The New York Jets are making sure the young players in Robert Saleh's defense are retained, wrapping up an extension with defensive end John Franklin-Myers Thursday. Per ESPN's Rich Cimini, the extension is for four years that will keep Franklin-Myers with the Jets until 2025. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport says the deal is worth $55 million with $30.2M guaranteed.
Franklin-Myers was in the final year of his rookie deal and has been off to a strong start through four games. The 25-year old has 15 tackles and three sacks -- with five quarterback hits. This is coming off a year where Franklin-Myers had 19 tackles and three sacks as a reserve pass rusher -- recording 13 quarterback hits. The 2021 season was Franklin-Myers' first as a starter as the four games he started were more than any over his four-year career.
A 2018 fourth-round pick of the Los Angeles Rams, Franklin-Myers had a strip sack of Tom Brady in Super Bowl LIII. The Rams cut Myers prior to the start of the 2019 season and he was claimed off waivers by the Jets. New York likes the versatility Franklin-Myers delivers on the defensive line, as he can play inside and out.
The Jets will be looking to invest in their young players over the course of the year. Franklin-Myers is part of that core.