The Kansas City Chiefs want former No. 1 overall pick Eric Fisher around for the long haul.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reports they signed the offensive tackle to a four year, $48 million extension, with $40 million guaranteed. He's now under contract for the next six seasons for $63 million.
The Chiefs later confirmed the extension.
"We were able to reach an agreement with Eric and his representatives on a contract extension," Chiefs general manager John Dorsey said. "In three seasons, he's grown significantly as a football player in our system. He's a tough, physical presence and a leader on our offensive line. We look forward to keeping him as a part of our organization and community."
The Chiefs picked up Fisher's fifth-year option in May. He is scheduled to make $3.4 million and $11.9 million the next two seasons, respectively.
A new deal, including the eye-popping numbers are uber surprising given where Fisher was a year ago.
Last September, Fisher's career looked like it could take a sharp downward turn after losing his left tackle job. However, his play improved after he got the gig back midway through last season.
Per Pro Football Focus, Fisher allowed 42 pressures as a rookie, 42 pressures in 2014 and 37 in 2015, which is to say he's trending in the right direction, but still hasn't put up great numbers.
Fisher has been a mediocre blocker over the course of his three seasons. Now he's getting paid like one of the best -- in the top eight among left tackles in average money per year and top five in overall value of contact.
The Chiefs are betting that Fisher will continue to improve and become worthy of the big money.
