David Amerson is cashing in on a career year.
The Raiders cornerback signed a four-year extension worth a max value of $38 million with nearly $18 million in guarantees, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Friday, per a source informed of the situation.
This vote of confidence by the Raiders' front office is another sign that the organization is optimistic about the state of its defense. Head coach Jack Del Rio spoke highly of Amerson's fellow corner D.J. Hayden in June: "I'm excited about his development. ... As a player, it's never too late. You can redefine yourself, turn the corner and peel labels off that maybe people have for you and create your own. I feel like he's on his way to doing that this year." The same could be said for a rejuvenated Amerson.
Oakland also signed cornerback Sean Smith and drafted safety Karl Joseph to start alongside Amerson on a defense that already boasts Khalil Mack and Malcolm Smith.
The former North Carolina State player was named Pro Football Focus' Most Improved Player in 2015, an award that factors in PFF's production grades throughout the season. The analytics site references that quarterbacks had a 140.2 rating when targeting Amerson in 2014, but in 2015, that number has dropped to 62.7.
The Raiders rewarded him for his improvement handsomely Friday.
