Jaguars officially announce four-year Myles Jack extension

Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Myles Jack got a big contract extension on Saturday, and on Monday two of the Jaguars' leaders spoke glowingly of the middle linebacker.

Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Myles Jack's life changed this weekend when he became the first of the team's already historic 2016 draft class to sign an extension with the team. Adam Schefter of ESPN reported Saturday that Jack had signed a $57 million contract extension that runs through 2023, with $33 million guaranteed.

“We’re excited to have Myles in Jacksonville for the foreseeable future,” said Jaguars Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tom Coughlin. “This was something that we wanted to get done because Myles has proven himself to be a key component of our defense. His versatility and durability are both traits that we value on the football field, but Myles is also committed to bettering our community and I know he’s pleased with the opportunity to stay in Jacksonville and continue to make a positive impact on our city."

Myles has been a major part of the Jaguars' top-level defense the past two seasons, officially starting all 16 games at middle linebacker for the first time in 2018. Despite injury concerns coming into the NFL, Jack has played in all 16 games in each of his first three seasons in Jacksonville and played 100% of the team's defensive snaps last season.

“We are pleased with what Myles has been able to accomplish during his first three seasons with the Jaguars and we’re excited to see him grow as a positive leader for this team in the locker room and in the community. The challenge to Myles and our entire team is to take our game to the next level," Coughlin said. 

Since being drafted, Jack has recorded 219 tackles, seven tackles for loss, six passes defensed, 5.0 sacks, two fumble recoveries, one interception and one forced fumble. The former 36th overall pick has also played at a multitude of positions for the Jaguars and that, along with his durability, is a big reason he got a new deal. 

"Myles is a unique type of guy. Here’s a guy that can play all three linebacker positions," Jaguars' head coach Doug Marrone said Monday. I’ve always felt from the beginning, whether you guys felt different or not, that in all three of those positions he can excel and be one of the top performers at that position."

Jack is so versatile, the team even considered asking him to play running back in certain situations in 2018 due to injuries to the team, Marrone said. He even practiced at the spot, though he never played it during a game. 

While Jack has yet to make a Pro Bowl, Marrone said his consistency day-to-day is vital to the team. As Jack enters his fourth season, his head coach is expecting big things out of the freshly paid linebacker. 

"I don’t know if he’s ever missed a practice, ever missed any games or done anything of that nature except try to be the best player he can be and that player is rewarded," Marrone said. "Like I say, you get rewarded by your performance and playing well, and he’s played very, very well for us. Now we’re looking forward to him taking the game to another level and making people around him better. I think that Myles has accepted that and is excited for that.”