The Miami Dolphins got ahead of some offseason work on Thursday, as they signed right tackle Austin Jackson, who was in the last year of his rookie deal, to a three-year extension that will pay him up to $39 million.
After Thursday’s practice, Jackson had an opportunity to speak to the media regarding his deal, which he said came together rather quickly.
“I knew there were conversations being had but I really found out this was getting really close yesterday morning for the most part,” Jackson said. “I’m excited. I’m excited and extremely grateful. If you know my journey here, it’s been one with a lot of, I don’t know, I guess stuff to remember. There’s been a lot that went on, but I’m just glad that I got a place that allowed me to work on my craft and get better every day. I’m just looking forward to keep doing that.”
Jackson has put in a ton of work since being selected by the Dolphins in the first round of the 2020 draft. While he’s moved around between three positions and missed nearly all of 2022 due to injury, he seems to have found a home protecting Tua Tagovailoa’s blindside.
Why did he decide to stick around beyond this year and sign early?
“For me, I like this organization and I like where we’re at right now,” Jackson said. “I like where the focus is here right now. I think it kind of aligns with what I want to be still as a football player in this league and also further in life. I think everything just kind of aligned up. When I prayed about it and talked to my family, it worked out for me really well.”
The 24-year-old has turned doubters into believers this year, and it’s been one of the best stories in Miami Gardens in 2023.