Jaguars Extend Standout LB Foyesade Oluokun

The Jaguars' starting middle linebacker is locked in for the long-term future.

Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun (23) is introduced before a regular season NFL / Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA

The heart and soul of the Jacksonville Jaguars'' defense isn't going anywhere.

Oluokun, who was entering the final year of the three-year contract he signed in 2022, officially signed a three-year extension on Friday. According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Oluokun's new contract is a four-year, $45 million deal with $22.5 million guaranteed at signing.

Oluokun was originally drafted by Atlanta in the sixth round (200th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft. He signed with Jacksonville as an unrestricted free agent following the 2021 season.

"Since arriving in Jacksonville in 2022, Oluokun leads the NFL in solo tackles (239) and total tackles (357). In 2023, he recorded 173 total tackles (111 solo), eight tackles for loss, six passes defensed, 2.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one interception returned for a touchdown," the Jaguars said in a release.

"Last season, he surpassed 150 total tackles for the third consecutive season, becoming just the sixth player to accomplish the feat since 2000. He also posted career highs in quarterback hits (10) and fumble recoveries (three) in 2023. In his six seasons, Oluokun has amassed 811 total tackles (506 solo), 32 tackles for loss, 22 passes defensed, 9.5 sacks, six interceptions and six fumble recoveries."

“It’s hard for me to really talk about a ranking of linebackers because I’m biased. At the end of the day, those guys are starting to get a little recognition which is good because Foye has been doing it awhile and doing it at a high level, and you don’t really hear about it," former Jaguars defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell said last October.

"Being a former linebacker coach, I understand that what a Pro Bowl caliber linebacker looks like and I watch it every week."