Wow. Figures are beginning to emerge for Aaron Kampman's new contract in Jacksonville. It appears they mirror the numbers Detroit gave to free agent defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch. Kampman got four years, $26 million with $11 million in guarantees, according to Michael C. Wright of the Florida Times-Union.
Kampman and Vanden Bosch are both 30-something multiple Pro Bowlers with impeccable character and proven edge pass rushing skills. One major difference: Kampman is less than four months removed from tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. [*Note: The original version of the post mis-stated the time period.]
Conventional wisdom would suggest a team tread carefully around any player recovering from that injury. It wouldn't be beyond the realm of possibility to wait before committing a eight-figure contract. But pass rushing is at such a premium that Kampman apparently extracted a contract fitting a fully healthy player.
To me, this is final confirmation a torn ACL no longer has to be a career-slowing injury. At those numbers, the Jaguars are expecting instant participation from Kampman -- not to mention production. I doubt they would have been so quick to sign him if their doctors felt he might not be ready to start the season.
Kampman and Vanden Bosch are both 30-something multiple Pro Bowlers with impeccable character and proven edge pass rushing skills. One major difference: Kampman is less than four months removed from tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. [*Note: The original version of the post mis-stated the time period.]
Conventional wisdom would suggest a team tread carefully around any player recovering from that injury. It wouldn't be beyond the realm of possibility to wait before committing a eight-figure contract. But pass rushing is at such a premium that Kampman apparently extracted a contract fitting a fully healthy player.
To me, this is final confirmation a torn ACL no longer has to be a career-slowing injury. At those numbers, the Jaguars are expecting instant participation from Kampman -- not to mention production. I doubt they would have been so quick to sign him if their doctors felt he might not be ready to start the season.
Kevin Seifert | email
NFL- ESPN NFC North Blogger
- Joined ESPN in 2008
- Covered the Minnesota Vikings for the Minneapolis Star Tribune for eight years
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Kevin Seifert
Seifert joined ESPN.com in 2008 after covering the Minnesota Vikings for the Minneapolis Star Tribune for eight years. He lives in the Twin Cities with his wife and children.
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