First-round NFL Draft pick defensive end Derrick Harvey has ended his 33-day holdout by signing a five-year deal worth anywhere from $23.8 million to $30 million. 
Harvey was the final 2008 round one draft pick to sign a deal. While at Florida, he proved to be a star. He was the eighth pick overall in the 2008 draft. The Jacksonville Jaguars chose him in an attempt to improve an anemic pass rush.
With the Florida Gators, the DE notched 20.5 sacks and was chosen as the most valuable defensive player in the BCS contest versus Ohio State. His NFL contract includes $17 million guaranteed.
Jags’ coach Jack Del Rio made no bones about how he felt regarding deals that first-year players were getting. Del Rio said, “What’s happened at the very top of the first round is ridiculous. When you’re paying the guys who have never done anything more than star football players in this league that have played for years and established themselves at this level what they’re capable of, it can be a little frustrating.
That may be true, but it does not change the fact that the Jacksonville Jaguars decided to play the contracted games, eventually giving in to Harvey’s demands.
Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver noted, “This was a long and challenging process for the player and for the team.” The owner noted that, “This was a good example of the problem commissioner (Roger) Goodell has cited with the lack of a rookie pay scale. We’re all happy that Derrick can now focus on getting on the field, being a Jaguar and contributing to this team.”
Harvey is expected to be a big time player, capable of engaging in game breaking plays.