall selection in the 2021 NFL draft, Campbell has started in 42 of his 43 appearances over three seasons with the club.
Campbell, 24, tallied 203 tackles with six for loss, six interceptions, 30 defended passes, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries including a scoop-and-score along the way.
Campbell’s career so far is highlighted by his breakout 2022 campaign. He was a key contributor on the backend of Jacksonville’s defense amid the Jaguars’ run to the AFC Divisional Round of the playoffs, recording three interceptions and 15 pass breakups that year.
However, Campbell’s 2023 season was hindered by multiple soft tissue injuries, first a nagging hurt hamstring suffered in Week 6 and then a quadriceps injury endured in Week 13.
He was limited to 11 appearances on the year and posted one interception, five passes defended and one forced fumble.
According to Pro Football Reference, Campbell allowed a 54.2% completion percentage in coverage over 83 targets in 2022, ranking No. 31 among all qualifying defenders (25 targets/16 game pace) in the NFL. His 69.4% completion percentage allowed in 2023 ranked No. 174.
Under a new defensive coaching staff entering 2024, the Jaguars believe the best remains ahead for the now-healthy Campbell, leading Jacksonville’s front office to lock him in with the team long-term.
‘Locked in’: Tyson Campbell encouraging new Jaguars DB coaches
“He’s a pro’s pro. He’s locked in, he’s focused, has tremendous talent,” Jaguars assistant cornerbacks coach Cory Robinson told Jaguars Wire on June 5. “His floor is really, really high. So I think the upside, the ceiling is gonna be pretty special for that player. He’s been everything that we could ask for at this point.”
Jacksonville defensive backs coach Kris Richard shared similar praise for Campbell, specifically regarding his athletic profile.
“I think he’s one of the finer athletes that I’ve been around throughout my coaching career,” Richard said.
“He’s able to run in transition. He’s got a bit of a perpetual motion thing … he’s got that proverbial ball-type movement where he’s not a hesitant, stiff type of guy. He’s just rolling, you know, he’s just rolling.”
Before paying Campbell, Jacksonville extended the contracts of fellow starters, quarterback Trevor Lawrence, edge rusher Josh Allen, linebacker Foyesade Oluokun and guard Ezra Cleveland earlier this offseason.
This is a breaking news story that will be updated.