WASHINGTON, 28 December 2003 — Washington Redskins linebacker LaVar Arrington, who rejected an offer two weeks ago, signed an eight-year extension deal that reportedly will make him among American football’s all-time richest defenders.
The Washington Post, citing unnamed sources, reported Arrington’s National Football League deal was worth about $60 million, including $20 million in bonus money. ESPN quoted league sources calling the deal “a monster”.
“LaVar Arrington is a Redskin through and through,” Redskins owner Daniel Snyder said. “His passion for the game, his punishing style and his determination to win are what make him a great linebacker and a great Redskin. We are happy he will be wearing burgundy and gold for a very long time.”
Arrington, 25, was voted last week to February’s Pro Bowl All-Star game for the third year in a row despite the Redskins’ disappointing season. The Redskins, 5-10, play here Saturday against Philadelphia to end their season. Arrington’s prior deal ran through 2006, but the Redskins wanted a long-term deal that would decrease Arrington’s cost against the NFL’s salary cap over several upcoming seasons.
The old contract terms would have meant Arrington would count more than $10 million against the NFL salary cap over each of the next three years. Fourth-year veteran Arrington has made a career-high 112 tackles this season, along with six sacks, seven forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, 20 passes defense and 13 quarterback pressures.
