Titans extend Finnegan through 2011
By JIM WYATT • Staff Writer • August 15, 2008
The Titans locked up another one of their rising young stars Friday, agreeing to terms with cornerback Cortland Finnegan on a contract extension through 2011.
The new deal is worth just under $17 million over the next four seasons, and it includes roughly $8.5 million in guaranteed money. This year he will receive a $4 million signing bonus, a $2 million roster bonus and a $500,000 base salary.
He was initially scheduled to make the rookie minimum of $445,000 this season, his third in the NFL.
“I am just so excited,” Finnegan said after the Titans beat the Raiders 17-16 on Friday night. “When me and my mom talked about it we cried. It is definitely a humbling thing and hard work does pay off.’’
Finnegan was a seventh-round pick out of Samford University in 2006. Playing in place of suspended Pacman Jones last season, he had 109 tackles and one interception.
“My course was one less traveled, but at the same time I couldn’t be more excited about it,” he said. “But I still have to work. There is still a draft every year, so I am just going to continue to try and get better.’’
Finnegan is the fourth Titan to receive a contract extension since last season.
Earlier this offseason, left tackle Michael Roos was signed through 2014, right tackle David Stewart through 2013 and fullback Ahmard Hall through 2010. Receiver Justin Gage, heading for free agency, was re-signed through 2011.
Finnegan will also receive a $500,000 roster bonus next season, along with salaries of $2.15 million in 2009, $2.9 million in 2010 and just over $3.2 million in 2011.
“Cortland has really been embraced by the organization and they have really made him a priority,’’ said Terry Watson, the cornerback’s agent. “This was a fairly unique deal because he hasn’t been in the NFL that long, but he is an emerging superstar.’’
LINK
http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs..../80815037/1027
Titans extend Finnegan through 2011
Titans extend Finnegan through 2011
Linear Mode
