Rookie RB McKnight received lucrative contract from Jets

The New York Jets made announcement on Tuesday that they have signed fourth-round draft pick, rookie running back Joe McKnight to a four-year contract that will pay McKnight a total base salary of nearly $2.36 million. The deal was considered a rare one a rookie can receive from his first NFL team.

Growing up as a faithful New Orleans Saints fan, McKnight previously hoped to join the defending champion team and put on the number 8 that used to be on his beloved Archie Manning jersey. However, he ended up wearing 25 with the Jets. So the big contract could also be signed to prevent McKnight from signing with another team. Although he was drafted 112th overall, McKnight’s performance during college was rather impressive. He rushed for 2,213 career yards at USC with 13 touchdowns and 66 catches for 542 yards.

It was weird McKnight was not picked by other team in higher round, and the Jets were really lucky. They may feel so and that was why they are willing to the rookie a base salary of $320,000 in his first season. Good player is worth good price.