Former Vols OL Ja’Wuan James Signs With Miami Dolphins
By Zach Ragan
Former Vols offensive lineman Ja’Wuan James, the 19th overall selection by the Miami Dolphins in this year’s NFL Draft, signed his first professional contract on Thursday.
James’ deal, according to NFL.com, is for $8.4 million over four years, with a $4.45 million (approximate) signing bonus.
The deal is fully guaranteed, which is extremely rare for a player drafted in that slot. In fact, NFL Network analyst Ian Rapoport reports it’s the first fully guaranteed deal for the 19th pick.
#Dolphins signed 1st rnd OT Ja’Wuan James, and I’m told his deal is 100% fully guaranteed. First time for a No. 19 pick. New-look Dolphins?
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 19, 2014
The Dolphins obviously aren’t too concerned with James’ durability.
And they shouldn’t be.
The former Vol, who is already standing out as a leader for the Dolphins, never missed a game in his four-year career at Tennessee. He started at right tackle in each of his 49 career games.
James is expected to be the Dolphins’ starting right tackle in 2014. He’s been working with the first team offense from the start of OTA’s and minicamps.
And rookie first-rounder Ja'Wuan James is your first team right tackle today.
— Armando Salguero (@ArmandoSalguero) May 27, 2014
One of the Dolphins main areas of concern heading into the offseason was right tackle.
Judging by James’ rookie contract, it looks like Miami believes they found their guy.
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