Specials teams is obviously an important priority for new Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores, because he and general manager Chris Grier opened up the checkbook for Jakeem Grant. The wide receiver and return specialist nabbed a four-year, $24 million contract extension Wednesday.
Grant is a former sixth round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft out of Texas Tech. The 5-7, 171-pound speedster has earned his money as a punt and kick returner for the Dolphins, averaging 16.3 yards per punt return and 29.7 yards per kick return. He scored two return touchdowns last season, one of each and his kick return long led the league, with his 102-yarder going to the house. And all that was after missing the first six games of the year with an Achilles injury.
Signing the dotted line. It's official!@_TheDreamIsHere x #FinsUp pic.twitter.com/3hLDMqS232
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) August 21, 2019
While Grant’s primary job is on special teams, he does contribute on offense. Last year he caught 21 passes for 268 yards and two touchdowns as a receiver.
Lions ink Damon Harrison with one-year contract extension
Damon Harrison skipped the Detroit Lions’ mandatory minicamp this offseason with a little hold out for a new contract. He showed up to training camp and eventually got the new deal.
Friday, the Lions signed Harrison to a one-year, $11 million contract extension that comes with $12 million in guaranteed cash over the next two seasons. He’s now signed through 2021.
Lions signed NT Damon Harrison to an 1 year contract extension with $12 million in guarantees https://t.co/tHs2ZwbtX7
— The Lions Wire (@thelionswire) August 21, 2019
Detroit acquired the man they call “Snacks” through a trade at the deadline with the New York Giants. Harrison played in 17 games because of the trade, recording 81 tackles, nine for a loss, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, one pass defense and 3.5 sacks.
Broncos Fant should be back for Week 1
The Denver Broncos got some good news about first round pick Noah Fant Wednesday. The rookie tight end should be healed up enough to play in their Week 1 match up with the Oakland Raiders.
#Broncos coach Vic Fangio told me rookie TE Noah Fant, who suffered a minor ankle injury in last preseason game, will be ready for Week 1. Good news for first-round pick who has impressed as a blocker as well as a receiver. Could make immediate impact.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 21, 2019
Fant left Monday’s preseason game with the San Francisco 49ers with the injury.
