Wide receivers continued grabbing big money on Wednesday as NFL teams kept busy on the second day of the free-agency period.
Laurent Robinson, who was cut twice last season before emerging with the Dallas Cowboys, signed a five-year, $32.5 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars. DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia’s franchise player, got a five-year, $51 million deal from the Eagles.
Those deals came a day after receivers such as Vincent Jackson, Pierre Garon, Marques Colston and Reggie Wayne got big bucks.
But all of those deals were dwarfed by the NFL-record $132 million contract that Detroit Lions star Calvin Johnson signed with the team. The eight-year deal includes $60 million guaranteed. That figure and the total value of the deal are both NFL records.
“Calvin’s one of those guys — we’ve said this about a few guys that we have in our building — whatever they pay him is not enough,” Lions coach Jim Schwartz said. “He’s truly a special player.”
Nicknamed “Megatron,” Johnson was the No. 2 overall draft pick in 2007. He set career highs with 96 catches for 1,681 yards and 16 touchdowns last season, when he was named first-team All-Pro and made his second Pro Bowl.
“I’m so comfortable here now,” said the 26-year-old Johnson, who had one year remaining on his previous contract. “At first, not at all, but being here for five years, being around these people here in Detroit, teammates and just the city — I’m just growing accustomed to it.”
His deal tops the one given to Arizona receiver Larry Fitzgerald — an eight-year deal that could pay as much as $120 million.
BUCS, ’BOYS BUSY
Tampa Bay and Dallas each made several moves.
The Buccaneers signed five-year deals with the top free-agent guard, Carl Nicks, and veteran cornerback Eric Wright. The Bucs also released center Jeff Faine.
The Cowboys signed four players: cornerback Brandon Carr, backup quarterback Kyle Orton, fullback Lawrence Vickers and guard Mackenzy Bernadeau. Carr’s five-year, $50.5 million contract was the largest given to a cornerback this offseason.
EXTRA POINTS
Former Oregon State quarterback Derek Anderson agreed to re-sign with the Panthers. … The Dolphins signed cornerback Richard Marshall and re-signed defensive tackle Paul Solai. … Former Seahawks defensive end Cory Redding signed with the Colts. … The Cardinals signed offensive lineman Adam Snyder. … Offensive tackle Jared Gaither re-signed with the Chargers. … The Browns released veteran guard Eric Steinbach. … The Eagles traded tackle Winston Justice and a sixth-round draft pick to the Colts for a higher sixth-round pick in this year’s draft.
